baby is really gassy - help!?

Question

My 1 month old seems to really suffer after I feed him (he's on formula), and even though i've tried different nipples and try my best to burp him, he cries endlessly after being fed. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Without knowing more--see if your baby has ay of these symptoms also?

These are some of the more common symptoms of reflux. Your baby may only have some of them, and may have other symptoms that are not listed.
Spitting up frequently
Projectile vomiting
Unexplained crying-colicky behavior
Poor sleep; frequent waking
Fighting/crying during feeding
Arching neck or back during feeding
Frequent hiccups
excess gas
Congestion
Wheezing
Coughing
Hoarseness
Strange odor on breath
Poor weight gain
Frequent choking episodes
Fusses when legs are lifted during diaper change
Fusses when in sitting position (like in a car seat)
Chewing or smacking of lips after feedings


Important: There are a couple of common misconceptions about reflux:

First, your baby does not have to be losing weight to have reflux. On the contrary, many reflux babies actually overeat because eating eases the pain.

Second, your baby does not have to be spitting up to have reflux. This is known as "silent reflux" and can actually be harder on your baby because their esophagus is getting burned by the acid on the way up and again when it goes back down. It's also a lot harder to recognize as reflux.

Changing formulas might help but talk to your pediatrican first a switching formulas can also cause problems.

Answer 2

There are several things you can do. Gas relief medicine for babies works wonders (it's cheapest at Target). I always put it directly into the bottle vs. trying to feed it to an infant. You can also try gently but firmly massaging his belly when he cries. Or laying him, belly down, across your lap and patting his bottom. I went through everything with my son, and these worked the best. Perhaps his formula doesn't agree with him?
It sounds like he might be colicky, also. If he is, generally babies outgrow it around 3-6 months. Colic is one of the great mysteries of the universe, and no one knows exactly what causes it or how to treat it. You just have to buy earplugs and wait it out.
I hope this helps, and I hope you and your son find some relief!

Answer 3

My baby went through this also...believe me, it does get better!!

Anyway, along with the gas drops and clockwise belly rubs, move your baby's legs in a bicycle motion and in a crunch motion to his chest. That will help him to release the gas. Other advice I was give by a friend who worked as a NICU nurse - turn the dryer on, lay the baby on his belly on a towel on top of the dryer. The sound, heat and vibration may help out. She said they did this in the NICU all the time. Also I have heard of some moms using Gripe Water. I could never find it, but I never looked in Babies R Us...just in grocery stores. Like I said though, it does get better. I remember having days when I would just cry with my son b/c I just couldn't soothe him.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The advice you have already received is great on Mylicon, the tummy rubbing and burping every ounce. It may be necessary to try all three burping position... on knee, arm and shoulder. You can also try to exercise the legs slowly while baby is lying on his/her back (bringing legs to chest like what they call the "bicycle"). That should ease gas pains and/or help the baby relieve the gas itself.The Mylicon gas drops for infants are safe with every feeding but may not be needed that often. If the gas is very painful and continues to cause much fussiness... see your pediatrician about possible changing formulas. Good luck! :-)

Answer 5

Ehm..
The food that you swallow travels down your throat and is pushed by contractions of the muscular esophagus. In the area where the esophagus joins the stomach a valve-like mechanism, known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is located. The closure of this muscle prevents stomach acid from backing up, or refluxing, into the esophagus. LES malfunction is the first factor that causes and contributes to gastro-esophageal reflux disease. In a healthy individual, the LES relaxes only when food passes from the esophagus into the stomach. After the food passes into the stomach, the valve shuts off, keeping the stomach content and acid inside. However, when the LES is weak and doesn't close properly, acid can splash up into your throat causing painful burning sensation, called heartburn.

A good natural method to cure your acid reflux can be found on this site http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=568
Have a nice day

Answer 6

Lay the baby down on his back facing you. Rub his belly with your hand in a CLOCKWISE motion. Do about 10 circles and then bring his knees to his chest and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat both steps in order about 5 times.

It is very important to rub in the clockwise direction because that is the way the digestive system flows. Rubbing in the opposite direction will cause your baby more distress. The rubbing helps to break up the gas and bringing the knees to his chest helps him to release it.

I learned this in infant massage class. I hope it helps. Good luck.

Answer 7

My baby had the same problem. I felt so bad after feeding him because it seemed like he was going through alot of pain with the gas. I just thought about how i feel if i had a really bad stomach ache after drinking milk maybe that's how he feels. Since Im home for now and breast milk is much better I start giving him breast milk. Hes doing fine now, so well he burps himself and if very calm and relaxed afte rhe eats. You should talk to your doctor about changing his formula if u dont decide to breast feed.

Answer 8

I gave my baby Mylicon drops because he was the same way. They are for gas relief. They work wonders for my son. Also, try experimenting with different formulas. My son is doing great on the soy-based formula.

Answer 9

For my baby I used Gerber gas medicine. I tried other kinds but that was the only one that would help, but sometimes I could lay her on her stomach and and pat her back and she would be okay for a little while.

Answer 10

Mylicon drops! My sister gives these to her baby when she needs them and they work well and quickly...here's the website with more comprehensive info:

http://www.americanbaby.com/partner/mylicon/story.jhtml?page=4

she gets them at CVS or wherever. good luck!