Fussiness and Gas in Babies
Gas is common in babies and while it may not always be an indicator of a serious concern, it can nevertheless make your little one uncomfortable and fussy. Let's explore some possible connections between fussiness and gas in babies and what could help ease your little one's irritability.
Explore Fussiness and Gas Articles
How can you calm a fussy baby and manage their discomfort? What should you ask your pediatrician? What are some tips to help a baby with gas? Explore our fussiness and gas resources for tips to help your baby feel better and turn those cries into sweet coos.
Why might my baby be so fussy and gassy?
A common cause of gassiness is swallowing air while feeding, but excessive gas and fussiness could also be related to:
All babies may experience some gas and often the gas itself is not harmful. Those little burps and bouts of flatulence are expected as your little one's digestive system develops and improves its ability to break down foods. Infants typically outgrow the gassy stage by six months.1
Does fussiness and gas mean there could be a feeding issue?
In many cases, a baby's gas and fussiness can be related to feeding issues, such as:
- Sucking in too much air or gulping too much formula at once while bottle feeding
- A still-developing digestive system that could be making their tiny tummy more sensitive
- An allergy or food sensitivity to something in the breastfeeding mom's diet
- A sensitivity or allergy to cow's milk-based formulas
When to call your doctor: You'll want to call your healthcare provider if your baby isn't gaining weight or has excessive gas and fussiness accompanied by other issues such as reflux, diarrhea, or white, red or black colored stool. These indications could be related to a potential cow's milk protein allergy or other medical condition.
What can I feed my baby if they are fussy and gassy?
If you're feeding your baby formula, your doctor may suggest switching to one designed to ease gas issues, such as Enfamil Gentlease or Enfamil Enspire Gentlease. If your baby has cow's milk protein allergy or lactose sensitivity, your doctor may advise using a hypoallergenic formula or a formula specially designed for lactose sensitivity. If you're breastfeeding, continue to do so but try to identify if there are certain foods in your own diet that could be contributing to your little one's gas troubles.
Why Enfamil Gentlease?
What is Enfamil Gentlease?
Why Enspire Gentlease?
What is Enspire Gentlease?
Explore Other Feeding Issues
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†Among pediatricians recommending a brand