Baby Waking Every Two Hours With Gas: What to Do
Imagine this scenario: you've finally managed to get your baby to sleep after a long bedtime routine, only to have them wake up crying and squirming a few hours later. You check their diaper, offer them a feeding, and try rocking them back to sleep, but nothing seems to soothe them. That's when you realize the culprit—your baby has gas.
Gas troubles are a normal part of every baby's development. There are several ways you can soothe your little one’s tummy and get the whole family back to sleep. If your baby is waking every 2 hours with gas, here are a few tips.
What Causes Excessive Gas in Babies?
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion. It's perfectly normal for babies to experience an excess amount of flatulence. However, because their digestive systems are still developing, infants can have a harder time expelling gas. This leads to discomfort, fussiness, and waking up during sleep.
There are a few common reasons why babies experience excessive gas.
Digestive System Development: Your baby’s digestive system is still developing. Certain foods or even ingredients in food or formula can cause discomfort and digestive upset.
Swallowing Air: During feedings, babies often accidentally swallow air since they don’t yet have full control of their muscles. When too much air gets trapped in their tiny tummies, the air bubbles need a way to escape through burping and passing gas.
Transitioning to Solid Foods: When babies reach the developmental stage to start trying solid foods, their bodies may have difficulty digesting certain ingredients. This leads to gas buildup.
Lactose Intolerance: Some babies may have trouble digesting the lactose in breast milk or baby formula, resulting in gas and other digestive issues.
If you can’t identify the cause of your baby’s digestive struggles, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician for medical advice.
Best Sleeping Position for Babies With Gas
One simple yet effective way to help alleviate baby gas discomfort while they sleep is to pay attention to their sleeping position. Certain sleep positions relieve your baby’s flatulent belly more than others.
Back Sleeping
Always place your baby on their back to sleep. It can release trapped gas while also preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Side Sleeping
Babies who are 4-6 months or older may find relief by sleeping on their side. This position can help gas move through the digestive system more easily. While your baby might turn over on their own during sleep after 6 months, parents are advised to put their babies to bed on their backs until 12 months of age.
Positions to Relieve Gas in Babies While They’re Awake
There’s only so much you can do about your baby’s sleep position until they’re old enough to move and change positions in their crib. That said, there are several preventative actions you can take to help your baby expel excessive gas before going to sleep.
Bicycle Legs
Laying your baby on their back, gently move their legs around in a cycling motion while applying gentle pressure to their tummy. Use this as an opportunity for fun bonding time as you talk to your baby, smile at each other, and make silly sounds.
As an easier option, you can gently move your baby’s knees toward their tummy, make them straight again, and repeat. This motion can help move gas through their system.
Tummy Massage
Use your fingertips to gently massage your baby's tummy in a clockwise motion. You can also try the “I Love You” massage: gently trace the letters “I,” “L,” and “U” upside down on your baby’s belly. This can help stimulate digestion and release trapped gas.
Baby Burping
Properly burping your baby during and after feedings can help expel swallowed air and gas bubbles. Don’t skip this step—you and your baby will benefit from it.
Tummy Time
When your baby is awake and supervised, tummy time can assist in releasing gas. Follow safe sleep guidelines and never leave your baby unattended on their tummy.
Does a Warm Bottle Help with Gas?
Many parents swear by the soothing effects of a warm bottle for babies with gas. The warmth can help relax the muscles in your baby's digestive system, potentially easing discomfort and allowing trapped gas to pass more easily.
If you choose to offer a warm bottle, test the temperature carefully to avoid burning your baby's mouth. You can warm bottles by placing them in a bowl of hot water or using a bottle warmer designed for this purpose.
Other Tips for Managing Baby Gas
Manage your baby's gas with a few more techniques including:
Burp Your Baby Consistently: As mentioned, burping your baby during and after feedings can help release trapped air and gas bubbles.
Try Gas Drops: Over-the-counter gas drops containing simethicone can help break up gas bubbles, making them easier for your baby to expel.
Adjust Your Diet (if Breastfeeding): Your baby might be sensitive to something in your diet, such as dairy, cruciferous vegetables, or caffeine. Monitor your diet if breastfeeding.
Adjust Your Baby’s Diet (if Formula Feeding): If you're formula-feeding, switching to a different formula brand or type (e.g., lactose-free) may help reduce gas issues.
Stay Patient: Gas troubles can be frustrating. Try to remain calm and patient. Your baby will eventually outgrow this phase as their digestive system matures.
No matter what your baby’s digestion or sleep cycle is currently like, try keeping track of behavior and health patterns such as gas. This helps you notice different foods, routines, and other at-home factors that might contribute to bad gas.
Track Your Baby's Patterns With Baby Connect
While dealing with a gassy, frequently waking baby can be exhausting, keeping track of your little one's patterns can help you identify potential triggers and find solutions. A baby tracking app like Baby Connect can be a convenient way to track all these factors.
With Baby Connect, you can easily log your baby's feedings, sleep times, and other important details, such as gas episodes or bowel movements. Over time, you may notice patterns emerging, which can help you pinpoint potential causes of gas and adjust your approach accordingly.
By understanding your baby's unique needs and tendencies, you can work towards finding the best strategies for managing gas and promoting better sleep for the whole family. Download Baby Connect today to get started.
