You have indicated that

Your baby seems to have a lot of gas.

What you can do

To help relieve her gas pain:

• Massage her tummy.

• Hold her in your arm, facedown, using your hand to apply gentle pressure on her tummy.

• Bounce her gently, as if she were on a car ride or in a bouncy seat.

• Some doctors recommend over-the-counter drops (simethicone) or gripe water to make it easier your baby to expel the gas. This works for some babies. Use as needed, or before each feeding.

To prevent gas:

• Because crying causes her to suck in air, feed your baby before hunger causes her to cry.

• Try frequent burping to keep your baby from swallowing too much air when feeding; it prevents air from entering her digestive system. Burp her after every ounce during bottle-feeding, and every five minutes during breastfeeding. If she doesn't burp after a few minutes, change her position and try a few minutes more.

• Try using a different bottle or nipple that may cause less air to be swallowed while she is feeding. There are many varieties; you may need some trial and error.

• Breastfeeding moms can try eliminating some vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, and some fruits, which may cause gas in your baby.

• Ask your health care professional if your baby may be sensitive to lactose, which can cause gas in babies. Lactose intolerance in babies is usually temporary. It's a situation in which the intestine, while still developing, has trouble digesting and absorbing lactose. Changing to a lactose-free formula may help.

If the recommendations above do not reduce your baby's gas, discuss it with your health care professional.

You have indicated that...

Your baby seems to have a lot of gas

What you can do

To help relieve her gas pain:

• Massage his tummy

• Hold him in your arm, facedown, using your hand to apply gentle pressure on his tummy

• Bounce him gently, as if he were on a car ride or in a bouncy seat.

• Some doctors recommend over-the-counter drops or gripe water to make it easier for your baby to expel the gas

To prevent gas:

• Because crying causes him to suck in air, feed your baby before hunger causes him to cry

• Try frequent burping to keep your baby from swallowing too much air when feeding (prevents air from entering his digestive system) burping him after every ounce during bottle-feeding, and every five minutes during breastfeeding (if he doesn't burp after a few minutes, change his position and try a few minutes more)

• Try using a different bottle or nipple that may cause less air to be swallowed while he is feeding (There are many varieties; you may need some trial and error)

• Breastfeeding moms can try eliminating some vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, and some fruits, which may cause gas in your baby

• Ask your health care professional if your baby may be sensitive to lactose, which can cause gas in babies (Lactose intolerance in babies is a situation (usually temporary) in which the intestine, while still developing, has trouble digesting and absorbing lactose) changing to a lactose-free formula may help

If the recommendations above do not reduce your baby's gas, discuss it with your health care professional.

You have indicated that...

Your baby is experiencing normal behavior and symptoms

What you can do

Babies can experience bouts of crying, fussiness, and spit-up from time to time. If you're still uncertain about your baby's behavior, please contact your health care professional.

What causes gas?

There are two likely causes of gas. 1) It's a natural part of digestion, occurring when food is broken down. 2) It occurs when your baby swallows air during feeding or crying. If the air is not burped back up, it can get trapped in his digestive tract.

Signs of gas?

He may have gas if he:

• Shows excessive fussiness during and after feedings

• Pulls his legs toward his chest

• Appears bloated

If the recommendations above do not reduce your baby's gas, or you are still worried about your baby, discuss it with your health care professional.