If your baby is crying, pulling up their legs, arching their back, or seems uncomfortable after feeds, trapped gas may be the reason. You have tried everything- feeding him, burping him, rocking him to sleep—but nothing seems to help. Baby gas is extremely common during the first few months and can cause fussiness, bloating, and colic-like symptoms.
As a mother of two, I experienced this firsthand with my son Megh, who struggled with gas and colic during his newborn days. He was a colicky baby who cried every evening from 7 PM to 10 PM for nearly six weeks. Not knowing how to soothe him was one of the most challenging parts of early motherhood.
Over time, through a lot of trial and error, I discovered a few remedies that helped ease his discomfort and made those long evenings a little easier for all of us.
If your baby is going through something similar, these are some remedies you may find helpful.
Here are some tried and tested methods to help ease the gas.
1. Colic Drops
Many pediatricians prescribe colic drops to help relieve baby gas and colic symptoms.
⚠️Always consult your baby’s doctor before giving any medication.
2. Gentle Oil Massage
A gentle tummy and body massage with cold pressed coconut oil can help remove trapped gas, improve circulation, and may aid digestion.
3. Exercises to ease Tummy Discomfort
These simple movements can help release trapped gas:
A. Bicycle Legs
Gently move your baby’s legs as if riding a bicycle.
➡️ 10 repetitions
B. Knees to Tummy
Bend both legs toward the tummy, hold briefly, and release.
➡️ 10 repetitions
C. Toes to Forehead
Gently straighten the legs and bring the feet toward the forehead.
➡️ 10 repetitions
Personally, I found the bicycle exercise and toes-to-forehead stretch the most effective.
4. Warm Compress
A warm compress is an age-old and effective remedy to help relieve gas-related discomfort
➡️ Use a warm heating pad or a clean cloth warmed on a tawa.
A warm herbal potli can also help provide comfort digestive comfort and gas relief
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⚠️ Always check the temperature on your wrist before applying it to your baby.
5. Tummy Roll-on
I have personally used Mothersparsh’s tummy roll-on. It contains hing (asafoetida) and saunf (fennel) oil, both known for gas relief.
➡️ Apply it in a clockwise direction around the tummy and gently massage for a few minutes.
➡️ Can be used 2–3 times a day when your baby seems uncomfortable.
6. Hing water
Mix a pinch of hing (asafoetida) with warm water and apply it around the baby’s navel.
➡️ Gently massage in a clockwise direction for a few minutes.
➡️ Traditionally used to help relieve gas and bloating.
7. Tummy time
One of the best ways to prevent gas buildup is giving your baby regular tummy time.
You can start tummy time after the umbilical cord stump falls off and the bellybutton is healed within 1-2 weeks of birth.
➡️ Place your baby on their tummy on a firm surface for 3–5 minutes several times a day.
➡️ Ideally, do this 30–45 minutes after feeding.
➡️ If your baby tends to spit up frequently, wait about an hour after feeds.
⚠️ Always supervise tummy time. Never leave your baby unattended.
Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. These remedies helped my son Megh during his colicky days and may help provide relief if your baby struggles with gas or tummy discomfort. If symptoms are severe or persistent, always consult your pediatrician.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BABIES
How do I know if my baby has gas?
Bloated tummy
Arching back while crying
Pulling legs towards tummy
Passing gas frequently
Excessive crying
Do breastfed babies also get gas?
Yes, both breastfed or formula fed babies can get gas
What is the fastest way to relieve gas in babies?
Tummy massage- Warm compress – Exercise
What are the ways to prevent gas?
Burp in between and after the feed
Give tummy time as per age
Do not overfeed or feed to quickly
Look at your diet