5 Gentle Ways to Relieve Newborn Gas Discomfort
Gassy Baby? Try These Pro-Tips From a Postpartum Doula
All newborns are naturally gassy. Because their digestive systems are still immature, they are constantly learning how to process milk and move things along. Gas can also build up simply from babies swallowing excess air when they cry or feed.
While it is entirely normal, gas discomfort can be tough to watch. You can usually tell a baby is struggling if they:
Arch their back, clench their fists, or pull their legs up toward their tummy.
Cry or fuss, especially shortly after a feeding.
Turn red in the face, grunt, or strain.
When those fussy nights hit, having a few concrete soothing techniques in your back pocket makes all the difference. Here are the exact gas-relief methods I use as a postpartum doula to help little ones find comfort:
1. Bicycle Legs
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion, bringing their knees up toward their tummy. This gentle pressure helps manually move trapped air bubbles through the digestive tract. Follow this up with a gentle press of both knees to their chest for a few seconds.
2. The "Tummy Time" Roll & Massage
If they aren't freshly fed (to avoid spit-up), lay your baby across your lap or on a flat surface for some supervised tummy time. The gentle counter-pressure on their stomach naturally helps expel gas. You can also try a clockwise tummy massage—following the natural path of their digestion—using light, loving strokes.
3. The "Tiger in the Tree" Hold
Also known as the colic hold, place your baby face-down along your forearm, with their head resting near your elbow and your hand supporting their crotch. Holding them close to your body while gently swaying or patting their back applies just the right amount of soothing warmth and pressure to their belly.
4. Burping Adjustments
Sometimes a simple position change does the trick. If the classic over-the-shoulder burp isn't working, try sitting your baby on your lap, supporting their chin and chest with one hand, and gently patting or rubbing their back with the other.
Doula Note: Remember, if your baby is consistently in intense pain, struggling to pass stool, or showing signs of reflux, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician just for peace of mind. You're doing a wonderful job!