Did you ever think about how often you will smell baby gas before having a little angel? I, for one, haven’t. However, according to studies, babies relieve gas 13-21 times every day. That’s quite a lot, isn’t it?
Why so much baby gas? There are many reasons why your baby can relieve way too much gas. The first of them is the ingested air. Babies tend to swallow too much air throughout the day. Whether they are asleep or awake, or worse, crying, babies swallow a lot of air which causes colic pain. However, incorrect feeding positions or overfeeding can also affect them. Other reasons are food allergies or food intolerance.
Even if your baby doesn’t have any of the above problems, you are still likely to inhale baby gas quite often. Don’t forget that your baby is growing and is forming the microflora. At some point, your little angel will have to digest food, so the gas is normal. Until your baby forms a mature digestive system, your baby will feel discomfort. However, there are things you can do to help your angel.
Here are five steps to help babies pass gas:
The bicycle method
This strategy requires exercising. Lay your baby on the back and put the legs in motion, back and forth. This method will help your baby relieve the accumulated intestinal gas. You can use the same trick while your baby lies on the belly.
Belly rub
Belly rubs are very effective. Use two fingers to spell “I love you” on your baby’s tummy. Same as the above method put your angel on the back and start rubbing the belly. The circular motion of writing the love message will help your baby pass gas faster.
Burp
The fastest way to release intestinal gas is through burping. Same as adults, babies burp. However, a baby burp is less disgusting and very needed. Hold your angel while gently tapping the back. If it doesn’t work, lay the baby down for a few minutes and repeat the process.
Gas pain remedies
If you have a colicky baby, use Gripe Water or Gas Relief Drops. Gripe Water is a combination of water and herbs that will help your baby eliminate gas. You can mix the Gas Relief Drops with the formula for a faster effect. Both solutions help your angel get rid of the discomfort.
Feeding ahead
Feeding your baby before hearing cries for food is one of the best methods to avoid gas accumulation. However, it may be more challenging if you are breastfeeding. In this case, you will more than likely have to re-latch.