How Can I Tell If My Baby Has Gas?

Gassiness is common in babies. A bottle-fed baby is more prone to gas than a breast-fed baby, since she has more opportunity to suck air. A breast-fed baby, however, can develop gas if her mother eats gas-inducing foods, such as beans or broccoli. Other common sources of infant gas include food sensitivities, intestinal bacteria or viruses, or new medications.

Temperament

The first signal that something isnt quite right with your baby is a temperament change. Gassy babies often display these changes during or directly after feeding, especially if their gas is caused by sucking in too much air. If she is usually content during and after feeding but becomes fretful, fussy or upset, try to burp her to determine if shes gassy.

Gassy babies may also be upset long after eating, especially if the gas developed due to a food sensitivity or medicine. In these cases, she may cry or fuss from the pain of the gas passing or expanding her stomach.

Burping

While nearly all babies burp after eating, an overly gassy baby will burp more frequently or forcefully. There is no guideline for how many times a baby should burp, but if he is burping more than usual--that is, more than he does when there is nothing wrong with him--excess gas is probably the culprit.

Also consider whether or not your baby is burping more infrequently than usual. When coupled with signs of discomfort, burping less frequently can be a sign that he isnt releasing the gas trapped in his stomach.

Stomach

Just as adults get bloated or distended stomachs from gas, your babys abdomen may feel hard or look larger than usual. Her stomach may also gurgle or bubble if you put your ear against it. Bloating caused by gas should disappear after she passes gas or soils her diaper.

Eating Habits

While a change in eating habits is not indicative of gas, it can give you an idea of what is causing her discomfort. An over-hungry baby may eat frantically, leading her to swallow more air. A baby with a food sensitivity may eat less frequently from the discomfort of the built-up gas.