Gas Issues in Infants
Newborns often experience abdominal discomfort due to gas, which can make it challenging for parents to identify the issue, especially since infants tend to cry frequently. This article will explore the various causes of gas in children.
Causes of Gas in Children
Gas-related issues can disrupt a child’s sleep, leading to prolonged crying paired with observable signs of discomfort, particularly in the abdominal area. Some of the common causes of gas formation in children include:
- Maternal consumption of certain medications containing lactose, which can be transmitted to the infant through breast milk.
- Intake of gas-inducing foods by the mother, such as legumes, which may affect the infant upon breastfeeding.
- Continuous crying, which allows air to enter the infant’s digestive system, resulting in painful gas buildup.
- Improper breastfeeding techniques where the mother does not fully latch the nipple in the infant’s mouth, facilitating the intake of air during feeding.
- Incomplete development of the infant’s digestive system, leading to difficulties in fully digesting milk, whether breast milk or formula.
- Incompatibility of the chosen infant formula, which may lead to gas formation.
- Older infants may develop gas issues due to the introduction of solid foods that they are unable to chew and digest adequately, particularly when starting solids around the age of six months, amid ongoing dental development.
Managing Gas Issues in Infants
To alleviate gas problems in infants, mothers are advised to implement the following strategies:
- Divide feeding sessions into manageable times, ensuring to hold the child upright on the mother’s shoulder after each feeding to encourage burping—this is crucial to expel any air swallowed during feeding.
- When bottle-feeding, opt for a curved-shaped bottle to reduce the amount of air ingested.
- Monitor the infant closely and consider switching formula types if gas issues occur frequently, always after consulting a healthcare professional.
- Gently wrap the infant and place them on the mother’s knees on their stomach, using the mother’s hand under their abdomen to help release gas.
- Apply a warm, damp towel to the infant’s belly to alleviate discomfort.
- Massage the baby’s abdomen in a circular motion with olive oil to promote gas movement and relief.
- If the infant is consuming solid foods, ensure to mash them adequately before offering them.
- Provide daily water intake if the infant’s age permits, as hydration can significantly help in expelling gas.