Gas in the stomach of a new born baby. What to do?
Flatulence, or gas in simple language, is very common in new born babies. This happens due to air bubbles swallowed by babies during feeding or when they cry. Their digestive system is still developing.
I started looking for information on babies’ flatulence when I saw my granddaughter face this problem.
She was born just 15 days ago.
Thank goodness there are things you can do to ease your baby's gas and make them feel better.
Here are some useful tips:
You should burp your baby a lot during and after feedings. When you switch breasts while nursing, try burping your baby. Burp babies who are fed bottles every time they finish.
Burping a newborn child After feeding your baby, hold them up straight. This will help any air they swallow rise to the top of their stomach and burp out. You can carry your child or hold them on your shoulder. Try massaging your baby. Rub your baby's belly gently from side to side. This might help the gas move along.
Warm the pack. Put a warm cloth on the stomach of your baby. The warmth can help ease pain and relax the muscles.
There are some over-the-counter medicines that you can try if your baby seems fussy or unhappy because of gas. But you should always talk to your doctor first, especially if your baby is less than 3 months old.
When to See a Doctor? Gas is usually not dangerous and will go away on its own. But there are times when you really need to Call your doctor. Some of these are:
- Your baby is throwing up a lot.
- Your baby's poop is red.
- There's a bump or hard spot on your baby's belly.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your baby won't stop being fussy.
Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor if you are worried about your baby's gas. These people can help you figure out why your baby is hurting and suggest the best way to treat it.