Gas is one of the most common newborn complaints, and one of the most solvable. Unlike colic — which has many causes — gas-related discomfort often has clear contributing factors that can be addressed directly. For a comprehensive overview, see our complete guide to child health.
Where Gas Comes From
Babies swallow air constantly — during feeding, during crying, and just from breathing through their mouth when their nose is blocked. Some gas also comes from fermentation of milk by gut bacteria. In the first few months, the gut motility (the movement of the intestinal muscles) is immature, which means gas doesn't move through as efficiently as it will later.
The result is discomfort: pulling up legs, squirming, arching, and passing wind. Most babies look temporarily distressed during and after a gassy spell, then are entirely comfortable once the wind passes.
Feeding Technique Changes That Help
For breastfed babies:
A poor latch is the main driver of extra air swallowing. A shallow latch means the baby has to work harder and takes in more air. Signs of a poor latch: nipple pain, clicking sounds during feeding, a baby who seems frustrated at the breast or feeds for very long periods without seeming satisfied.
Ask a breastfeeding support worker or midwife to observe a feed and check the latch. Small adjustments often make a substantial difference.
If you have a fast milk letdown, the initial forceful flow can cause the baby to gulp and swallow air. A laid-back feeding position (reclined so baby is almost face-down on the breast) slows the flow.
For formula-fed babies:
The teat flow rate matters. A flow that is too fast causes gulping. Teat flows are marked on most bottles as stage 1, 2, 3 etc. — most newborns should be on stage 1 (slow flow) until they show signs of frustration at the pace (clamping down, pulling off repeatedly). Moving up a teat stage before the baby is ready often increases gas, not reduces it.
Anti-colic bottles (Dr Brown's, MAM, Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature) have internal vent systems designed to reduce the air drawn in during feeding. Evidence for their effectiveness is modest, but some parents notice significant improvement. They do require more washing parts.
Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle so milk fills the teat and minimises air at the tip.
Winding Technique
Winding is the single most effective intervention for gas — and many parents don't do it frequently enough.
When to wind:- Breastfed babies: each time the baby pulls off the breast spontaneously
- Formula-fed babies: every 60–90 ml, and at the end of the feed
- Any baby who starts squirming during a feed
- Over the shoulder: Baby lying along your shoulder, stomach on your collarbone, gentle circular rubbing on the back
- Sitting upright: Baby sitting on your lap, leaning slightly forward, chin supported, gentle back rubbing or patting
- Face-down on lap: Baby across your knees, stomach down, gentle patting or rubbing on the back
Pat and rub gently but with some firmness — a light touch doesn't generate the physical movement needed to shift a trapped bubble. Some babies take 5 minutes to bring up a burp; some take 15. If nothing comes up after 10 minutes, the gas may need to come out the other end.
Massage and Movement
Between feeds:
- Bicycle legs: Gently moving the baby's legs in a cycling motion helps move gas down and out through the lower intestine.
- Tummy massage: With the baby lying on their back, use two fingers to make small clockwise circles on the abdomen (clockwise is the direction of gut movement). This can be done 2–3 times a day, not immediately after feeding.
- Tummy time: Gentle pressure on the tummy during supervised tummy time also helps.
Drops and Remedies
Simethicone drops (infacol, colief, dentinox): These are commonly used. The evidence from clinical trials is limited — they don't clearly outperform placebo. However, they are safe, and some parents notice benefit. If you try them, use consistently for at least a week before deciding whether they help.
Colief: Contains the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. There is modest evidence it helps in breastfed babies, possibly by reducing the amount of undigested lactose reaching the large intestine. Adding it to expressed breast milk or formula before each feed is required.
Gripe water: Traditional remedy. Some formulations contain herbs (fennel, ginger) that may ease smooth muscle spasms. Evidence is limited but harm is minimal. Formulations vary significantly — avoid any containing alcohol or bicarbonate.
The Good News
Gas-related discomfort in newborns is almost always temporary. As the digestive system matures — which happens progressively over the first 3–4 months — gut motility improves, the microbiome stabilises, and most babies become significantly more comfortable. Many parents find that the fussy, gassy stage seems to resolve almost overnight somewhere between 10–14 weeks.
Key Takeaways
Newborn gas comes from swallowed air during feeding and normal gut fermentation; immature gut motility slows gas passage. Key interventions include improving latch quality (breastfed), using appropriate teat flow (formula-fed), and frequent winding during feeds (every 1-2 pulls-off or every 60-90ml). Massage, bicycle leg movements, and tummy time help move trapped gas. Simethicone and gripe water have limited evidence; most gas discomfort resolves as the digestive system matures by 3-4 months.
