Dealing with Colic and Gas in Sleepless Infants

One of the hardest challenges facing new parents is when they have a gassy, colicky baby who just will not sleep. The bottom line is that all babies have gas; some babies simply have more than others. To make matters worse some babies have an easier time passing gas, which may stem from a learned or innate ability while others simply do not. Gassiness, colic and other intestinal distress in the newborn and many babies often results from multiple factors, not just one simple thing. There are many different ways that air can get into babies’ digestive systems. Gas is produced in the digestive tract from that first moment baby has his or her first drink of breast milk or formula. Newborn gas is a natural result of digesting lactose, proteins and other nutrients contained in breast milk or formula. While this tends to result in a crying and fussy baby that sleeps little if at all, there are things that you can do to reduce gas and colic and help your newborn sleep better.

•If you are a nursing mother be careful of your diet. Some pediatricians and lactation specialists assert that traces of gas-producing foods, such as cruciferous vegetables and legumes, can be passed from mother to baby. Citrus fruits and juices, strawberries and tomatoes are high in acidity and can irritate your baby. One of the most frequent problems found is dairy products in mother’s diet can also lead to “intolerances” in baby. The problem is usually linked to the milk protein that is found in milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, etc. Soy and peanut intolerance in babies can often accompany dairy intolerance. If you are breastfeeding, a mother can test how these common culprits may be affecting her child by religiously eliminating all dairy, soy and peanut products from her own diet for two weeks. Reintroduction of soy first, then a cooked milk product (such as hard cheese or yogurt) can be done very slowly to monitor baby’s tolerances.

•Be sure and burp your baby. As baby is feeding air bubbles can also be taken in through baby’s mouth. Most commonly, this is a result of the suction created during nursing. For this reason, it is very important to burp every three to five minutes during feedings or between breasts. If your baby is bottle-fed, make certain that the bottle’s nipple is the right size. If the nipple is too big, it can cause your baby to eat too fast. If it’s too small, your baby will gulp air can create gas bubbles.

•Be careful not to over stimulate your baby since over stimulation can also lead to increased gassiness. Just as many adults experience intestinal disturbances in stressful situations, so are babies who are affected by their environments. Babies that are easily overloaded often experience more severe gas, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping later in the day or night. In general, the more activity there is (errands, visitors, T.V., phones, etc.) in baby’s day, the higher the chances of gassiness and fussiness in baby’s evening and night.

•Consider using one of the several treatments available for infant gas. You should consult your pediatrician first before giving baby any medications, remedies or supplements. Some of the most popular treatments are: simethicone, sodium bicarbonate, essential oils and herbs, and homeopathic remedies. Simethicone is sold under several brand names in drug stores. Simethicone is essentially a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach on the theory that gas can be more easily burped away. However, simethicone will work only on gas near the top of the stomach and has no effect on intestinal gas. Sodium Bicarbonate (a.k.a. Baking Soda) is used in several Gripe Water brands that are sold as dietary supplements. These are not regulated by the FDA and fall under loose dietary supplement guidelines. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali which can counteract the PH of stomach acid which is naturally created in the baby’s stomach. It can temporarily relieve some discomfort caused by acid reflux. Essential Oils and Herbal Extracts (dill, fennel, etc.) are used by some Gripe Water brands and sold as dietary supplements. There are known safety issues with essential oils. Please be well advised of all possible side effects before giving any of the essential oils to your baby, no matter how small the concentrations. Homeopathic formulas can be an excellent choice for treating infant gas symptoms. Homeopathic medicine is completely allergen-free and side-effect-free.

This article is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.