With the birth of a new baby come many new challenges. If you’re a first-time parent, these new experiences might seem a bit more overwhelming and scary than they appear when you’ve raised a child or two before. Experience makes it easier to deal with parenting situations, but sleep deprivation piled on top of situations you’ve never encountered before can bewilder you. Don’t let your infant’s gas issues bring you down.
Hold your baby close
When your infant seems to be suffering from gas, one way to help relieve the baby’s gas pain is to hold him or her close to your body in a straight position. This can help to calm the stomach and make your son or daughter feel better. The closeness to you should also calm your infant’s fears. Being patted on the back can help relieve some of the gas.
Burp the baby during and after feedings
One thing many new parents forget to do is burp the baby correctly. It’s not something you do only after your little one is done with a feeding. You should stop the baby halfway through each feeding and help him or her to burp, as well. This prevents excess gas buildup inside, easing potential pain and making it more bearable to enjoy the second half of mealtime.
A back massage
You’re not the only one who benefits from a nice back massage. When your infant is fussy due to infant gas, try laying him or her across your lap and rubbing the back continuously. This often relieves the pain and discomfort caused by gas, and eases your baby’s crying to soothe him or her right to sleep.
Gas drops
Gas drops are commonly used by parents and recommended by pediatricians. They are typically made of natural ingredients that help to break down gas and make babies feel better. If your child suffers from gas on a regular basis and physical care methods like those above don’t work, try a gas drop. Baby gas can be disconcerting. As a parent, you want to do all you can to comfort your baby and provide a pain-free life. However, you can’t always do that without a little extra help. Gas is common and natural in babies. Understanding this and recognizing that you can do several things to help relieve your infant’s gas pains will make both your lives easier. While prevention is best, sometimes gas simply can’t be avoided.