Gassy babies equals fussy babies. And if you’re a new parent, you’ve probably seen your little one squirm, arch their back, or cry after feeding. It can be distressing to watch, leaving you feeling helpless to know what to do. 

The good news? Baby gas is extremely common and often very manageable. With some simple, safe techniques, you can help your baby feel more comfortable—before, during, and after feeds.

Why Do Babies Get Gassy?

Babies have immature digestive systems and tend to swallow air while feeding, crying, or even during tummy time. That trapped air leads to bloating, discomfort, and all those all-too-familiar grunts and groans. 

Gas isn’t harmful, but it can make your baby uncomfortable, especially if it disrupts their sleep or feeding routine. In turn, this can affect you, leading to your own sleep deprivation, emotional stress, parental burnout, and many more.

7 Gentle and Expert-Approved Ways to Relieve Baby Gas

1. Burping

Burping helps release trapped air before it goes down into your baby’s tummy and causes pressure. It’s especially important for bottle-fed babies but also beneficial for breastfed babies.

Try These Burping Positions:

• Over the Shoulder: Hold your baby upright with their chin resting on your shoulder. Gently pat or rub their back.

• Sitting on Your Lap: Support their chest and chin with one hand while patting their back with the other.

• Lying Across Your Lap: Lay your baby face-down across your lap, keeping their head slightly elevated. Rub or pat their back gently.

💡 Some babies need burping mid-feed too. Watch for signs like tugging the nipple or squirming.

2. Baby Bicycles

Baby bicycles can do wonders for easing trapped gas. This movement helps stimulate digestion and encourages gas to move along the intestines, making it easier to pass. It’s also a great way to bond with your baby while giving them relief.

How to Do It:

• Lay your baby on their back on a soft, flat surface.

• Gently hold their ankles and move their legs in a bicycle (circular) motion, as if they’re pedaling. 

• Take pauses and add gentle tummy pressure with each movement. 

🚼 Best done after feeds or during fussy periods.

3. Rocking and Swaying

Rocking or swaying helps relax your baby’s entire body, and that includes the digestive system. Gentle motion supplied by bouncers and swings mimics the sensations your baby felt in the womb, offering familiar comfort and instant calm. 

Try These Motions:

• Rock in a chair or gently sway side-to-side while holding your baby upright.

• Use baby swing (if age-appropriate and supervised).

• Hold baby tummy-down along your forearm (“colic hold”) and walk or sway. 

🎵 Add a soft hum or white noise to make it even more calming.

4. Tummy Time (With a Twist)

Tummy time isn’t just for muscle development. It can also help relieve gas. Laying your baby on their stomach applies light pressure to the abdomen, which can help facilitate air along the digestive tract. The position also promotes stretching and natural movement that may ease discomfort.

How to Maximise Tummy Time for Gas Relief:

• Lay your baby tummy-down on your chest or a play mat for a few minutes.

• Gently rub their back in circular motions.

🍼 Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding to avoid spit-up.

5. Warm Compress

Warmth can be incredibly soothing for an upset tummy. Using a warm compress can relax abdominal muscles and help ease gas bubbles along. Just be sure it’s not too hot, as gentle warmth is all you need to provide relief.

How to Use:

• Soak a soft cloth in warm water and wring out.

• Lay it carefully on your baby’s belly for a few minutes while supervising closely.

• Try massaging in circular motions after removing the compress.

👶 Or use a microwavable baby-safe belly wrap designed for colic. 

6. Baby Massage

Belly massage is a simple, nurturing way to help ease your baby’s gas. It stimulates movement in the intestines and sets free trapped air, all while offering your baby comfort, relaxation, and the reassurance of your touch.

Try This Sequence:

• Use gentle pressure with your fingertips.

• Trace a clockwise circle around your baby’s belly button (follow the path of the intestines). 

• Try the “I Love U” stroke: Trace an “I” on the left side, an “L” across the top and down, and a “U” across the belly.

🧴 Use a baby-safe oil or lotion to reduce friction and make it feel soothing.

7. Feeding Adjustments

Sometimes, the best gas relief starts with how your baby feeds. Small tweaks in positioning and pace can help significantly in reducing how much air your baby ingests. By preventing gas from building up in the first place, you’ll save your baby (and yourself) from discomfort and stress later.

Smart Feeding Habits:

• Upright Position: Feed your baby in a more upright position to reduce swallowed air. 

• Paced Bottle Feeding: Use slow-flow nipples and let your baby pause often.

• Check Latch: Ensure a deep latch to minimise air intake if breastfeeding.

• Bottle Angle: Keep the bottle tilted so the nipple is always full of milk, not air.

🤱🏻 Switching bottles? Speak with your paediatrician before switching to our recommended selections.

Bonus: Fixing Baby’s Clothing and Diaper Fit

Sometimes, simple things you wouldn’t suspect, like tight clothes or snug diapers can add extra pressure on your baby’s tummy, making gas discomfort worse. It’s easy to overlook, but loosening these can provide surprising relief.

What to Do:

• Choose soft, stretchy clothes that don’t constrict the belly.

• Ensure diapers aren’t fastened too tightly around the waist.

• Use breathable fabrics to keep your baby comfy and reduce irritation.

👗 Select outfits with elastic waistbands or adjustable snaps. This makes quick nappy changes easier and keeps pressure off your baby’s tummy.

When Should You Worry About Gas?

Gas is usually nothing to worry about and can often be soothed at home. Still, if your baby seems unusually fussy or the usual tricks aren’t helping, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.

Consult Your Paediatrician If:

• Your baby is not gaining weight

• They vomit frequently or forcefully

• Their stool contains blood or mucus

• They cry inconsolably for long periods

You’re Doing Great, Gas Happens

Soothing a gassy baby is one of many parenting skills you’ll grow into over time. It might take a few attempts to discover what brings your baby the most relief, and that’s okay. Gentle care, patience, and love go a long way in helping you both feel more comfortable and breathe easier.

💬 Need extra help or feeding support? Visit Mothercare Malaysia online or in-store for:

• Feeding essentials

• Colic-friendly bottles

• Stretchy and breathable baby clothing

• Advice from nursery experts

FAQs: Quick Relief for Curious Parents

Q: How often should I burp my baby?
A: Every 5–10 minutes during a feed, and again after finishing.

Q: My baby only passes gas but no stool, is that okay?
A: Yes, especially in breastfed babies. If your baby seems happy and feeds well, it's usually normal.

Q: Is gas the same as colic?
A: Not exactly. Colic is defined by extended periods of crying, but gas can be one of the causes. These methods help with both.