The side-lying position is a popular breastfeeding technique, often favored for nighttime feedings because both the mother and baby lie on their sides, tummy-to-tummy, allowing the parent to rest while the infant nurses. The perception that this feeding position causes increased gas or fussiness is a common concern among new parents. Examining the biomechanics of this position and the actual causes of infant gastrointestinal discomfort helps to clarify this relationship.
Evaluating the Side-Lying Position and Air Intake
The side-lying position itself is generally not a direct cause of a baby swallowing air and becoming gassy. Air intake during nursing is primarily a function of the baby’s latch on the breast, not the mother’s horizontal orientation. When the baby is correctly positioned, the side-lying technique encourages a deep latch, which creates a tight seal around the areola, preventing air from being gulped along with the milk. While the side-lying position is fully horizontal, a proper alignment of the baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line keeps the airway relatively open, which is conducive to better swallowing and digestion. The position’s effect on gas is less about the orientation and more about the quality of the baby’s seal on the breast.
Primary Reasons Gas Occurs During Nursing
The majority of gas problems in breastfed babies stem from factors unrelated to the specific feeding position.
One of the most common causes is a poor or shallow latch, which allows the baby to suck in air around the nipple along with the milk. This swallowed air gets trapped in the digestive system, leading to discomfort and fussiness.
Another frequent cause is a fast letdown or an oversupply of milk, which forces the baby to gulp rapidly to manage the flow. This rapid, forceful swallowing leads to the ingestion of air as the baby struggles to keep pace with the volume of milk.
Gas is also often a normal and temporary part of a newborn’s development, as their gastrointestinal system is still immature. This immaturity means the baby’s gut flora and digestive enzymes are still developing, which naturally leads to gas production regardless of feeding technique.
In some cases, specific components in the mother’s diet can contribute to infant gas, though this is less common than latch or flow issues. Certain foods, like dairy products, soy, or cruciferous vegetables, can pass compounds into the breast milk that a sensitive baby may struggle to digest. Cow’s milk protein is the most frequently reported dietary substance to cause gas and fussiness.
Practical Strategies for Reducing Infant Gas
Parents can implement several practical strategies to reduce the likelihood of gas, regardless of the feeding position used.
The first step involves checking the baby’s latch to ensure a deep, wide mouth opening and a tight seal on the breast. The baby should take in a significant portion of the areola, not just the nipple, which minimizes air entry. If a fast letdown is suspected, parents can try hand expressing a small amount of milk before latching the baby, allowing the initial forceful spray to pass.
Burping the baby frequently during the feed is an effective technique to release swallowed air before it travels further into the intestines. Try burping when switching breasts or mid-feed if the baby shows signs of discomfort. After the feeding is complete, holding the baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes assists gravity in encouraging gas to rise.
Gentle physical movements can also help move existing gas through the baby’s system. Laying the baby on their back and gently bicycling their legs can mechanically encourage the gas to pass. Gentle tummy massage in a clockwise direction can aid in relieving trapped air. Tummy time, done about 30 minutes after a feeding, puts mild pressure on the abdomen that can also help expel gas.