Babies struggle to pass gas on their own because their abdominal muscles are still developing and they spend most of their time lying on their backs. The good news: a few simple physical techniques can help move trapped gas through your baby’s digestive system in minutes. Here’s what actually works.
Why Babies Need Help Passing Gas
Adults shift positions constantly throughout the day, which naturally moves gas along the intestines. Babies can’t do that. They’re stuck in whatever position you place them in, and their core muscles aren’t strong enough to generate the internal pressure that pushes gas out. They also swallow air during every feeding and crying spell, which adds up fast.
On top of that, a newborn’s gut is still being colonized by bacteria that help break down food. Until that microbiome matures over the first several months of life, digestion produces more gas than it will later. This is completely normal, but it means your baby may need a little mechanical assistance to get comfortable.
Bicycle Legs
This is the most widely recommended technique, and it works because it mimics the natural abdominal compression that moves gas through the intestines. Lay your baby on their back on a flat surface. Hold both feet in your hands and gently move their legs in slow circular motions, as if they were pedaling a bicycle. You can also bend both knees and gently press them toward the belly, hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat for a minute or two.
You’ll often hear (or feel) gas release within the first 30 seconds. If not, try alternating legs instead of moving both together. The key is gentle, steady pressure. Don’t force the knees hard into the abdomen.
Tummy Time as Gas Relief
Tummy time does double duty. The pressure of your baby’s own body weight against the floor or mat compresses the abdomen and helps push gas out. Place your baby on their stomach on a firm surface while they’re awake and you’re watching. Even a few minutes can get things moving. This works especially well after a feeding, once you’ve burped them and waited a bit for the milk to settle.
If your baby resists tummy time on the floor, lay them tummy-down across your lap instead. The slight curve of your thighs creates gentle pressure on their belly, and the warmth of your body can help relax their abdominal muscles.
The Belly Massage
A technique called the I Love U massage follows the natural path of the large intestine to push gas toward the exit. You’ll trace three letter shapes on your baby’s belly, always using firm but comfortable pressure with your fingertips. Wait at least 30 minutes after a feeding before trying this.
- The “I” stroke: Start just below the left rib cage and slide straight down toward the left hip. Repeat 10 times.
- The “L” stroke: Start below the right rib cage, slide across to the left rib cage, then down to the left hip. Repeat 10 times.
- The “U” stroke: Start at the right hip, slide up to the right rib cage, across to the left rib cage, then down to the left hip. Repeat 10 times.
Each stroke follows the direction food travels through the colon, so you’re essentially helping gas along its natural route. Use a small amount of baby-safe oil or lotion to reduce friction.
Burping Positions That Work
Gas in the upper digestive tract (swallowed air) needs to come up, not down. If your baby seems uncomfortable during or right after a feeding, try burping them before switching to the leg and massage techniques.
The most effective position for stubborn burps is laying your baby face-down across your lap. Support their chin with one hand, keeping their airway clear, and gently rub or pat their back with the other. The slight pressure on their stomach helps force air upward. Whatever position you use, keep their tummy and back straight rather than curled up, which gives the air a clear path out.
If the standard over-the-shoulder burp isn’t producing results, try sitting your baby upright on your lap. Lean them slightly forward, supporting their chest and chin with one hand, and pat with the other. Sometimes the change in angle is all it takes.
What About Gas Drops?
Simethicone drops are the most commonly sold over-the-counter remedy for infant gas. They work by combining small gas bubbles into larger ones that are theoretically easier to pass. However, the clinical evidence is not encouraging. A systematic review published in BMJ Open found moderate to low quality evidence showing no benefit from simethicone. Multiple studies concluded there was either no difference compared to placebo or, in some cases, a worsening of symptoms. Several clinical guidelines now recommend physical contact and continued breastfeeding over simethicone.
This doesn’t mean the drops are harmful for most babies. They’re generally considered safe. But if you’re spending money on them and not seeing results, the research suggests the physical techniques described above are a better use of your time.
Rectal Gas Tubes
Products like the Windi (a small catheter inserted into the rectum to release trapped gas) have gained popularity on social media. While some parents swear by them, health professionals urge caution. An NHS trust advisory flagged several concerns: the risk of causing inflammation, bleeding, or pain during insertion, the possibility of introducing infection, and the chance that using the device could mask underlying conditions like cow’s milk protein allergy or reflux that mimic gas symptoms. If you’re considering one, talk to your pediatrician first.
Does Your Diet Affect Your Baby’s Gas?
If you’re breastfeeding, you’ve probably heard that eating broccoli, beans, or spicy food will make your baby gassy. The evidence doesn’t support this. According to Texas Children’s Hospital, there are no specific foods that have been proven to cause gas in breastfed infants. Spicy foods, in particular, have not been shown to cause discomfort in nursing babies. Many mothers report that foods like kale, onions, garlic, and peppers seem to cause fussiness, but just as many babies tolerate these foods without any issues.
The one exception with real evidence behind it: cow’s milk protein. It’s the most commonly reported food substance linked to gas and fussiness in newborns. If your baby seems consistently uncomfortable and the physical techniques aren’t helping, try eliminating dairy from your diet for two to three weeks to see if symptoms improve. Soy is the second most common allergen for infants.
Signs That Gas Isn’t the Problem
Normal infant gas causes fussiness, a hard or bloated-looking belly, squirming, and pulling the legs up. It comes and goes, and your baby is otherwise feeding well and gaining weight. But certain symptoms point to something more serious, like a bowel obstruction, which requires immediate medical attention. Watch for vomiting (especially green or forceful), a visibly swollen and tight abdomen, complete inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, loss of appetite or refusal to feed, and fever. If your baby has any combination of these, get them seen right away.