Gas (flatulence or trapped air) is a normal part of the digestive process for children of all ages. This buildup of air in the digestive tract can manifest as burping, bloating, or passing gas, often leading to temporary fussiness or discomfort in infants and toddlers. While the experience can be unsettling for a parent, most instances of gassiness are brief and resolve on their own.
Why Gas Builds Up in Children
Gas accumulation in a child’s digestive system results from two main mechanisms: swallowing air (aerophagia) or the fermentation of undigested food. Swallowing air is particularly common in infants. Babies take in air while feeding, whether from an improper latch during breastfeeding or from bubbles in a bottle. They also swallow air when crying or using a pacifier.
For older children, increased air intake can occur from drinking carbonated beverages or chewing gum. The second source of gas is the normal breakdown of food by bacteria in the large intestine. This occurs when certain carbohydrates, like sugars, starches, and fiber, are not fully absorbed in the small intestine because the body lacks the specific enzymes needed to break them down.
These undigested compounds then travel to the colon, where gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas as a byproduct. Common culprits include complex sugars like raffinose, found in beans, broccoli, and cabbage, and lactose from dairy products. Consuming large amounts of fruit juice or soft drinks that contain high amounts of fructose or sorbitol can also lead to increased gas production due to poor absorption.
Simple Ways to Help Your Child Feel Better
When a child is experiencing discomfort from trapped air, simple physical methods can help move the gas through the system. For infants, burping frequently during and after feedings releases swallowed air before it moves further down the digestive tract. Positioning the baby upright over your shoulder while gently patting or rubbing their mid-back encourages a burp.
Manipulating the legs is another effective technique to apply gentle pressure to the abdomen. Lay the child on their back and move their legs in a circular, “bicycle-pedaling” motion to stimulate intestinal activity and promote the passing of gas. Alternatively, gently bend their knees and press them toward the belly for a few seconds.
A light abdominal massage can also provide relief by manually encouraging gas movement. Use two or three fingers to rub the child’s belly in a gentle, clockwise circular pattern, which follows the natural path of digestion. Placing the infant on their tummy for short, supervised sessions, known as tummy time, can also put helpful pressure on the abdomen to expel gas. Applying mild warmth, such as a warm towel on the stomach, can relax the muscles and aid comfort.
When Gas Might Be Something More Serious
While gas discomfort is usually benign, certain accompanying symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out a more involved condition. Seek professional medical attention if the gas pain is accompanied by a fever, suggesting an underlying infection, or if chronic gassiness persists. Chronic gassiness may indicate a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, or an underlying gastrointestinal issue like constipation or celiac disease.
Consult a doctor immediately if the child exhibits any of the following acute symptoms:
- Persistent, forceful vomiting, especially if it occurs regularly after eating.
- The presence of blood in the child’s stool.
- Significant changes in behavior, such as extreme lethargy or inability to be comforted.
- A visibly swollen or distended abdomen that is tender to the touch.
- Failure to pass gas or stool for a prolonged period, which could indicate an intestinal obstruction.