Remedies for Infant Gas Pain

Gas discomfort can occur in infants of any age, but according to Parents Magazine, it appears to peak at three to six weeks. The cause of gas may be swallowing too much air during crying, difficulty processing formula or difficulty with something the mother is eating (if she is breastfeeding). Methods such as infant massage, tummy time and diet changes in the breastfeeding mother may help relieve infant gas pain.

Tummy Time

Pressure on the stomach appears to help gas pass through the digestive system, according to Parents Magazine. Even if the baby is a little fussy at first, allow several minutes on the tummy to give the gas an opportunity to find its way out. Always supervise tummy time sessions, which are healthy for a child's development but need to be monitored until the infant gets older.

Bicycle Legs

Put your baby on his back and gently bicycle his legs. This appears to encourage the gas to move through the digestive track. Babies who are fussy might not like this movement at first, but doing it several times a day can help relieve infant gas, according to Parents Magazine.

Diet Changes

Mothers who are breastfeeding can make diet changes that may reduce infant gas pain. Eliminating products containing caffeine, such as coffee, teas and chocolates, may help. Also, for some infants, cutting dairy and nuts out of your diet (and their breast milk supply) can make a difference.

Warm Baths

According to the Mayo Clinic, heat and touch may help relieve stomach pains in infants. Give your infant a warm bath and gently massage around his tummy. This can help move gas through the digestive system and relax a stressed-out infant.
Infant massage may also help some children, according to the Mayo Clinic. Join an infant massage class in your community or purchase an inexpensive DVD to learn techniques. Most techniques focus on massaging the stomach and legs to promote passing of gas.

Infant Gas Drops

Ask your infant's pediatrician about using anti-gas medication such as Mylicon drops. Another over-the-counter medication is Little Tummys Gas Relief. This medication is free of saccharin, preservatives and artificial flavors, according to Medtech Products, the manufacturer.