Gassy Baby? Here’s What You Can Do
For a newborn baby, everything is new and an adjustment. Some adjust to their environment and food easily, while others have a tougher time. One of the first concerns for new parents can come in the form of gastric concerns such as gas problems in their newborn. While this is common and often goes away on its own, some babies may be more susceptible to them. Consulting the best pediatrician in Bangalore can be helpful in gaining an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to help your newborn better adjust.
Common Newborn Gastric Problems
A regular feeding schedule is essential for the newborn to receive all the necessary requirements for good health. Typically, babies are able to digest the food and have regular bowel movements. However, problems with digestion could lead to a newborn baby gas problem or other gastric concerns. These include:
Newborn Baby Gas
Gas is one of the most common gastric concerns in newborns. Often, it goes away on its own but it can be uncomfortable for the child affecting their sleep patterns. Common causes of gas in babies include excess crying, swallowing air while feeding or crying, certain ingredients in the infant formula, and problems with the digestive tract, among others.
For those wondering how to relieve gas in newborn, simple home remedies may help such as raising the baby’s head while feeding, burping them, increasing time on the tummy, massaging them, and slowing down the rate of feeding.
In most cases, newborn gas relief happens naturally. However, if you notice signs such as constipation, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool, be sure to consult the best pediatrician in Bangalore.
Vomiting
Most newborns tend to spit up some milk or formula while feeding. As they grow, their digestive tract strengthens which allows them to better digest their food. However, vomiting large portions of their food or forceful vomiting may be a sign of concern. Further, if you notice any blood or colour change in the vomit, it is recommended to consult your paediatrician.
Diarrhea
Bowel movements in most babies may happen a few hours after feeding or 2 to 3 times a day. In case of diarrhea, the baby may have watery bowel movements that happen more frequently. At this stage, diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and must be treated at the earliest. If you notice any problematic changes in the stool, visit the best pediatrician in Bangalore for a consult.
Reflux
Other than vomiting, babies may also spit out their feed due to reflux. This is less forceful and could be accompanied with a wheezing sound in eh baby’s chest. They may also tend to have a gag reflex during feeding. Reflux is caused by the stomach contents being backed up into the esophagus.
Certain home remedies can help with newborn gas relief and reflux such as feeding the baby slowly and lesser amounts at a time, burping your baby between and after feedings, and holding the baby upright while and after feeding. However, if you notice the baby is more restless than usual or any other signs, bring them to your pedatrician’s notice at the earliest.
Colic
Colic usually affects babies for the first 3 months of their life. While it is not a serious problem, it can be quite distressing for parents and the baby. In colic, the newborn may cry a lot more than usual even if they are healthy. Colic can be loud and cause the baby to cry for hours at end. While there is no clear cause for this concern, some have attributed it to gas problems in newborn. Talk to your paediatrician about helpful tips to soothe your baby.
Conclusion
Newborn baby gas problem is a common gastric concern but can be tiresome for both the parents and the child. Gastric problems can impact the baby’s ability to absorb essential nutrients required for their growth and development. Additionally, these problems can also make the baby extra restless and cranky or interrupt their sleeping patterns. While certain simple home remedies may help, in case you notice any other symptoms, be sure to consult the best pediatrician in Bangalore without delay.
