Home Remedies for Infant Gas Problems

Infant gas may be a sign of colic. This is defined as constant crying for three hours a day at least three days a week. Babies also develop gas while digesting lactose and proteins found in formula or breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you may also be passing your intestinal problems to your baby through your breast milk. If your child has regular gas problems, there are several home remedies you can use to alleviate the problem

Eliminating Foods that Cause Gas

Eliminate foods from your baby's diet that cause gas. Speak to your doctor to find out if your child has a milk allergy or is lactose intolerant. If you are breastfeeding, you should also not consume gassy foods or drinks such as spicy foods, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, caffeine and alcohol. Try cutting out a few of these items at a time to see if your child reacts differently when certain foods are eliminated from your diet.

Replace Your Baby Bottles

Choose baby bottles that are specifically designed to reduce excess air intake.

Some baby bottles let in more air than others. This allows your baby to gulp air, which results in gas. Look over your bottles and make sure that the holes are not too big. You can also purchase bottles that are specifically designed to reduce excess air intake or that prevent air bubbles from forming in the milk or formula.

Herbal Tea

Fennel tea is a traditional gas and colic remedy because it helps to relax the gastrointestinal tract. Add fennel seed to boiling water and let it cool completely. You can then give your infant 1 teaspoon before and after each feeding. If you are breastfeeding, you can drink one cup, three to six times per day. Other herbal teas that are known to reduce gas include peppermint, dill, anise, slippery elm bark and chamomile. If you're considering chamomile tea, speak to your doctor first because some people may be allergic to chamomile.

Massage

Massaging or rubbing your baby's abdomen can help relax his intestinal tract and help him get rid of gas. Massage oil made with a tincture of catnip and almond or olive oil can help increase the effects of the massage. Laying your infant on his back and moving his legs in slow cycling motion may also help move the gas through his system. You can also lay your child on his tummy and rub his back to alleviate any pressure on his digestive tract.

Heat

Heat can help ease some of the discomfort your child is experiencing. Give your infant a warm bath but make certain to check the water first so that it is not too hot for your baby's skin. Placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on your baby's tummy will have similar effects.