Why is my breastfed baby getting so much air?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
For many new parents, the experience of a gassy baby can be both perplexing and concerning. While breast milk is often hailed as the ideal nutrition for infants, it can sometimes lead to excessive gas, leaving parents wondering why their little one seems to be getting so much air.
Common Causes of Gas in Breastfed Babies
Gas in breastfed babies is a common issue, affecting nearly all infants at some point during their early months. The reasons behind this phenomenon can vary widely. One primary factor is the way babies feed. If a baby is not latching properly or is feeding too quickly, they may swallow air along with their milk. This can lead to discomfort and fussiness, prompting parents to question whether their baby is allergic to breast milk or if they are doing something wrong.
Another contributing factor is the natural composition of breast milk. While it is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, the sugars present in breast milk, particularly lactose, can sometimes be difficult for a baby’s immature digestive system to process. This can result in gas production as the milk is broken down.
Feeding Techniques and Positioning
The way a baby is positioned during breastfeeding can also play a significant role in how much air they swallow. Ensuring that the baby is held in a comfortable position, with their head elevated, can help minimize the intake of air. Additionally, mothers should be mindful of their own diet, as certain foods can affect the composition of breast milk and potentially lead to increased gas in their babies.
Signs of Discomfort and Relief Strategies
Parents often notice signs of discomfort in their babies, such as fussiness, crying, or pulling their legs toward their belly. These behaviors can indicate that the baby is experiencing gas pain. To help alleviate this discomfort, parents can try various strategies, such as gentle tummy massages, bicycle leg movements, or holding the baby in an upright position after feeding to help expel trapped air.
When to Seek Help
While gas is a normal part of infancy, there are instances when it may be a sign of a more serious issue. If a baby is consistently fussy, has difficulty feeding, or shows signs of distress beyond typical gas discomfort, it may be wise to consult a pediatrician. They can help determine if there are underlying issues, such as allergies or digestive problems, that need to be addressed.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing for parents to see their breastfed baby struggling with gas, understanding the common causes and implementing some simple strategies can often provide relief. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby, and with time, many of these issues tend to resolve as the baby grows and their digestive system matures.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

How do I stop my breastfed baby from swallowing air?

What are the treatments for breastfed baby gas?

1. Burp frequently. Adding a few extra burps to feeding times is typically an easy adjustment to make.
2. Turn to tummy time.
3. Perform baby massage.
4. Bicycle their legs.
5. Feed while baby’s upright.
6. Check your latch.
7. Try to reduce baby’s crying.
8. Consider over-the-counter remedies.

What foods make reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

Why does my baby sound like gasping for air while breastfeeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

Why does my baby sound like gulping air when breastfeeding?

The infant will make a suck or two and then an audible swallow should be heard as the milk is swallowed. The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk.

What position should I breastfeed to avoid gas?

Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.

Why does my breastfed baby need to burp so much?

An important part of feeding a baby is burping. Burping helps to get rid of some of the air that babies tend to swallow during feeding. Not being burped often and swallowing too much air can make a baby spit up, or seem cranky or gassy.

What foods make breastmilk gassy?

Food sensitivities and gas in breastfed babies
Some moms swear that when they eat foods such as dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, bananas, eggs, or garlic, their babies are gassy and fussy for up to the next 24 hours.

Why is my baby getting so much air while breastfeeding?

Common causes of gas discomfort in breastfed babies:
An incorrect latch while nursing leads your baby to swallow too much air. Excessive crying fills your baby’s belly with air. Strong let-down or oversupply, causing baby to gulp quickly and swallow air.

Why is my breastfed baby so gassy all the time?

For breastfed babies, gas might be caused by eating too fast, swallowing too much air or digesting certain foods. Babies have immature GI systems and can frequently experience gas because of this. Pains from gas can make your baby fussy, but intestinal gas is not harmful.