Newborns often experience a buildup of gas or colic episodes that cause fussiness, crying, and not sleeping. These problems often occur in the first few months because their digestive systems are still developing and learning to digest milk properly.
There are several ways to relieve pain at home that can help with pain without needing medicine right away. Don’t ignore any symptoms that seem severe, especially if they last for more than a few months or include fever, vomiting, or weight loss. Always consult your child’s doctor.
Understanding Newborn Gas vs. Colic
Newborn gas is usually a result of ingested air during feeding, underdeveloped digestion, or sensitivity to formula/milk. Signs include:
- Temporary fussiness
- Bloating or pulling legs up
- Frequent passing of gas
Colic, on the other hand, is more serious and includes crying fits that last for hours and are not easily identified (usually in the late afternoon or evening). Some signs are:
- Red face and clenched fists
- Arched back
- Peaks of crying at about 6 weeks and ends after 3-4 months.
Although gas may cause discomfort, colic is broader and may require additional soothing methods.
Simple Techniques to Relieve Gas Buildup
These methods focus on trapped air and help it get out on its own:
Frequent Burping During and After Feeds
Pause halfway through feeding and always at the end. Try:
- Over-the-shoulder hold: Gentle pats/rubs on the back
- Sitting upright on your lap: Support the chin while rubbing circles on the back
- Face-down across your forearm (football hold): Light back pats
Bicycle Legs Exercise
Put your baby down on a soft surface. Gently hold their ankles and move their legs in a slow circle for 1 to 2 minutes. Helps move gas down.
Tummy-Down Positioning (Supervised)
For a short time, lay your baby on their stomach across your lap or forearm. Rub/pat the back in a clockwise motion to move gas. Tummy time is also considered essential for the development of shoulder and neck muscles.
Gentle Tummy Massage
Massage the belly button with light, clockwise strokes using warm hands. Try the “I Love You” pattern:
Stroke from left rib down (I)
Horizontal across the top (Love)
Down the right side and across the bottom (You)
Add bicycle legs for additional relaxation.
Upright Holding After Feeds
For 15 to 30 minutes, hold your baby against your chest. Gravity keeps air up and milk down. This lowers the gas’s pressure.
Calming Colic Episodes
If the crying is often, loud, and won’t stop, try these calming methods:
Movement and White Noise
Rocking, swaying, or walking with a baby in a carrier or stroller usually helps with colic. White noise (from fans, a vacuum, or an app) mimics womb sounds and reduces overstimulation.
Swaddling and Skin-to-Skin Contact
A tight swaddle offers a sense of security. Skin-to-skin can control heart rate and breathing and provide emotional comfort.
Pacifier or Non-Nutritive Sucking
Satisfies the rooting reflex and helps babies calm down.
Warmth for Relaxation
Lukewarm baths help tense muscles relax. After that, give a soft massage. A warm (not hot) compress on the tummy can help. First, check the temperature on your wrist.
Additional Tips for Comfort & Prevention
- Feed in a position that is only slightly upright to keep air from getting in.
- If you are breastfeeding, keep track of what you eat that could cause problems, like dairy or caffeine, and talk to your doctor about trying to cut them out.
- If you give your baby formula, try feeding them with a bottle at a slow pace and taking breaks.
- To help your baby get stronger and aid their digestion, add short, supervised tummy time to their daily routine.
- Follow your routines. Feeding and sleeping your baby at the exact time every day can help keep them calm.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
As their digestive systems mature, most babies stop having gas and colic. Call your doctor if:
- Crying is severe or doesn’t stop beyond a few months
- Your baby has a fever, is throwing up, or isn’t gaining weight
- It’s hard to feed them, or they sleep more than usual.
Note: These tips are general and can help with gas and colic, which babies often experience. But each baby is different. Make sure you take your baby to the doctor regularly to keep them healthy and ensure they are getting the care they need. Newborn and infant care services provide support, routine checkups, and personalized guidance.
Final Words
You’re doing a great job of getting through the first few months with your newborn. Call Primary Care of Kansas to schedule an appointment to check your baby’s health and growth. We are happy to help families with well-baby visits, tips for managing gas and colic, and personalized care for their newborns.
Dr. Rashid and our experienced team are committed to giving high-quality, compassionate care to children.
FAQs
Can tummy time help with colic?
Yes! Brief and observed tummy time helps strengthen core muscles and assists digestion, which could help minimize colic symptoms. Always supervise your baby.
Is it normal for a newborn to cry 2–3 hours a day?
Yep, it is normal that newborns cry a lot, especially around 6 weeks of age. See your pediatrician for excessive, prolonged crying or for complaints of fever or vomiting.
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