If your baby experiences prolonged, seemingly unexplained crying spells, it could be due to gas pain (colic), a common problem. Intense gas pains can occur in approximately one-fifth of babies, especially during the first months of life. Gas pains are abdominal pain and discomfort caused by a baby's immature digestive system. Fortunately, it's possible to understand the causes of gas pain in babies and alleviate it with the right methods. In this article, we'll discuss the possible causes of gas pain, natural remedies you can try at home, and our brand's safe, natural products.
There are several common underlying causes of gas pain in babies. The sources of this condition, which little ones encounter as their bodies adapt to their new world, can be summarized as follows:
- Immature Digestive System: Because the digestive and excretory systems of newborn babies are not fully mature, they have difficulty expelling gas easily. This makes it difficult for them to digest the milk they consume and leads to gas accumulation in the intestines.
- Enzyme and Flora Deficiency: Your baby's lactase enzyme, which helps digest lactose in breast milk, is low. Because the intestinal flora isn't yet fully established, more gas than usual may be produced during digestion.
- Air Swallowing: When a baby doesn't latch on properly during feeding or swallows air while bottle-feeding, air bubbles form in the gastrointestinal tract. This gas can create pressure, which can be uncomfortable for the baby and lead to intense crying.
- Nutrition and Allergies: If a breastfeeding mother consumes gas-producing foods (cabbage, legumes, onions, etc.), this can affect the baby through milk. For formula-fed babies, improper formula preparation or sensitivity to formula ingredients can increase gas pain. In some cases, a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance can also cause excessive gas.
As a result, your baby may experience gas symptoms such as abdominal bloating, restlessness, constant writhing, and intense crying spells. This is quite common in the first three to four months, and as your baby grows, their digestive system strengthens and gas problems generally decrease.
Solutions
There are many natural remedies available to help your baby with gas pain . The key is to carefully observe your baby and apply the methods that work best for them. Here are some solutions you can try at home:
- Proper Feeding Technique and Burping Aid: Keep your baby in an upright position while feeding. Take short breaks every few minutes during feedings and gently stroke their back to encourage burping. Holding them upright for a while, especially after feeding , helps to release swallowed air. For breastfed babies, mothers can reduce gas by limiting gas-producing foods in their diet.
- Warm Bath (Bath Routine): Thanks to the soothing effect of warm water, baths are very effective in relieving gas pains. A bath routine at the same time every evening will help your baby relax and help them feel more comfortable before bed. A warm bath relaxes the abdominal muscles, making it easier for gas to pass. You can make this time even more productive by adding a soothing natural bath product to your regular bath routine, if necessary.
- Tummy Massage: After feedings or when your baby is fussy due to gas, a gentle massage of the belly can work wonders. In a warm environment, rub your baby's belly in a clockwise circular motion. This direction helps move gas along, as it's the natural direction of bowel movements. Avoid sudden or harsh movements when massaging; adjust the pressure according to your baby's reactions. A massage at the same time each day can help your baby relax and burp more easily. If you prefer, using natural oil blends suitable for babies (for example, baby rollers containing chamomile or fennel oils) can both moisturize the skin and enhance the effect.
- Movement and Exercises: You can also try simple exercises to help your baby burp. For example, laying your baby on their back and moving their legs like a bicycle helps move gas through the intestines. These movements help displace and expel gas bubbles, thus soothing your baby.
It's important to be patient and reassure your baby while trying the methods above. Gas pains generally tend to subside after three or four months. However, if your baby is still very irritable and cries constantly despite the solutions you've tried, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.
Recommended Products
You can also incorporate natural products into your routine to naturally relieve your baby's gas pain. My Oh My! Naturals ' products, developed with all-organic ingredients, offer gentle support for little ones' gas problems. Here are two special products we recommend for gas pain:
Organic Tummy Twinkle Bath Bomb : This 100% natural and organic bath bomb makes bath time enjoyable for your baby and helps relieve gas pain. Its natural foaming agents, including coconut extract and a blend of organic essential oils like chamomile, ginger, peppermint, and dill, help relax your baby's abdominal muscles and promote relaxation during bath time. The plant-based oils used instead of perfume offer a pleasant scent and aromatherapeutic effect, transforming the bath routine into a soothing experience. All ingredients in our product formula are plant-based and edible, and are prepared with ingredients as natural as those we use in our kitchens.
Organic Tummy Twinkle Roller : This practical roll-on, blended with organic oils, is specially designed to relieve gas pains when used with a baby roller . When your baby experiences gas, fussiness, or a stomachache , warm the Tummy Twinkle Roller slightly in your palm and gently massage it onto and around the belly. This product helps little ones feel more comfortable. Its practical roll-on shape makes it easy to carry in your bag and apply whenever needed. Containing organic oils of almost edible purity, it's a safe option for your baby's sensitive skin.
The Tummy Twinkle Bath Bomb and Tummy Twinkle Roller are gentle products designed to provide natural relief for little ones experiencing gas pains. By incorporating these products into your regular bath and massage routine, you can help your baby cope with gas pains more comfortably. Remember, every baby's needs may vary; while these natural methods and products generally provide relief, it's best to consult a pediatrician for severe or prolonged gas pains. This will ensure your baby's health and ensure they get through the gas pains as comfortably as possible.