Are you worried about how to help a gassy newborn sleep? It can be hard to watch your infant suffering from gas and not know how to help them best. Don’t worry—we have some tips that can help.
If you’re a new parent, the last thing you need is to be dealing with your newborn’s excessive gas and restlessness. Your baby may seem uncomfortable, fussy, and unable to sleep due to gastrointestinal issues like trapped wind, lactose intolerance, or other digestive problems.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can help gassy newborns get some much needed shuteye! From ensuring they burp regularly and providing a stomach massage to changes in their diet and having them rest in different positions – these are all potential solutions we will explore in this blog post. Read on to learn how to help gassy newborn sleep!
What are the Common Causes of Gassy Newborns?
Many different factors can cause gassiness in newborns. Some of the common causes include:
- Eating too quickly or drinking too much milk at once.
- Swallowing air while feeding.
- Allergies to certain ingredients in breast milk or formula.
- Lactose intolerance.
- Eating foods that cause gas, such as cruciferous vegetables and certain grains.
These are all common causes of gassiness in newborns, but there could also be other reasons. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you suspect that something else might be causing the gas.
What Will You Need?
To help a gassy newborn sleep, you may need the following:
- A baby thermometer
- Natural gas relief drops
- Baby gripe water
- Baby carrier
- Massage oil
Once you have the necessary items, you can start to address how to help your gassy newborn sleep.
10 Easy Steps on How to Help Gassy Newborn Sleep
1. Positioning:
You can help your gassy baby to sleep better by having them rest in different positions. Try swaddling your baby in a burrito wrap, placing them on their stomach or side (as long as you’re not worried about SIDS), or tucking them into a comfortable, supportive sling or baby carrier. This can help to relieve the pressure from their tummy and make it easier for them to settle down and relax.
2. Diet Changes:
If your newborn is formula-fed, try switching to a lactose-free formula that is easier for babies with sensitive systems to digest. If breastfeeding, consider cutting out certain food groups like dairy and gluten that may be causing your infant discomfort. In addition, if your baby seems to be having difficulty with gas due to how quickly they’re drinking, you can try feeding them more slowly.
3. Burp Your Baby:
Having your newborn burp regularly can help reduce the amount of trapped air in their stomach and make it easier for them to sleep comfortably. Make sure you are burping your baby after each feeding session, then again halfway through and at the end if needed. Don’t forget to burp them when you switch their position as well!
4. Massage:
Giving your newborn a gentle massage can also help relieve excess gas and discomfort. Gently rub your baby’s belly in a circular motion to help release any trapped air or gas bubbles that may be causing distress. You can use oil if desired, but ensure you’re not applying too much pressure, as this could be uncomfortable for your infant.
5. Natural Gas Relief Drops:
There are a variety of natural gas relief drops that can help reduce the amount of trapped air in your baby’s digestive system and give them some much-needed relief. Ask your pediatrician which brand is best for your infant before administering any drops. Be careful to follow the dosage instructions strictly.
6. Gripe Water:
Gripe water is another helpful remedy for gassy newborns. This herbal remedy helps to calm and relax the stomach while reducing gas and abdominal pain caused by trapped air or indigestion. You can administer gripe water directly or mix it with breastmilk or formula.
7. Room Temperature:
Making sure your baby’s room is comfortable can also help them sleep better and with less fussing or gassiness. Aim for a room that’s slightly cooler than the rest of the house but not too cold, as this could cause your infant to become uncomfortable and restless. You can also use a baby thermometer to ensure your newborn’s room is at the perfect temperature.
8. Avoid Stimulants:
It’s best to avoid giving your newborn anything with caffeine or other stimulants before bedtime, as these can make it harder for them to settle down and get a good night’s sleep. This includes tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and soda – all of which should be avoided in the hours leading up to sleep time.
9. White Noise:
Playing some white noise or gentle music can be helpful in calming your baby down and helping them drift off to dreamland. You can buy a variety of white noise machines that offer relaxing sounds for your infant to enjoy, such as ocean waves, rainforest noises, and lullabies.
10. Patience:
It’s important to remember that gassy newborn sleep takes time – it doesn’t happen overnight! Be patient with your infant and try different techniques until you find the one that works best for them. With a little bit of patience and practice, you should find that how to help gassy newborn sleep is something that can be achieved with ease.
By following these tips, you should better understand how to help gassy newborns sleep and how to give your little ones the relief they need. Always consult your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby’s health or sleeping patterns. You know what’s best for your infant, so trust your instincts and keep trying different techniques until you find something that works!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Elevate the Head of the Crib. Slightly elevating the head of your baby’s crib can help reduce reflux and improve their ability to sleep comfortably. Use a pillow or rolled up blanket underneath the mattress for support.
2. Hold Your Baby Upright After Feeding. After feeding, holding your baby in an upright position for at least 30 minutes will help them digest better and can also help with gassiness.
3. Massage Your Baby’s Stomach Gently. Gently rubbing or massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction can help relieve gas pains and discomfort, which could be causing difficulty sleeping.
4. Try Over-the-counter Remedies such as infant probiotics or gripe water to relieve bloating and gas. Consult with your pediatrician before using any of these remedies.
5. Soak Your Baby’s Feet in Warm Water. This can be a great way to help relax your baby and ease any gassiness they may be experiencing. Try adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, for an added calming effect.
These tips and tricks should help you provide some relief for your gassy newborn so that they can sleep peacefully through the night. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques until you find one that works best for your baby’s individual needs.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Do not use pacifiers or bottles to soothe your baby. Gassy babies may swallow more air if they suck on a pacifier or bottle, worsening their gas.
- Avoid feeding your baby solid food too early. Introducing solid foods before four months of age can cause excessive gas in some babies and should be avoided unless a doctor recommends it.
- Do not overfeed your baby. Overfeeding can lead to excess gas and indigestion problems in newborns, which can interfere with their sleep patterns and make them fussy.
- Limit the number of dairy products in your diet while breastfeeding if you notice that it is causing an increase in gas for your baby. Dairy products can cause excessive gas in some babies and should be avoided if possible.
- Do not give your baby a car ride to sleep. Car rides can increase the air your baby swallows, making their gas worse and making it more difficult for them to fall asleep.
Avoiding these five things can help your gassy newborn sleep and be more comfortable. If the problem persists or worsens, consult a doctor to find out how best to help your baby.
And remember – it’s ok to take breaks when you need them! You are doing an amazing job taking care of your gassy newborn. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can help make their nights (and yours) much more restful.
Conclusion
If your newborn is suffering from gas, there are a few things you can do to help ease their discomfort and allow them to sleep through the night. Burp them frequently, hold them upright for 30 minutes after feedings, try different positions for sleeping, and massage their tummies. You can also give them gripe water or infant probiotics to help with any stomachaches they may be experiencing. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll find what works best for your baby, and soon they’ll be sleeping soundly through the night.
Hopefully, the article on how to help gassy newborn sleep has been helpful in providing you with some useful strategies to help your baby rest easier. Remember, if the problem persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a doctor. With the right tools and guidance, your newborn will sleep peacefully like an angel in no time! Good luck!
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