7 Expert Tips to Relieve Baby Gas, Colic, and Constipation Naturally

As parents, there are few things more distressing in the early days of parenting than watching your baby struggle with gas, colic or constipation. These issues are common and can make your baby very uncomfortable leading to long days (and nights) for the entire family. Fortunately, there are many adjustments and remedies you can try at home to help alleviate your baby’s discomfort. In this article, Dr. Michelle Shiffman, a trusted member of the Bébé Foodie‘s board of experts will share some essential tips and explore proven strategies to help make your baby more comfortable.

1. Understanding Baby Gas and Colic: Causes and Symptoms 

Gas and colic are frequent challenges in infancy due to the immature digestive systems of newborns. Gas can cause symptoms such as a bloated tummy, frequent burping and yes, lots of smelly gas. Colic, characterized by excessive crying for more than three hours per day, 3 days a week, and often in the evening, can be particularly overwhelming. It’s important to remember that colic is usually a phase that most babies outgrow by 3-4 months of age. Constipation is another common issue that may present as straining, hard stools, or general discomfort. Most babies will struggle with constipation at one point or another because they don’t yet use their gut muscles in tandem to correctly have bowel movements. They all will learn eventually! While colic, gas and constipation can be challenging, they are typically temporary and manageable with the right approach.

2. Adjusting Feeding Techniques: Preventions Starts at the Bottle (or Breast) 

Effective feeding techniques can significantly reduce gas by limiting the amount of air swallowed while eating. For bottle-fed infants, consider using anti-colic bottles designed to minimize air intake or experiment with different nipple sizes to find one that best suits your baby’s needs. Learning how to pace your feeds can also be a helpful strategy. For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring a proper latch is crucial, a poor latch can lead to ingestion of excess air. Mothers with a fast let down can also try changing the position of feeds to side lying or laying on their backs to minimize air intake.

3. Burping Your Baby: The Importance of a Good Burp 

One of the best sounds as a parent of a newborn is the sound of a good burp! But seriously, burping your baby after each feeding is essential for releasing trapped air before it reaches the intestines. Holding your baby upright during or after feeds can help with this as well. There are many burping positions, play around to find what works for you and your baby. Some prefer over the shoulder and others sitting upright. Some infants require more time to burp, so patience is key.

 

4. Tummy Time and Gentle Massage: Soothing Tactics to Ease Discomfort

Incorporating tummy time into your baby’s daily routine can help relieve gas by encouraging movement and applying gentle pressure on the tummy. Additionally, a gentle tummy massage using circular clockwise motions around the navel can aid in moving gas through the intestines. Another effective technique is gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion to get trapped air moving.

5. Probiotics and Baby – Friendly Foods: Supporting Digestive Health 

Evidence suggests that probiotics can play a role in reducing colic symptoms. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help establish a healthy gut flora, which can support digestive health. Specifically, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus Reuteri has shown promise in clinical studies. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2015, found that L. reuteri significantly reduced crying time in infants with colic compared to a placebo in breast fed infants. The study noted that infants receiving L. reuteri had a reduction in colic symptoms and an improved overall comfort level. After talking with their pediatrician, breastfeeding mothers might also consider temporarily limiting dairy to see if it improves gas and colic symptoms and some formula-fed infants might notice a benefit by switching to a hydrolyzed or gentle formula.  For babies on solid foods, offer easily digestible options and avoid gas-inducing foods such as beans.

 

6. Camilia® Tummy Liquid Doses:
A Gentle, Worry-Free Remedy

When dietary changes alone aren’t enough, parents can consider a homeopathic approach to address symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, excessive or painful gas, and associated fussiness and crying. Camilia Tummy Liquid Doses provide a gentle, non-GMO solution designed to alleviate these discomforts. This pre-measured liquid formula is easy to administer, requires no mixing or refrigeration, and is free from preservatives, dyes, and artificial sweeteners. Parents around the world have trusted the Camilia brand for over 30 years, and it’s recognized with a Mom’s Choice Award®. Available over the counter in boxes of 30 doses, Camilia Tummy is recommended for babies as young as one month. Visit BoironUSA.com to learn more.

7. When to See a Doctor: Knowing the Signs of Something More Serious. 

While most cases of gas, colic, and constipation are manageable with these tips, there are some symptoms and situations that warrant a visit to the pediatrician. Persistent or worsening symptoms, fever, vomiting, refusal to eat, or signs of weight loss are serious and require immediate medical attention. Additionally, if you notice bright green, bloody or forceful spit up or bloody stools, it is crucial to seek professional advice to rule out more severe conditions.

Managing baby gas, colic, and constipation can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can significantly ease your baby’s discomfort. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and many parents face similar challenges. Your pediatrician is also an expert in all things baby discomfort so please know they are a part of your team!  By applying these expert tips and trusting your instincts, you can help your baby feel better and hopefully catch up on some much needed sleep for the whole family.

Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain as you navigate these issues. Colic and gas are often an inevitable part of infancy and they can be challenging. Remember they are temporary and be patient with yourself and your little one.  There is no perfect way to parent, and you are doing great. Your baby will thrive with your love and care!

For more support and guidance in starting solids and nurturing your baby’s unique food journey, the Bébé Foodie’s app offers expert-backed insights and support every step of the way. Join the waitlist for exclusive early access, discounts and more!

 

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Written by Dr. Michelle Shiffman
Pediatrician & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Dr. Michelle Shiffman is a board-certified pediatrician based in Denver, Colorado. She completed her medical training at Oregon Health and Science University and her Pediatric Residency at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Dr. Shiffman is passionate about early development and enjoys helping families navigate food introduction and developmental milestones during infant and toddler check-ups. Bilingual in Spanish, she provides culturally sensitive, evidence-based advice in a friendly and non-judgmental way.

 

This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child's health or readiness for various foods.