Gassy baby: causes and relief
A gassy baby can seem miserable, and it can make you feel helpless. The good news is that gas is a normal, mostly harmless part of the early months. Here is why it happens, the simple tricks that help, and the handful of signs that mean it is worth a call to your doctor.
Why babies get gassy
Gas is normal, especially in the early months. Two things drive it: an immature gut that is still learning to digest, and swallowed air from feeding and crying. Put together, that adds up to a lot of little bubbles working their way through. It usually eases as your baby's digestion matures.
Relief tricks that help
- Burp well during and after every feed.
- Keep feeds calm and fairly upright.
- Gently bicycle their legs while they lie on their back.
- Give plenty of tummy time when they are awake and supervised.
- Check the bottle nipple flow, or the latch, so they swallow less air.
Do foods cause gas?
Some healthy solids, like beans and broccoli, can add a little gas. That is not a reason to skip them, though: they are nutritious and worth eating, and most babies handle them fine over time. Gas from good food is a feature of a growing eater, not a problem to solve.
Gas is usually not an allergy
Gas on its own is usually not a sign of a food allergy. Allergies tend to come with other signs, like hives, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or eczema. See signs of a food allergy if you want to know what to watch for.
When to see your doctor
Call your pediatrician if, along with the gas, you notice:
- Blood in the stool.
- Poor weight gain.
- Forceful or projectile vomiting.
- Real, inconsolable pain, or a baby who seems genuinely unwell.
Related reading
See baby reflux and spit-up, cow's milk protein allergy, and beans for babies.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about your baby, and treat any breathing difficulty or facial swelling as an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my baby so gassy?
Gas is normal, especially in the early months. A young baby has an immature gut that is still learning to digest, and they swallow air during feeds and crying, both of which make gas. It can look uncomfortable, but on its own gas is usually just a passing part of being new.
How can I relieve my baby’s gas?
Burp well during and after feeds, keep feeds calm and fairly upright, gently bicycle their legs, and give plenty of tummy time. It also helps to check the bottle nipple flow or the latch so your baby swallows less air in the first place. These small moves add up.
Do certain foods cause gas in babies?
Some healthy solids like beans and broccoli can add a bit of gas, but they are nutritious and still worth eating. You usually do not need to cut them out. If a food seems to cause more than gas (a rash, vomiting, or blood in the stool), that is different, and worth a chat with your doctor.
Is gas a sign of a food allergy?
Gas alone is usually not an allergy. Allergies tend to come with other signs like hives, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or eczema. If you see those alongside the gas, or your baby seems truly unwell or in real pain, call your pediatrician rather than assuming it is just gas.
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Start tracking for freeHow we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.
This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
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