There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as seeing your tiny baby twist, squirm, and cry and not knowing how to help. For many new parents, gas pain is a common culprit. And while it’s a totally normal part of newborn development, that doesn’t make it any less distressing.
If your newborn is grunting, arching their back, clenching their little fists, or turning beet red during a cry, it could be trapped gas.
Good news? You’re not helpless. There are gentle, effective ways to relieve your baby’s gas pain, and most of them require only your touch, your time, and a little patience.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 5 tried-and-true tips to relieve your newborn’s gas pain without medications or complicated gear. Plus, you’ll learn why babies get gassy in the first place and how to prevent it in the future.
What Causes Gas Pain in Newborns?
Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand why this happens.
Newborns are just learning how to use their tiny digestive systems. Their gut flora, intestinal muscles, and coordination between eating, swallowing, and digesting are all still developing.
Some of the most common causes of gas include:
- Swallowing air while feeding or crying
- Immature digestion (the gut just isn’t efficient yet)
- Sensitivity to certain foods, especially if you’re breastfeeding
- Overfeeding or feeding too quickly
- Poor latch or bottle nipple design
So, how can you help your baby release that trapped gas without tears?
Let’s get into the five gentle methods every new parent should know.
1. Master the Art of the Baby Bicycle (Movement is Magic)
Yes, this classic move actually works.
How to do it:
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a pedalling motion as if they’re riding a tiny invisible bike. This motion helps stimulate the intestines and encourages gas bubbles to move through and out.
Why it works:
Babies can’t move much on their own. This light exercise mimics the natural movement needed to stimulate digestion and relieve pressure in the belly.
Pro Tip:
Try this after feeding (once your baby’s tummy has settled a bit) or during a fussy episode. Add a little tummy massage beforehand for extra effectiveness.
2. Try Gentle Baby Massage for Gas Relief
Massaging your baby’s tummy can work wonders, and no, you don’t need to be a professional.
How to do it:
- Lay your baby on a soft surface.
- Warm your hands with a little baby-safe oil or lotion.
- Gently rub your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion (this follows the path of digestion).
- Try the “I Love U” massage: trace the letters I, L, and U on your baby’s abdomen with gentle, rhythmic pressure.
Why it works:
These movements help stimulate bowel movements and relax tense abdominal muscles. It also soothes your baby emotionally, which can reduce crying (and more swallowed air).
Bonus benefit:
Skin-to-skin touch and massage build connection and calm, both for the baby and you.
3. Practice the Perfect Burp Technique
Not all burps are created equal. Sometimes, the problem isn’t that your baby isn’t burping—it’s that they’re not burping effectively.
Best burping positions:
- Over-the-shoulder: Hold your baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder. Gently pat or rub their back.
- Sitting up: Sit your baby on your lap, support their chest and chin with one hand, and gently pat their back with the other.
- Face-down on lap: Lay your baby tummy-down across your lap and rub their back.
When to burp:
- Mid-feed (especially if bottle-feeding)
- After every feeding session
Why it works:
Burping helps release swallowed air before it becomes trapped and painful. Even if your baby doesn’t burp every time, offering the opportunity can help reduce gas buildup.
4. Switch Up Feeding Positions to Reduce Air Swallowing
Sometimes, the way you hold your baby while feeding can either minimise or contribute to gas.
For breastfeeding:
- Try a more upright position (e.g., the “koala hold” where baby straddles your leg)
- Ensure a deep, tight latch to reduce air intake
For bottle-feeding:
- Hold the bottle at an angle that keeps the nipple full of milk—not air
- Use anti-colic bottles or slow-flow nipples to prevent gulping
Why it matters:
Less swallowed air = less gas pain. Positioning can make a major difference in how comfortable your baby feels during and after feeding.
Pro Tip:
Keep the baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding to aid digestion and minimise reflux.
5. Use Tummy Time to Your Advantage
Tummy time isn’t just for building neck strength; it can also help move gas along.
How to do it:
- Place the baby on their tummy on a soft, flat surface for a few minutes several times a day.
- Stay nearby and engage with them (talk, sing, or show toys) to make it fun.
Why it helps:
Gentle pressure on the tummy encourages trapped gas to move out of the digestive tract naturally.
Caution:
Avoid tummy time right after feeding to prevent spit-up or discomfort.
Bonus Tips: Prevention Is Powerful
Once you’ve calmed your gassy baby, here are a few proactive tips to help prevent future episodes:
- Feed before crying: A calm baby swallows less air.
- Track food sensitivities: If breastfeeding, certain foods (like dairy, broccoli, or spicy dishes) might cause gas. Try an elimination diet if needed.
- Use gas drops (with paediatrician approval): Simethicone drops are safe for most babies and can help relieve trapped bubbles.
- Check for tongue or lip ties: These can affect latch and increase air swallowing.
- Slow down feeding: Frequent pauses can help the baby catch up with their hunger signals and swallow less air.
When to Call the Paediatrician
Gas is a normal part of newborn life, but if your baby:
- Cries inconsolably for hours (colic-like symptoms)
- Has blood in their stool
- Isn’t gaining weight well
- Has severe or frequent vomiting
…it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider. These could be signs of something beyond normal gas.
Your Calm Helps Their Calm
Newborns are incredibly in tune with their parents. Your voice, your breath, your energy,rgy nd it all matters. When you’re calm, they can relax too. Remember, you’re doing a beautiful job, even on the hard days.
Whether you’re cycling little legs or softly massaging a tiny belly, you’re offering the greatest relief of all: your presence, your care, your love.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Gassy newborns are incredibly common, and this phase does pass. But while you’re in it, these five gentle methods can offer real relief and a little peace for both of you.
If your baby is crying in the middle of the night and you’re Googling solutions in a sleepy haze, come back to these five steps. Save this post, share it with a fellow parent, and know that relief is absolutely possible.
