How to Release Gas in Newborn: An Evidence-Based Patient Guide

To release gas in a newborn, pause for gentle burping during and after feeds, keep the baby upright while awake, and try calm bicycle-leg or tummy massage movements. Gas is common while feeding skills and digestion mature, but persistent distress or concerning symptoms should be assessed by a clinician.

Overview: how to release gas in newborn

To release gas in a newborn, caregivers can pause to burp the baby during and after feeds, hold the baby upright against the chest while awake, and use slow bicycle-leg movements or a gentle clockwise tummy massage. These measures may help swallowed air move upward as a burp or through the bowel as a fart, without causing discomfort.

Newborns commonly swallow air while crying or feeding. Their digestive system and feeding coordination are still developing, so grunting, squirming, drawing up the legs, and passing gas can occur even in healthy babies. Gas is often uncomfortable for a short time, but it does not usually mean that a parent has done anything wrong or that the baby has a serious digestive problem.

The aim is not to make a baby burp after every feed at all costs. Some babies burp easily, some pass gas lower down, and some do not burp despite being comfortable. Gentle techniques, careful observation, and safe sleep practices are more useful than repeated or vigorous attempts to force gas out.

How to immediately relieve gas in newborn?

When a newborn seems gassy, first check for simple needs such as hunger, a wet diaper, being too warm or cold, or tiredness. If the baby has just fed, place them upright against an adult’s chest with the head and neck supported. Gently pat or rub the upper back for several minutes; a slow, steady rub is often as effective as patting.

If the baby remains unsettled, lay them on their back on a firm, safe surface while fully awake and supervised. Move the legs slowly in a cycling motion, then gently bring both knees toward the tummy and release. A light clockwise massage around the abdomen may also be soothing. Stop if the baby seems uncomfortable, and never press firmly on the abdomen.

Calm movement can help as well. Carrying the baby upright, offering a quiet cuddle, or using supervised tummy time while the baby is awake may ease fussiness and encourage movement of trapped air. For sleep, however, babies should always be placed flat on their backs on a firm sleep surface, even if they seem gassy or have reflux.

• Burp gently during and after feeding.
• Keep the baby upright while awake for a short period after a feed.
• Try bicycle legs or gentle tummy massage when the baby is awake.
• Use a calm environment and avoid overstimulation when the baby is already crying.

How to get gas out of an infant: feeding and burping technique

Reducing swallowed air can be as helpful as trying to release gas afterward. During bottle feeds, hold the bottle at an angle that keeps the nipple full of milk and use a nipple flow that is appropriate for the baby’s age and feeding ability. A flow that is too fast may lead to gulping, coughing, and more air swallowing; a flow that is too slow may cause frustration and prolonged sucking.

For breastfeeding, a comfortable, deep latch can reduce air intake. Painful feeding, clicking sounds, frequent slipping off the breast, or repeated coughing may indicate that feeding technique needs review. A pediatric clinician, midwife, or lactation professional can assess feeding and offer individualized support.

Burping may be tried when switching breasts, midway through a bottle, and at the end of the feed. Three common positions are upright over the shoulder, sitting supported on an adult’s lap with the chest and head supported, or lying face-down across an adult’s lap with the head slightly elevated and supported. Caregivers should use gentle rubbing or patting and should never shake a baby, bounce them vigorously, or use pressure on the stomach.

Parents should avoid changing breast milk intake or infant formula repeatedly for gas alone unless advised by a clinician. Food allergy, lactose-related conditions, reflux, and other causes may sometimes need evaluation, but ordinary gas is very common and does not by itself prove that a particular food or formula is the cause.

When does gassiness peak in newborns?

Gassiness and evening fussiness often become more noticeable during the first several weeks of life. Crying commonly increases from around 2 weeks of age, may be most intense around 6 to 8 weeks, and generally improves gradually over the following months as the infant’s nervous system, digestion, and feeding patterns mature.

Every baby is different. Some have frequent visible gas but remain content, while others become unsettled before passing gas. Symptoms may be more noticeable later in the day because babies are tired, stimulation has accumulated, and crying itself can lead to more air swallowing.

Although gas can accompany crying, it is not always the main cause. Babies may cry because of normal developmental fussiness, hunger, tiredness, a need for comfort, or difficulty settling. Keeping a brief diary of feeds, sleep, crying, stools, and soothing measures can help families and clinicians identify patterns without assuming that every episode is caused by gas.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for colic?

The “3-3-3 rule” is a traditional description of infant colic: crying or fussing for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. Clinicians may also use broader criteria that focus on recurrent, prolonged crying that is difficult for caregivers to soothe and has no clear medical explanation.

Colic usually begins in the early weeks of life, often peaks around 6 to 8 weeks, and improves by about 3 to 4 months for many infants. It can be exhausting and emotionally difficult for families, but it is not caused by poor parenting. Gas may be present during colic, yet treatments aimed only at gas do not consistently resolve colic.

Supportive care is central: feed responsively, use calm soothing routines, share caregiving when possible, and take a brief safe break if frustration rises. A baby should always be placed safely on their back in a cot or bassinet before a caregiver steps away. Persistent crying should be discussed with a pediatric clinician to rule out illness, feeding concerns, or other treatable causes.

Safe options, expected recovery, and what to avoid

There is no procedure required for most newborn gas. The practical approach works by limiting extra air swallowed during feeding and allowing normal body movement to help air travel through the digestive tract. Newborns who are otherwise feeding, growing, urinating, and stooling normally generally need reassurance and gentle comfort measures rather than tests or medication.

Relief may occur within minutes if the baby burps or passes gas, but a baby may remain fussy despite appropriate burping. Developmental gassiness and crying usually improve gradually over weeks to months rather than disappearing after a single technique. A calm, consistent routine is often more helpful than trying many remedies in quick succession.

Gas drops containing simethicone are used by some families, but evidence that they improve typical infant colic is limited. Probiotics may help in selected breastfed infants with colic, but the effect depends on the product and is not established for every baby. Parents should ask a pediatric clinician before giving any medicine, probiotic, herbal preparation, gripe water, tea, or supplement to a newborn.

Potential risks mainly come from unsafe remedies rather than from gas itself. Avoid inserting rectal devices unless a clinician specifically recommends and explains their use, as this can cause injury or mask an underlying problem. Avoid home treatments containing alcohol, honey, sugar, herbs, or essential oils. Honey must not be given to infants under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

When to seek medical care

Parents should contact a pediatric clinician promptly if a newborn has persistent crying that is unusual for them, feeding difficulty, repeated vomiting, poor weight gain, diarrhea, blood or mucus in stool, constipation with marked distress, or fewer wet diapers than expected. These signs do not necessarily mean a serious condition, but they warrant professional assessment rather than assuming gas is the cause.

Urgent medical assessment is needed for a baby younger than 3 months with a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, green or bloody vomit, a hard or markedly swollen belly, breathing difficulty, bluish color, extreme sleepiness, a weak cry, or inability to feed. Caregivers should seek emergency help if they are worried that the baby is seriously unwell.

For ongoing concerns, a pediatric evaluation can review growth, hydration, stooling, feeding technique, reflux symptoms, and possible allergy or infection. Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists and JCI-accredited hospitals can assess feeding and digestive concerns for international patients when specialist care is needed.

Caregivers should also seek support for themselves. Caring for a frequently crying baby can be stressful; asking a trusted person to help, resting when possible, and speaking with a healthcare professional can protect both caregiver wellbeing and infant safety.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a newborn be burped?

A newborn can be burped during natural pauses in feeding and again after the feed. Bottle-fed babies may benefit from a pause every few minutes or when changing sides, while breastfed babies may be burped when switching breasts. If the baby is comfortable and does not burp after a few gentle minutes, it is reasonable to stop.

Can a newborn sleep on their side or stomach to help gas?

No. Babies should be placed on their backs for every sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface without loose bedding or positioners. Side and stomach positions may be used only briefly when the baby is awake and closely supervised, such as during tummy time.

Do bicycle legs really help newborn gas?

Slow bicycle-leg movements may help some babies relax and can support the normal movement of gas through the bowel. They are safe when done gently while the baby is awake on a stable surface. They will not treat every cause of crying, so persistent distress should be discussed with a clinician.

Is gripe water safe for newborn gas?

Gripe water products vary widely in ingredients and are not routinely recommended for newborn gas. Some preparations may contain ingredients that are unsuitable for young babies, and benefits are not well established. A pediatric clinician should be consulted before giving any over-the-counter remedy or supplement.

Can breastfeeding parents change their diet to reduce newborn gas?

Most foods eaten by a breastfeeding parent do not cause gas in the baby. Restrictive diets are usually unnecessary unless there is a clear pattern and a clinician suspects an allergy or intolerance. A healthcare professional can help assess symptoms such as eczema, blood in stool, persistent vomiting, or poor growth.

When should parents worry about gas pain in a newborn?

Gas alone is usually not dangerous, but a baby should be assessed if they have fever, green or bloody vomiting, a swollen or hard abdomen, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, blood in stool, or unusual sleepiness. Parents should also seek advice when crying is prolonged, worsening, or feels different from the baby's usual behavior.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• National Health Service
• Mayo Clinic
• HealthyChildren.org

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.