Colic and Gas Relief for Babies: Causes, Remedies, and Tips

If you’re dealing with a fussy, gassy baby who cries for hours, you’re likely searching for colic and gas relief for babies that actually works. Colic affects up to 25% of infants, and gas is often a contributing factor.

The good news? Relief is possible with the right approach. This guide will help you understand the causes of colic, recognize gas symptoms, and offer effective solutions—like paced feeding, tummy time, and probiotics—to help soothe your baby.

What is Colic, and What Causes Gas in Babies?

Understanding Colic

Colic refers to excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby. It typically lasts:

• 3+ hours a day, 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks.
  Symptoms often worsen in the evening and include clenched fists, arched backs, and inconsolable crying.

Gas in Babies

Gas happens when air gets trapped in your baby’s digestive system, causing discomfort. While it’s common, knowing the triggers can help bring colic and gas relief for babies quickly.

Common Causes Include:

• Swallowed air during feeding.
• Poor latch or fast-flow nipples.
• Immature digestive systems.
• Food sensitivities (breastfed or formula-fed babies).

Effective Colic and Gas Relief for Babies

1. Feeding Techniques Matter

Improving feeding habits is the first step to colic and gas relief for babies:

• Paced Bottle Feeding: Hold the bottle horizontally and allow your baby to pause naturally. This reduces air intake and prevents overfeeding.
• Slow-Flow Nipples: Bottles like Lansinoh, Pigeon, Momi, and Evenflo Balance encourage a deep latch and slower milk flow.
• Frequent Burping: Burp your baby during and after feeds to help release trapped air.

2. Tummy Massage and Tummy Time

Tummy time and gentle massages are effective tools for colic and gas relief for babies:

• Bicycle Legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a pedaling motion.
• I Love U Massage: Use soft strokes to draw an “I,” “L,” and “U” shape on their belly to release gas.
• Tummy Time: Placing baby on their tummy helps apply gentle pressure to the belly, aiding digestion.

3. Probiotics for Gut Health

Probiotics are a natural solution for colic and gas relief, supporting gut balance and digestion.

• Evivo Probiotic: Contains Bifidobacterium infantis, clinically shown to reduce colic symptoms and improve digestion. (Use code ROOTEDWELLNESS15 for 15% off)
• Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Baby: A trusted option for balancing gut health.

Note: Always consult your pediatrician before introducing probiotics to your baby’s routine.

4. Recognizing Feeding Challenges

Sometimes gas and colic can stem from oral restrictions like tongue or lip ties, which affect how well your baby latches. An IBCLC can assess latch issues and recommend bottle feeding techniques that help minimize air intake, bringing colic and gas relief for babies.

5. Tried-and-True Remedies for Colic and Gas

• Warm Baths: Relax baby’s tummy muscles with a soothing, warm bath.
• Gripe Water: Herbal remedies may help, but choose alcohol- and sugar-free options.
• Simethicone Drops: Over-the-counter gas drops break down air bubbles and provide quick relief.
• The Windi: When baby’s gas just won’t budge, a tool like the Windi can come to the rescue. This single-use gas-relief tube is designed to safely and effectively help babies pass the wind—literally. It may sound unusual, but parents swear by its ability to provide quick relief when other methods fall short.

Key Takeaway:

Colic and gas can make the newborn stage feel overwhelming, but solutions are within reach. Focus on feeding techniques like paced bottle feeding, support gut health with probiotics, and use gentle tummy massages to relieve gas. If you’re concerned about persistent fussiness or latch issues, seek guidance from your pediatrician or an IBCLC.

Remember, this phase doesn’t last forever—and you’re doing an amazing job caring for your little one!

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Resources

Kanabar, D., Randhawa, M., & Clayton, P. (2001). Improvement of symptoms in infant colic following the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri. Pediatrics, 107(4), 1-6.

Savino, F., et al. (2010). Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colic: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics, 126(3), e526-e533.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Colic facts and recommendations.

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