Baby gas – Causes and treatment
Generally, younger ones are prone to develop bloated stomach and hence, baby gas relief treatments are well known. Generally, the stomach gets bloated by having something that can create flatulence in the stomach and is hard to be digested. The weak digestive system of the babies is the main reason behind the bloating of the stomach. Baby gas can create major discomfort and hence, providing them with proper and early relief is a must. Baby gas can cause the child to have a lesser quantity of food or have no food as well. Babies generally cry and shout louder when they feel the discomfort of gas in the stomach. A number of medicines are available in the medical stores for baby gas relief.
Small and frequent meals are suggested for babies and that too maintaining a proper time is important so that bulk amount of food is not fed at a time. Feeding the baby in accordance with the diet plan is essential for baby gas relief. As babies are having weak digestive systems and the digestive organs are yet to develop fully in them, easily digestible foods must be given to them that have well-balanced nutrients. High protein is to be avoided as indigestion of such proteins can cause baby gas.
Sometimes when the problem becomes severe, consulting a doctor is a must. Doctors suggest some kind of baby drops that generally contain Simethicone, which provides baby gas relief. A light massage on the stomach and abdominal area by pressing the fingers and the palm lightly can also give baby gas relief. Lukewarm oil can be used for massage and heavy oils are strictly not allowed. Generally, burping is suggested for baby gas relief.
Gulping air while the baby is being fed is common and this is known to cause great discomfort and also causes baby gas. Hence, feeding should be done peacefully so that no extra time is taken to feed the child. Also, feeding the child too slow or too fast can harm the baby. Allowing the baby to take rest can help in preventing baby gas and can also provide baby gas relief. Foods which are easier to be chewed and swollen must be fed as harder food cannot be digested so easily, thus causing discomfort.
The baby should be held in a proper posture while they are being fed. The head is to be held higher than the stomach and this allows the slow and steady movement of the food particles into the stomach. The transformation of diet from softer and liquid food to harder and dense food is the basic reason of causing baby gas, but, a slow and steady shift can lead to baby gas relief. The breast milk fed to the baby can cause flatulence and hence, the mother’s diet is to be monitored well.
Some foods to be avoided for preventing baby gas:
- Beans
- Green leafy vegetables
- Raw and uncooked fruits and vegetable
- Bran
- Oat meal
- Prune
- Peach
- Pear
- Plum
- Apricot
Talking to the doctor or taking help from seniors can help to provide baby gas relief. Feeding the child before they are hungry can help alleviate this problem. Instead of breast feeding, when bottle feeding is practiced, extra care is to be taken about the nipple opening so that baby gas can be prevented by checking the amount of air being gulped in by the child. The stomach and abdomen can be massaged in a clockwise manner for baby gas relief. The frequency of burping is to be checked and kept in mind. And holding the baby in quite a relaxing and comfortable position, allowing the baby to have a proper posture is imperative for baby gas relief. Gastro intestinal reflux or milking should be allowed so that the extra gas can be released easily. Allergy to sudden introduction of cow’s milk can be a reason for baby gas and hence, slowly introducing new foods in smaller quantity in order to test those at first is always suggested. For baby gas relief extra care should be taken regarding new born babies and for babies who are being introduced to new food groups. The babies should be given enough time to adapt well to the changes in ambiance and food habits.