GASSINESS IN INFANTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
EDWARD M. SANTOS, MD, FPPS
Assistant Professor in Pediatrics
UERM College of Medicine
For a mother, seeing her baby in discomfort can be a distressing experience. Imagine your baby frequently crying with a firm and distended belly, often with difficulty passing gas or stools. This may be gassiness, which is one of the most common digestive issues among infants causing significant discomfort. It is often caused by an immature digestive system, feeding habits, or certain foods in their diet1. While it may be normal for babies to pass gas frequently, persistent gut bloating or discomfort can leave mothers and caregivers looking for ways to support their babies’ gut health. So, what does one need to know about the causes of gassiness, signs of gut bloating, and how gut-healthy foods can help?
What Are the Causes of Gassiness in Infants?
Infants still have an immature and developing digestive system1 hence they are prone to numerous digestive concerns including gassiness. The following are factors2 that may contribute to gassiness and bloating:
- Swallowed Air: During feeding, some babies swallow air especially if they have poor latch or they feed too quickly.
- Food Sensitivities: There may be some factors in the food or milk that can lead to digestive discomfort.
- Immature Digestive System: As mentioned above, babies’ guts are not yet fully equipped to break down some proteins and sugars.
- Gut Dysbiosis: There may be an imbalance in the gut microbiota or a lack of diverse gut bacteria which can affect digestion and may lead to gas build up.
How to Identify A Gassy Baby
Can you tell if your baby’s gassiness is related to gut bloating? You might want to look for these signs:
- A firm or distended belly.
- An infant who cries a lot and is fussy especially after feeding.
- Difficulty passing gas or stools.
- An infant who pulls his or her legs toward the chest (which is a common sign of discomfort).
The Role of a Healthy Gut
It is important that babies develop a healthy gut because it plays a very important role in nutrient absorption and development of a robust immune system. A healthy gut is therefore essential for proper growth and development and over-all well-being. Supporting gut health especially during the first 1000 days can help reduce gassiness and lay the foundation for long-term wellness3.
Gut-Healthy Foods for Infants
So, how can we help our babies develop a healthy gut? Introducing gut-healthy foods at the appropriate age of development can ease digestion and improve gut health.
Practical Tips to Reduce Gassiness
Aside from introducing gut-healthy foods, parents and caregivers may try the following techniques2,4 to reduce gassiness among their babies:
- Proper Burping: This helps release trapped air. This may be done during and after feedings.
- Proper Feeding Techniques: Make sure there is proper latching during breastfeeding to avoid swallowing of air.
- Tummy Massage: Gentle tummy massages can help relieve gas.
- Dietary Evaluation: For breastfeeding moms, look into your diet because it may contain potential gas inducing foods like dairy, cruciferous vegetables or caffeine.
When To See A Doctor
You may consult a pediatrician if the gassiness or bloating persists or worsens despite your best efforts. Failure to gain weight or the presence of diarrhea or blood in the stools and other alarming symptoms warrant a visit to the pediatrician4.
Conclusion
Gassiness is a common digestive issue among infants. This may lead to frustration on the part of the parents and caregivers. However, understanding its causes and applying the strategies mentioned above can help support the infant’s gut health. Always remember that a healthy gut and a happy tummy means a happy baby! And a happy baby grows into a happy Batang Angat!
EDWARD M. SANTOS, MD, FPPS
Assistant Professor in Pediatrics
UERM College of Medicine
References
1. Muhardi L, Aw M,Hasosah M, et al. A Narrative Review on the Update in the Prevalence of Infantile Colic, Regurgitation, and Constipation in Young Children: Implications of the ROME IV Criteria. Front Pediatr. 2022 Jan 5;9:778747
2. Brennan D. Infant Gas: How to Prevent and Treat It. WebMD. Feb 27, 2024
3. Pantazi, AC et al. Development of Gut Microbiota in the First 1000 days After Birth and Potential Interventions. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 20;15(16):3647
4. How to Help a Newborn With Gas. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. September 26, 2024
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