Newborn gas: causes, quick solutions and when to consult a doctor

Newborns have a lot of gas : this is most often linked to swallowed air and still immature digestion, and simple actions (burping, positioning, feeding rhythm) are usually enough to improve things within 24–72 hours.

• Reducing swallowed air (cause #1) without changing all the milk
• Get quick relief with effective positions, burps, and massages
• Identifying the true warning signs (when to consult a doctor)
• Understanding colic, reflux, and intolerances: don't confuse them
• A clear action plan to test one variable at a time

A newborn can have a lot of gas and still be perfectly healthy. The goal is twofold: to limit aerophagia (swallowing air) and to help with gas flow without over-medicating. Here's a practical, quick-to-apply guide, outlining the situations in which you should call your doctor.

Why does a newborn have “a lot of gas”? (the most common causes)

In newborns, the digestive system learns to coordinate itself (sucking-swallowing-breathing, then intestinal motility). As a result, gas can accumulate and cause discomfort, restlessness, drawn-up legs, and a distended abdomen.

• Swallowed air : breastfeeding too fast, poor latch, teat too fast, bottle not tilted properly, prolonged crying.
• Immature digestion : irregular transit, normal lactose fermentation, intestinal motility still fluctuating.
• Overfeeding or inappropriate rhythm : very close feedings with air swallowing, or conversely a very hungry baby who nurses too quickly.
• Reflux : sometimes associated with difficult burping and discomfort after feedings (without necessarily vomiting a lot).
• Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) (less common): gas + associated symptoms (eczema, blood in stools, diarrhea, marked irritability).

Things you can do right away (10-minute checklist)

• Take a burp break : 2–3 breaks during feeding (or as soon as baby becomes agitated).
• Upright position : keep baby upright for 15–20 min afterwards.
• Check the grip (breast): mouth wide open, lips curled back, chin pressed together, no snapping.
• Check the flow rate (bottle): “slow flow” teat, bottle tilted so that the teat remains full.
• Simple massage : 2 minutes clockwise + leg bends.

In practice, these actions target the most likely cause: swallowed air. This is often what changes the fastest.

Practical guide: probable cause → signs → what to do

How to burp effectively (breast and bottle)

Simple technique (2 positions)

• Shoulder : baby upright, tummy against you, hand supporting the neck, gentle tapping/pressure in the upper back.
• Seated on knees : baby seated, torso slightly leaning forward, one hand supports the chest/chin (without pressing on the throat), the other pats.

In practical terms: if the baby doesn't burp within 2-3 minutes, take a break, put the baby upright after feeding, and try again. There's no need to persist for too long if the baby is calm.

Breastfeeding: reducing gas by improving latch (without unnecessary "dieting")

A breastfed baby can swallow air if the intake is shallow. Before eliminating foods, optimize the feeding technique.

• Signs of a good grip : mouth wide open, more areola visible at the top than at the bottom, regular swallowing, no persistent pain.
• If very strong flow (ejection reflex): express a little before, “biological nurturing” position (semi-reclining), pauses for burps.
• One breast per feeding? If baby falls asleep quickly and then wants to nurse again: offering the same breast for a short period can reduce swallowed air (fewer changes, more relaxed sucking). Adjust on a case-by-case basis.

If you suspect a sucking problem, a lactation consultant can help quickly. Medical literature emphasizes the importance of feeding technique in addressing discomfort and functional digestive disorders in infants (reviews available via scientific sources ).

Baby bottle: the settings that make all the difference

• Flow rate : choose a slow flow rate (often “0” or “1”) for the first few weeks.
• Angle : teat always full of milk (less air sucked in).
• Pause : every 30–60 seconds at the beginning if baby drinks quickly.
• Temperature : lukewarm can help some babies (without being magical).
• Changing the teat rather than the milk : this is often the most cost-effective lever.

In practice: if the bottle lasts less than 10 minutes and the baby swallows noisily, the flow rate is often too fast.

Anti-gas positions and massages (simple protocol)

1) Abdominal massage (2 minutes)

• With your hand flat, move in a clockwise direction (direction of the colon).
• Very gentle pressure: you “guide”, you don’t crush.

2) Leg “bike” (1 minute)

• Gently bend/unbend, then bring your knees towards your stomach for 2–3 seconds.

3) Prone position on forearm (1–3 minutes, awake)

Baby on your forearm, head supported. This gentle pressure can help with bowel movements. Always supervise, never while sleeping.

Gas, colic, constipation: how not to confuse them

• Gas : restlessness + belching/flatulence, relief after evacuation.
• Colic : prolonged and repeated crying spells, often at the end of the day, with the baby being difficult to soothe. Evidence on many "remedies" is mixed; the most helpful approach is often parental support combined with soothing techniques. Summaries are available from scientific sources .
• Constipation : infrequent AND hard stools (babies can have few stools without being constipated if they remain soft).

What this changes: if the stools are soft, we are mainly looking for aerophagia and comfort, not laxatives.

Supplements, herbal teas, essential oils: what is safe (and what is not)

Caution is essential when dealing with a newborn. Many "anti-colic" products are not suitable for infants.

• Essential oils : to be avoided in newborns (respiratory risk, irritation, overdose).
• Herbal teas : not recommended for newborns without medical advice (risk of inappropriate intake).
• Probiotics : sometimes used for colic depending on the strain and the context; results vary. Do not self-medicate: seek professional advice. General information on the use of supplements: scientific source .

If you are looking for a “natural” approach, the safest and most effective often remains: breastfeeding technique + burps + positions + soothing.

Common mistakes (and what to do instead)

• Changing milk too quickly → first optimize flow/feed and burp breaks 48–72 h.
• Confusing pushing/redness with pain → a baby can push to release gas without actually suffering.
• Multiply the products (drops, herbal teas, massages, changing milk) → test one variable at a time .
• Put on stomach to sleep → always on back to sleep (public health recommendations; see general information on sleep prevention: scientific source ).

72-hour action plan (simple and measurable)

• Day 1 : adjust flow/intake + 2 rot breaks + vertical 20 min later.
• Day 2 : add hourly massage + leg cycling 2x/day (except during periods of intense crying).
• Day 3 : Assess: less restlessness? easier burping? slightly better sleep? If not, note associated symptoms (bowel movements, eczema, regurgitation) and consider medical advice.

In practical terms: the right indicator is not “zero gas” (impossible), but less discomfort and calmer intakes.

When to seek prompt medical attention (warning signs)

Call a healthcare professional if you observe:

• Fever (depending on age, potential emergency)
• Green vomiting or repeated vomiting with a general decline in health
• Blood in the stools or black stools (excluding meconium in the very first days)
• Refusal to eat , unusual drowsiness, “limp” baby
• Poor weight gain or fewer wet diapers
• inconsolable crying with a very distended stomach

If in doubt, it is best to call: a medical triage will reassure you and prevent overlooking a non-digestive cause.

FAQ Newborn with lots of gas 

My newborn baby farts a lot: is that normal?

Often yes. What matters: baby eats well, wets their diapers, and calms down at times.

Does my diet (breastfeeding) give my baby gas?

Sometimes, but it's less common than you might think. Start by checking the dosage and frequency. If you suspect anything (eczema, blood, diarrhea), consult a doctor.

How many burps per feeding?

In practice: 1 to 3 breaks depending on the sucking speed. Some babies will do a single big burp afterwards.

Does a hard stomach mean constipation?

Not necessarily. If the stools are soft, it's more likely due to gas and digestive immaturity.

Are "anti-colic" drops essential?

No. Gestures (flow rate, pauses, vertical positioning) are often more effective. Seek advice before administering a product.

Should I change formula if baby has gas?

Not as a first step. Test the teat/flow and technique first for 48–72 hours. If associated symptoms (blood, eczema, break in growth curve), consult a doctor.

Does babywearing help?

Yes, often: verticality + calmness = less air swallowed and better evacuation.

When do the gases improve?

Often gradually over the first few weeks, with a possible peak of discomfort around 3–8 weeks, then improvement.

To go further 

• resources digestion
• improve sleep
• everyday well-being
• calming and stress

References

• PubMed (reviews and studies on colic, diet and functional disorders)
• NCCIH (Information on Complementary and Complementary Approaches)
• WHO (public health recommendations, general information)
• Harvard Health (educational articles on digestive health and pediatrics)