It’s heartbreaking to see your baby uncomfortable—squirming, arching their back, or crying after a feed. Many new parents worry: Is my baby in pain? Am I eating something that’s bothering them? Should I change my diet?
Gas and reflux are common in newborns and often a normal part of development. While they can be frustrating, the good news is that most cases resolve on their own as baby’s digestive system matures. Let’s dive into what causes gas and reflux, signs to watch for, and what you can do to help—whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or both.
What Causes Gas in Babies?
Gas is simply trapped air in the digestive system, and babies can swallow air when:
🔹 They gulp milk too fast (especially with a strong letdown or a fast-flow bottle nipple)
🔹 They have a shallow latch or poor seal around the bottle nipple, taking in extra air
🔹 They cry for long periods (before feeding or during diaper changes)
🔹 They don’t burp well after feeds
Signs of Gas in Babies
✔️ Squirming or pulling legs to the chest
✔️ Frequent burping or passing gas
✔️ Fussiness during or after feeds
✔️ A firm or bloated belly
💡 Did you know? Babies’ intestines are still developing in the first few months, which can make it harder to pass gas efficiently. This is normal and improves with time!
How to Help a Gassy Baby
1. Improve Baby’s Latch or Bottle-Feeding Technique
A deep latch (for breastfed babies) or a proper seal on the bottle nipple (for bottle-fed babies) helps reduce the amount of air baby swallows.
Check for:
✔️ Flanged lips (like a fish)
✔️ Full mouthful of breast or bottle nipple (not just the tip)
✔️ No clicking sounds (which can mean baby is losing suction and swallowing air)
Bottle-feeding tips:
🔸 Use a paced bottle-feeding method—hold the bottle more horizontally and let baby control the flow
🔸 Choose a slower-flow nipple to prevent gulping
🔸 Ensure lips have a tight seal all the way around the nipple
💡 If you’re unsure about your baby’s latch or bottle-feeding technique, a lactation consultant can help!
2. Burp Baby Frequently
🔸 For Breastfed Babies: Try burping mid-feed (switching breasts) and after feeding
🔸 For Bottle-Fed Babies: Pause to burp every 1-2 ounces
Burping Positions:
✔️ Upright burping – Hold baby against your chest and gently pat or rub their back
✔️ Over-the-knee burping – Lay baby across your legs and pat their back
✔️ Face-down burping – Hold baby tummy-down along your forearm with gentle back rubs
3. Try Tummy Time or Bicycling Legs
Both help move gas through baby’s digestive system.
Bicycle Legs – Gently move baby’s legs in a circular motion like riding a bike.
Tummy Time – Let baby lay on their belly while supervised; the gentle pressure helps release gas. Avoid doing Tummy Time right after feedings to prevent spit ups.
What About Reflux?
Reflux happens when milk flows back up from baby’s stomach. It’s normal! Babies have tiny, immature digestive systems, and their stomach muscles are still learning to keep milk down. Most babies spit up —it’s only a problem if baby is in pain, losing weight, or struggling to feed.
Signs of Normal Reflux (“Happy Spitters”)
✔️ Baby spits up small amounts after feeds but is otherwise happy
✔️ Baby is gaining weight well
✔️ No signs of discomfort during feeds
Signs of Problematic Reflux (GERD)
🚩 Frequent, forceful or projectile vomiting (not just spitting up)
🚩Refuses to feed or appears in pain while feeding
🚩 Crying, arching back, or refusing feeds
🚩 Poor weight gain or choking during feeds
🚩Shows breathing issues like choking, wheezing, or coughing
💡 If your baby has reflux symptoms that interfere with feeding or weight gain, talk to your healthcare provider.
How to Reduce Reflux in Babies
1. Keep Baby Upright After Feeds
Hold baby upright for 10-20 minutes after feeds to help with digestion.
2. Offer Smaller, More Frequent Feeds
Overfilling baby’s stomach can lead to more spit-up. If baby wants to nurse for comfort, try offering shorter, more frequent feeds.
3. Adjust Feeding Position
✔️ For Breastfeeding: Try nursing in a reclined or side-lying position
✔️ For Bottle-Feeding: Hold baby more upright and ensure the nipple flow isn’t too fast
4. Check for a Strong Letdown or Fast Bottle Flow
🔹 For Breastfeeding: Hand express a little milk before latching to slow flow
🔹 For Bottle-Feeding: Use slow-flow nipples and paced bottle-feeding to prevent gulping
Does Mom’s Diet Affect Gas and Reflux?
Most breastfed babies don’t need mom to change her diet. But in rare cases, some foods may contribute to discomfort.
Common Culprits
🔹 Cow’s milk protein (dairy) – A small percentage of babies have a dairy sensitivity. Signs include mucousy stools, blood in stool, or severe fussiness.
🔹 Caffeine – In large amounts, caffeine can make some babies extra gassy or fussy.
🔹 Cruciferous veggies (cabbage, beans, etc.) – These foods don’t cause gas in babies (that’s a myth!), but they CAN cause extra bloating in mom.
💡 If you suspect a food intolerance, try keeping a food diary and consult with a lactation expert before making major diet changes.
When to Seek Help
Most cases of gas and reflux improve as baby’s digestive system matures. But reach out to a lactation consultant or pediatrician if:
🚩 Baby seems in pain after every feed
🚩 Forceful vomiting or signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers)
🚩 Blood in baby’s stool or persistent mucus
🚩 Baby is not gaining weight well
Most cases of reflux improve with time, but in some cases, medical intervention may be needed. If parents take their baby to the doctor for reflux, here’s what they might suggest:
Reflux Medications – If reflux is painful (GERD), a doctor may prescribe medications like:
✔️ Antacids (e.g. ranitidine) – Reduce stomach acid but are rarely used now due to safety concerns.
✔️ Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole) – Decrease acid production to prevent irritation.
✔️ H2 Blockers (e.g. famotidine) – Reduce stomach acid and are sometimes used for short-term relief.
💡 Medication is only used for severe reflux with pain, weight loss, or breathing issues—not just for spitting up.
At Flowerbud Lactation, we support all feeding journeys—whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combo feeding. If you need help with baby’s latch, milk flow, bottle transitions, or feeding concerns, reach out for support! 💛
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