Baby Gas & Colic - Causes, Relief Techniques, And Myths

Crying that feels “out of nowhere,” a red-faced baby pulling legs up, and evenings that turn into a marathon—gas and colic can make even confident parents feel helpless. The good news: most baby gas and colic are common, temporary, and manageable with the right techniques and realistic expectations.

This guide is written in a pediatrician-informed, evidence-based style (drawing on widely used pediatric definitions and guidance such as the “rule of threes,” and family health resources like the NHS and American Academy of Pediatrics materials). It is not a substitute for medical care—if you’re worried your baby may be unwell, contact your pediatrician.

Quick takeaway

Gas is normal in newborns and young infants because their digestive and nervous systems are still maturing.
Colic is excessive, unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy baby—often worst in the evening—and typically improves by 3–4 months.
Relief usually comes from feeding technique fixes + gentle movement + calming routines.
Some popular remedies (like many “anti-colic” drops and herbal products) have little evidence and can sometimes be unsafe.
Trust your instincts—if crying is different from usual, or your baby seems ill, get checked.

What is baby gas?

Baby gas is air in the stomach or intestines that can cause bloating, discomfort, burping, or farting. Babies swallow air easily while feeding or crying, and their intestines are still learning to move milk along smoothly.

Common signs of gas

Pulling legs up, arching, squirming
Fussiness during or right after feeds
Frequent burping or passing gas
A firm tummy that softens after burping/farting
Brief crying that improves with position changes or burping

Important: Gas can be uncomfortable, but it usually comes and goes. Colic, on the other hand, is more about prolonged, hard-to-soothe crying.

What is colic and how is it defined?

“Colic” is a term used when a baby has repeated episodes of intense crying/fussing that are hard to soothe, even though the baby is otherwise healthy.

A classic definition is the “rule of threes”:

Crying for more than 3 hours per day,
On more than 3 days per week,
For more than 3 weeks,
In a baby who is otherwise healthy and feeding/growing.

Many babies don’t match the rule perfectly but still have a predictable pattern of evening crying spells. Colic often starts around 2–3 weeks, peaks around 6–8 weeks, and improves by 3–4 months.

Gas vs colic vs reflux vs illness: how to tell the difference

Parents often hear “It’s just gas” when their baby cries. Sometimes it is, but not always.

Gas discomfort

Crying is shorter and improves with burping, farting, or position changes
Baby is mostly calm between episodes
Feeding is generally okay

Colic (typical)

Long crying spells (often evening)
Baby is hard to settle even when fed/changed
Baby looks uncomfortable (grimacing, clenching fists), but is otherwise healthy
Normal exams and growth

Reflux/GER (common, not always a problem)

Spitting up is common in babies; it’s not automatically a disease
Crying may happen after feeds, with arching, back stiffening
If there’s poor weight gain, blood, choking, or extreme distress, your pediatrician should evaluate

Illness (needs medical attention)

If your baby seems sick or the crying is “different,” don’t assume it’s gas or colic.

When to call a pediatrician urgently (red flags)

Seek medical help right away if your baby has:

Fever (especially under 3 months)
Trouble breathing, bluish lips, repeated choking
Vomiting that is green (bilious) or forceful projectile vomiting
Blood in stool, black/tarry stool, or persistent diarrhea
Refusing feeds, very few wet diapers, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, sunken soft spot)
Extreme sleepiness, limpness, or inconsolable cry that feels abnormal
Swollen, hard belly that doesn’t soften
Poor weight gain or weight loss

When in doubt, it’s always okay to call your baby’s doctor for guidance.

Why do babies get gas?

Baby gas is usually caused by a combination of swallowed air and immature digestion.

1) Swallowing air during feeding

This is one of the biggest causes.

Fast let-down (breast milk flow) can make babies gulp
Shallow latch can increase air swallowing
Bottle nipples that flow too fast can cause gulping
Crying before/during feeding increases swallowed air

2) Immature digestive system

Newborn intestines are learning to coordinate movement (motility). Milk can move unevenly and create discomfort.

3) Overfeeding or very short feed intervals

Too much milk too fast can stretch the stomach and increase spit-up and gas-like discomfort.

4) Formula mixing issues (for formula-fed babies)

Incorrect mixing (too concentrated or too diluted)
Shaking vigorously can create bubbles (not dangerous, but may add swallowed air)

5) Sensitivity to cow’s milk protein (less common, but important)

Some babies have cow’s milk protein allergy/intolerance. Clues may include:

Blood/mucus in stool
Eczema
Significant vomiting, persistent diarrhea
Poor weight gain

If you suspect this, consult your pediatrician before changing diets or formulas.

What causes colic?

Colic is frustrating because there is rarely one clear cause. Most experts consider colic multifactorial—a mix of:

Normal developmental crying (some babies cry more)
Immature nervous system and difficulty “switching off” stimulation
Gut microbiome differences in some babies
Feeding/swallowed air (can contribute, but colic isn’t simply “gas”)
Family stress and exhaustion (not the cause, but can worsen the cycle)

Key point: Colic is not caused by poor parenting. You can be doing everything right and still have a colicky baby.

Real-world relief techniques that actually help

These techniques are safe, practical, and commonly recommended by pediatric care teams.

Feeding fixes

1 Burp smarter

Burp mid-feed and after feeding.
If your baby is very upset, pause, calm briefly, then burp.

Burping positions to try:

Upright on your shoulder (support head/neck)
Sitting on your lap with chest supported, gently leaning forward
Lying across your lap (tummy down) and patting the back gently

2) Improve latch (breastfeeding)

A deep latch reduces air swallowing and can ease gassiness.

Baby’s mouth wide open, lips flanged outward
Chin touching the breast
More areola visible above baby’s top lip than below

If latch is painful, or baby clicks while feeding, ask a lactation consultant or pediatrician for help.

3) Try paced bottle feeding (bottle-feeding or pumped milk)

Paced feeding slows intake and reduces gulping.

Hold baby more upright
Keep bottle more horizontal so milk doesn’t flood
Give short pauses every 20–30 seconds
Use a slow-flow nipple if baby finishes very quickly

4) Reduce bubbles in formula

Mix according to instructions.
Instead of shaking vigorously, you can swirl/stir gently.
Let foam settle for a few minutes if it becomes very bubbly.

Note: Bubbles are not “toxic” or dangerous—it’s simply about reducing swallowed air.

Gentle movement that helps pass gas

These techniques can be done several times a day.

1) Bicycle legs

Lay baby on the back, gently move legs like pedaling. Stop if baby resists or cries harder.

2) Knee-to-tummy presses

Gently bring both knees toward the tummy for a second or two, then release. Repeat slowly.

3) Tummy time (when baby is awake)

Even a few minutes of supervised tummy time can help move gas along.

4) Upright cuddle after feeds

Hold baby upright against your chest for 15–20 minutes after feeding (especially if baby spits up).

Comforting strategies for colic (calming the nervous system)

Colic often responds best to soothing that reduces stimulation.

1) The “5 S” style approach (pick what works)

Swaddle (if age-appropriate and safe)
Side/holding position (for soothing only—never for sleep)
Shush/white noise (fan, soft noise app, “shhh”)
Swing/gentle motion (rocking, slow walking)
Suck (pacifier)

2) Skin-to-skin

Skin-to-skin contact can lower stress hormones for both baby and parent.

3) Warm bath or warm compress

A warm bath can relax tense muscles. If using a warm compress, ensure it’s not hot and never leave baby unattended.

4) Change the scene

A short walk outside, a different room, dim lights, or gentle music can sometimes reset a crying cycle.

Baby massage for gas: a simple routine

Try this when baby is calm (not screaming), ideally between feeds.

Warm hands, apply a tiny amount of baby-safe oil/lotion if desired.
Clockwise belly circles (following the direction of the intestine).
“I Love U” strokes (gentle downward strokes on the left side of baby’s belly, then across and down—keep pressure light).
Finish with bicycle legs.

Stop if baby becomes more upset.

Do gas drops work?

Many parents try over-the-counter simethicone “gas drops.” Research has generally found limited benefit for colic. Some babies seem to improve, but it may be due to natural changes over time.

Safety note: Simethicone is widely considered low-risk when used as directed, but you should still ask your pediatrician before using any medication or supplement in a young infant.

Do probiotics help colic?

Probiotics are not a guaranteed fix, but one strain—Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938—has shown benefit in several studies, especially for breastfed infants with colic. Evidence is less clear for formula-fed babies.

Practical guidance:

Talk to your pediatrician before starting probiotics.
Use only reputable products formulated for infants.
If there’s no clear improvement in 1–2 weeks, reassess with your doctor.

Should breastfeeding moms change their diet for a gassy/colicky baby?

This is a big community question.

What’s true

Most breastfeeding diets do not cause colic.
Babies can be sensitive to certain proteins (most commonly cow’s milk), but this is not the same as “spicy food makes baby gassy.”

When diet changes may be worth discussing

Consider talking to your pediatrician if baby has colic PLUS signs of allergy/intolerance:

Blood or mucus in stool
Eczema or persistent rash
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
Poor weight gain

If a doctor suspects cow’s milk protein sensitivity, they may recommend a time-limited elimination trial (often 2 weeks) and reassessment.

Avoid extreme restriction without medical guidance—parents need adequate nutrition, especially during breastfeeding.

Should you switch formula for gas or colic?

Switching formulas repeatedly (every few days) usually causes more stress and doesn’t help.

When switching may help

If your pediatrician suspects cow’s milk protein allergy or intolerance, a hydrolyzed formula or other medically appropriate option may be recommended.

When switching is usually unnecessary

Normal gassiness in the first months
Typical evening fussiness

If you do switch, do it with guidance and give it time—many changes take 1–2 weeks to judge.

Safe sleep matters

When your baby finally falls asleep, it’s tempting to keep them in whatever position works. But safety rules remain important:

Always place baby on their back to sleep
Use a firm, flat surface (crib, bassinet)
No pillows, loose blankets, or soft toys
If swaddled, follow age guidance and stop swaddling once baby shows signs of rolling

Never put baby to sleep on their tummy or side “to help gas.” Those positions can increase sleep risk.

Myths vs reality (community beliefs explained)

Myth 1: “Colic is just gas.”

Reality: Gas may contribute, but colic is typically more complex and often related to normal developmental crying and nervous system immaturity.

Myth 2: “Breastfed babies don’t get colic.”

Reality: Colic can happen in both breastfed and formula-fed babies.

Myth 3: “If the baby cries a lot, you’re doing something wrong.”

Reality: Colic is not your fault. Support and coping plans are part of treatment.

Myth 4: “Gripe water is always safe and always works.”

Reality: Many products have limited evidence, and ingredients vary. Some may include herbs or sweeteners that are not ideal for young infants. Always ask your pediatrician.

Myth 5: “Tight tummy bands or home remedies can push gas out.”

Reality: Anything that compresses the abdomen can be uncomfortable and may be unsafe. Gentle movement and feeding techniques are better.

Myth 6: “Teething causes colic.”

Reality: Teething typically starts later (often around 4–7 months). Colic usually improves by 3–4 months.

Myth 7: “Babies need water/ghutti/honey to fix gas.”

Reality: Babies under 6 months generally do not need water unless a doctor advises it. Honey is not safe for infants due to botulism risk.

FAQs

How many times should a baby fart in a day?

There’s no “perfect number.” Some babies pass gas many times daily—especially after feeds. What matters is whether baby is comfortable, feeding well, and gaining weight.

Is it normal for my newborn to strain and turn red while passing gas?

Yes, many newborns strain because coordination is immature. If stools are soft and baby is otherwise fine, straining can still be normal.

What is the best position to help baby pass gas?

Helpful options (while awake and supervised):

Upright on your shoulder
Tummy time
Lying across your lap (tummy down) with gentle back pats

Does formula cause more gas than breastfeeding?

Not always. Some babies do better on one or the other, but feeding technique often matters more than the milk type.

When does colic start and when does it end?

Colic commonly starts around 2–3 weeks, peaks around 6–8 weeks, and improves by 3–4 months.

Can I use a pacifier for colic?

Many babies find sucking soothing. If breastfeeding is established, pacifiers can be used thoughtfully. If you’re unsure, ask your pediatrician or lactation consultant.

Are anti-colic bottles worth it?

Some bottles reduce air intake for certain babies, especially if bottle-feeding technique is difficult. They’re not mandatory—paced feeding and slow-flow nipples can also help.

Should I stop eating spicy food if my breastfed baby has gas?

Most of the time, no. Unless there are clear signs of allergy/intolerance, routine diet restriction is usually unnecessary.

Newborn Crying – 10 Common Reasons and How to Calm a Baby

A practical evening plan for a gassy/colicky baby

Evenings are the hardest for many families. Try a predictable routine:

Feed before baby is frantic (early hunger cues)
Mid-feed burp + paced feeding
15–20 minutes upright cuddle
Warm bath or dim-light wind-down
White noise + swaddle (if appropriate)
If crying escalates: walk, rock, or go outside briefly
If you feel overwhelmed: place baby safely on their back in the crib and take a 2–5 minute break

Never shake a baby. If you feel at the end of your rope, put baby in a safe place and call someone you trust for help.

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