Our newborn seems to have a lot of gas....?

Question

He is feeding on both Mother's milk and a mix of MM and a Premie formula. Unfortunatly, he seems to get quite gassy. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I would ask the doctor if it is possible to eliminate the formula. Even get a second opinion. Human milk is much less gas-producing than formula, so it is most likely the cause of the problem.

Is he nursing? Nursing causes less gas than bottle feeding pumped milk.

While nursing, be sure that baby is *very* close to the breast. His chin should be touching the breast (and his nose, as well, if he is using a symmetrical latch--but not for an asymmetrical latch). Swallowing air is the single more common cause of gassiness for a breastfed baby. Be careful to burp frequently (even *several* times during each feeding).

Other possible causes of gassiness include thrush and allergies. If the baby or mother had antibiotics (any time in the last year), or if the mother has *ever* taken a long-term antibiotic treatment, thrush is more likely. Hormonal birth control also raises the risk of thrush. If baby has thrush, he *may* have raised white dots inside his mouth (tongue, gums, or inside of the cheeks). The mother *usually* has sore nipples. Baby may have a yeasty diaper rash. He may stop nursing a few minutes into a feeding, screaming as if in pain. But sometimes gassiness is the only sign. If baby has thrush, *both* mother and baby need treatment together; talk to a family doctor if possible.

Dairy allergy also sometimes produces gas in a baby. To test for this, you would need to avoid *all* dairy formula *and* the mother would have to cut dairy out of her diet for at least 2 weeks. Be sure to read package labels carefully for "hidden dairy"--anything with whey, casein, or any ingredient with "lact" in it. Some flavorings also contain dairy ingredients. Other than dairy, the most common things that a mother may want to try avoiding are soy, wheat, and eggs (and peanuts, if either parent is American, or if you live in the US). Broccoli, beans (other than soy), etc. can cause gas in adults, but almost *never* in babies. (It is the carbohydrate in beans and vegetables that causes gas in people who eat them; it is *proteins* from foods in the mother's diet that pass through her milk to the baby.)

Failing this, make baby as comfortable as comfortable. It can be uncomfortable, but it isn't dangerous, and baby *will* outgrow it.

P.S. Colic is defined as *unexplained* crying in babies. It is not caused by gas (per se), and it is certainly not caused by *breathing*!! It is amazing how ridiculous some old wive's tales can be...

Answer 2

If he is breast fed it could be something in the mother's diet... possibly cows milk or something like brocolli or cabbage. If it gives mom gas it will give baby gas, but baby can get gas either way. Also newborns cry a lot so they suck in a lot of air and that creates a lot of gas too. A few suggestions...
1. Swaddle baby to keep hm happy and less likely to cry
2. Have mom evaluate her diet, things like spicy foods and milk could be a problem. Have her try elimiating things one by one to see if anything helps at all. Only one at a time though or you won't know whats helping!
3. Burp baby frequently, but not so much as to make him scream and cry at the interuppted feeding.
4. Bicycle his legs when he's gassy to help expell gas.
5. Use mylicon (gas) drops.

All newborns seems gassy so don't worry. As his digestive track matures the gas will become less of a problem.

CONGRATS on your new son and best of luck to you!

Answer 3

Try bicycling his legs. With him lying on his back, face him and grab his ankles. Start moving his legs/knees to and away from his stomach. A lot of the time, this will help remove trapped, painful gas bubbles. Just be sure not to "squish" him when doing this!

You could also try infant Mylicon gas drops. Just check the package for the doseage for your baby's age/size.

There's also something (found in most healthfood stores) called Gripe Water. It's all natural...bicarbonate of soda, fennel, etc. that is supposed to help with colic. I tried it with my younger son and it did nothing for him other than to make him burp (The soda is responsible for that.).

Also try holding him...I can't think of a way to describe this. Hold him on his stomach with his face in the crook of your elbow with the palm of your hand resting on his stomach and his feet hanging down past your hand. Does this make sense?

If he's breastfeeding, it might be something that his mother is eating. I've heard that lactating women should stay away from gas-causing foods. If it can cause gas in the woman, it'll cause gas in the baby. Broccoli, cabbage, beans, as well as a host of other foods.

If none of this works, you might want to contact his pediatrician. Maybe, since you're supplementing with formula, his formula isn't agreeing with him and he should be switched to soy, lactose free or even hypoallergenic formula.

Answer 4

Try using Playtex bottles. The disposable ones are great. And don't forget the Mylicon Drops. You can use the drops before you feed the baby. But what do we know, we're just some lunatics on internet. Just make sure you ask his pediatrician first.

Answer 5

*lol* My son is 9 months old and I still get stares when he farts! Many people don't think that babies fart that loudly and that much! My son has always had gas, but he never had colic. I know that sounds strange....but it's true. (His doctor says colic isn't the same as gas.) The first thing is not to get alarmed (esp with some of the answers here *_*). Like some of the other mommies mentioned - burp him. But if he doesn't seem to be uncomfortable or in pain, don't worry too much about it! Babies fart!!!

Answer 6

Sounds like "the colic" to me! Do you take him outside without covering his face first,this includes opening the car window or the door ? Newborns and babies in their first year if exposed to the outside air will usually get colic which is gas.It is very painful for them.The best way to prevent it is anytime he might be out doors cover his face so that he doesn't directly breathe the air.A small receiving blanket works great.This applies even for the summer months for a newborn! Toady's doctors will tell you all that is a myth, But I can say personal experience out weighs modern science at times!

Answer 7

Stop feeding mothers milk for two days, to see how he do,
If he is OK!, then do the same with the mix, this way you find out with one is right for your baby

Answer 8

yea my son was super gassy until about 4 months of age
i would give him gas drops and then lay him on his stomak with me right in the same room make sure his lil head is turned one wasy so his nose can breathe

Answer 9

Try staying inside a womb for nine months, unable to release gas, Wouldn't you take the chance to give it all out?

Answer 10

it could very well be the type of bottle u are using try using a doctor brown bootle or a special gas baottle