Bottle feeding a gassy baby: what helps
All babies swallow some air when they feed. A few small changes in how you hold the bottle and pace the feed can make feeds calmer for both of you.
Why babies get gassy
Babies swallow air when they feed, cry or suck quickly, and their digestive systems are still maturing. Some gas and fussiness is normal in the first months and usually improves by three to four months. The goal is to reduce how much air goes in, and help what does go in come out.
Small changes that help
- Hold your baby more upright, with the head higher than the tummy, rather than lying flat.
- Tilt the bottle so milk fills the nipple completely. Your baby should be drinking milk, not sucking air.
- Check the flow. A nipple that's too fast can cause gulping, coughing and milk leaking from the mouth. One that's too slow can cause frustration and extra sucking. Most newborns start on a slow-flow nipple.
- Burp partway through. Try burping every 2 to 3 ounces, or when your baby pauses or turns away, not only at the end.
- Try paced bottle feeding. Hold the bottle more horizontal, let your baby draw the nipple in, and lower the bottle every few sucks for a short break. This lets your baby control the pace, and many breastfed babies prefer it.
- Don't wait until your baby is frantic. Early hunger cues include rooting, sucking on hands and smacking lips. A very hungry, crying baby gulps more air.
Burping positions to try
- Upright on your shoulder, with gentle pats or rubs on the back.
- Sitting on your lap, leaning slightly forward, with your hand supporting the chest and chin.
- Lying tummy-down across your lap, with the head supported.
What we mention
Choosing a bottle
There's no single best bottle. Look for one that is easy to take apart and clean thoroughly, with a nipple your baby latches onto well. Glass bottles are heavier but easy to clean and don't absorb odors. Many families try two or three types before finding the one their baby prefers. Buy one or two of a style before committing to a full set.
Formula and preparation
If you use formula, mix it exactly as the label directs. Adding too much or too little water can be harmful. Shaking powdered formula can add bubbles, so let it settle for a minute or swirl it instead. Don't switch formulas for gas without talking with your pediatrician first.
Colic or something else?
Colic is often described as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, in an otherwise healthy baby. It usually peaks around six weeks and eases by three to four months. It's exhausting. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely in the crib and take a few minutes to breathe. Never shake a baby.
When to call the pediatrician
Call if your baby:
- Cries for long stretches and can't be soothed.
- Isn't feeding well or gaining weight.
- Vomits forcefully, or spits up green or bloody fluid.
- Has a fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher in babies under three months is urgent).
- Has blood in the stool, or seems unusually sleepy or floppy.
