When a newborn is gassy but not pooping, it can be a source of worry for parents. Understanding the reasons behind these symptoms and knowing how to respond can help alleviate parental anxiety and provide relief for the baby. This article offers insights into why newborns experience gas and infrequent bowel movements, along with practical steps to address these issues.
Why Newborns Get Gassy and Don’t Always Poop
Newborns frequently experience gas due to their developing digestive systems learning to process milk efficiently. Air swallowing during feeding or crying also contributes to gas buildup. Normal gut bacteria digesting milk or formula also produce gas as a byproduct. These factors often lead to discomfort, expressed through fussiness or squirming.
The frequency of bowel movements in newborns can vary widely. While some breastfed babies may poop after every feeding in the early weeks, their frequency can decrease significantly after six weeks, sometimes to once or twice a week, which is normal if stools remain soft. Formula-fed babies typically have more regular bowel movements, often daily. True constipation in infants is characterized by hard, dry, or pebble-like stools, straining to pass a bowel movement, or a firm and bloated belly.
Overfeeding can also contribute to gas and discomfort because a baby’s immature system may struggle to digest excessive milk. When babies consume too much, they may swallow additional air, worsening gas symptoms. While limited scientific evidence directly links specific foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet to infant gas, some babies might show sensitivity to certain proteins, such as dairy, which can pass into breast milk and cause fussiness or gassiness.
Simple Ways to Provide Relief
Gentle interventions can help soothe a gassy baby and encourage bowel movements. Burping your baby frequently during and after feedings helps release swallowed air. Burp them over your shoulder or sitting upright on your lap, gently patting their back. If a burp doesn’t come immediately, lay the baby down for a minute and try again.
Physical movements can also aid gas expulsion. Laying your baby on their back and gently moving their legs in a bicycling motion helps push trapped gas through the intestines. Supervised tummy time, even for short periods, applies gentle pressure to the abdomen, facilitating gas release. A gentle abdominal massage, using circular motions in a clockwise direction, can stimulate digestion and move gas along.
A warm bath can offer comfort by relaxing your baby’s abdominal muscles, easing gas pains. Ensuring proper feeding positions is an effective strategy. Holding your baby in a more upright position during feeding helps milk settle at the bottom of the stomach, allowing air to rise for easier burping. Keeping them upright for about 30 minutes after feeding supports digestion and reduces gas.
When to Worry and Seek Medical Help
While gas and infrequent bowel movements are common in newborns, certain signs suggest it is time to consult a pediatrician. Seek medical attention if your baby exhibits any of the following:
- Fever, particularly a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher in infants younger than 12 weeks.
- Projectile vomiting, especially if it occurs frequently.
- Blood in your baby’s stool.
- Extreme fussiness or inconsolable crying that lasts for several hours a day, despite attempts at soothing.
- Signs of dehydration, such as a lack of wet diapers (fewer than 4-6 in 24 hours for older newborns) or a refusal to feed for several hours.
- A swollen or very firm belly, along with persistent symptoms that do not improve with home remedies.
- Not gaining weight adequately or appearing lethargic.
- Constipation that does not resolve with gentle home interventions or is accompanied by any of the above warning signs.
These symptoms may indicate more significant digestive issues or other health concerns requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.
Tips for Reducing Gas in the Future
Preventative strategies can minimize future gas and discomfort. For bottle-fed babies, using a paced feeding method allows the infant to control the flow of milk, reducing the amount of air swallowed. Selecting anti-colic bottles, designed with special vents to minimize air ingestion, are beneficial. Exploring different nipple flow rates help ensure milk flows at an appropriate pace.
For breastfeeding infants, ensuring a proper latch prevents excessive air intake during nursing. A good latch helps the baby feed efficiently and reduces gulping. Feeding your baby before they become overly hungry and frantic reduces the likelihood of gulping air. Avoiding overfeeding, by recognizing fullness cues, helps prevent digestive overload and gas.
Some breastfeeding mothers observe their diet for potential triggers, though direct links are not always clear. Some mothers find temporarily eliminating certain foods like dairy, soy, or gassy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage) can help if correlated with fussiness. Discuss any significant dietary changes with a healthcare professional.