Postpartum tips when your baby is gassy: a gentle, practical guide for new moms
First, a deep breath. Many newborns are gassy, fussy, and seem uncomfortable—especially in the late afternoon and evenings. This phase is common and usually improves on its own by 3 to 4 months as your baby’s digestive system matures. You’re doing a big, important job, and none of this is your fault. Below you’ll find evidence-based, compassionate strategies to comfort your baby and care for yourself at the same time. If anything here doesn’t feel right for your family, it’s okay to adapt. You know your baby best.
What does “gassy” look like—and when is it normal?
Typical “gas” behavior includes squirming, pulling legs up, grunting, passing gas, and seeming temporarily uncomfortable before or after feeds. Many babies also have “colic”—periods of intense crying despite being otherwise healthy—that peak around 6 weeks and improve by 3 to 4 months. While gas can contribute, colic is multifactorial and often resolves with time and soothing routines (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP]). If your baby is growing well and has normal diapers, gas is usually benign and self-limited (AAP HealthyChildren.org: Colic; Burping) [1,2].
Quick relief: a step-by-step soothing routine during a gas episode
Step 1: Pause and burp. If feeding, gently pause and burp the baby. Use one of three positions: over your shoulder with tummy supported; sitting upright on your lap while supporting the chest and head; or face-down across your lap with the head turned to one side. Pat or rub in upward strokes for a few minutes. Try again after a short break if needed (AAP HealthyChildren.org) [2].
Step 2: Position and pressure. Hold baby upright with their tummy against your chest or forearm (“football” hold) to add gentle abdominal pressure. Many babies prefer being carried or worn upright in a structured carrier for 20–30 minutes after feeds (follow carrier safety guidelines).
Step 3: Gentle motion. Rock in your arms, use a supported sway, or walk. Low, rhythmic movement can calm the nervous system. Avoid vigorous jiggling.
Step 4: Tummy comfort. Try tummy time when baby is awake and supervised: a few short sessions spread through the day can help gas move and build core strength. You can also lay baby face-down on your forearm or across your lap, supporting the head, for gentle pressure relief (AAP) [1].
Step 5: Leg bicycling and massage. With baby on their back, gently move the legs in a bicycling motion or bring knees toward the tummy for a second and release. For massage, apply a small amount of plain, edible oil (like a drop of coconut or olive oil) to warm hands. Using gentle strokes, massage the tummy clockwise (the direction of the colon). The “I-L-U” pattern—tracing an “I” down the left side of baby’s abdomen, then an “L” across the top from baby’s right to left and down the left side, then a “U” from baby’s right lower side up, across, and down the left—can be soothing. Avoid deep pressure and stop if baby resists. Do not massage right after a full feed.
Step 6: Calm the environment. Dimming lights, using white noise, and limiting stimulation can help—especially during evening fussiness hours. Swaddling for soothing is okay for young infants who are not rolling yet; keep the hips loose and always place baby on the back to sleep. Stop swaddling at first signs of rolling (AAP safe sleep guidance) [3].
Feeding tweaks that can reduce swallowed air and gas
Pause to burp. For breastfed babies, try burping when switching sides and at the end of the feed. For bottle-fed babies, burp every 1–2 ounces and at the end.
Keep feeds calm and responsive. Watch baby’s early hunger cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth, stirring) and avoid waiting until frantic crying, which increases air swallowing. If baby tends to gulp, offer a brief pause mid-feed to reset and breathe.
Paced bottle-feeding. Hold the bottle more horizontal so milk flows slowly, and let baby draw the nipple into the mouth. Offer short pauses every few sucks so baby sets the pace. Choose a slow-flow nipple and ensure the nipple stays filled with milk to minimize air intake. Hold baby fairly upright during and for 20–30 minutes after feeds (CDC; NHS guidance on paced feeding) [4,5].
Optimize breastfeeding latch and flow. A deep, comfortable latch reduces air swallowing and fuss. If you have a strong let-down or oversupply (signs can include coughing/choking at the breast, very short feeds, green/frothy stools, or significant gassiness), try reclining slightly while feeding so gravity softens flow, offer one breast per feed, and hand-express a small amount before latching if needed. Consider a brief “block feeding” plan only with guidance from a lactation professional to avoid decreasing supply too much (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine [ABM] Protocol on Hyperlactation) [6]. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can tailor this to you.
Right-size the bottle and nipple. If baby clicks, leaks milk around the mouth, or seems to work very hard, the nipple may be the wrong size or shape. Switching to a slower flow or a nipple shape that supports a wide latch can help. Avoid frequent formula switches; instead, discuss persistent symptoms with your pediatrician.
Considering diet and formula changes thoughtfully
Most breastfed babies do not need maternal diet restrictions. However, if your baby has persistent fussiness with other signs like eczema, blood or mucus in the stool, or poor weight gain, talk to your pediatrician about cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). A supervised trial eliminating dairy (and sometimes soy) from the breastfeeding parent’s diet for 2–3 weeks may be recommended; reintroduction then helps confirm whether it was the culprit (ABM Protocol on Allergic Proctocolitis) [7].
For formula-fed babies with suspected CMPA, your clinician may suggest a 2–4 week trial of an extensively hydrolyzed formula. Do not start amino acid formulas or switch repeatedly without guidance, as this can be costly and unnecessary.
What about gas drops, gripe water, and probiotics?
Simethicone (gas drops) is considered safe but has not consistently been shown to improve colic or gas beyond placebo. You can try it if your pediatrician agrees, but expectations should be modest (AAP) [1].
Gripe water and herbal teas are not recommended by the AAP due to limited evidence, variable ingredients, and potential risks, including contamination or sugar content. Avoid any products with honey in infants under 12 months due to botulism risk (AAP) [1].
Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, may reduce crying in some exclusively breastfed infants with colic, though evidence is mixed and benefits have not been shown in formula-fed infants. If you’re considering probiotics, discuss with your pediatrician to choose an appropriate strain and dose and to review safety for your baby (Cochrane Review; AAP) [8,1].
Safe sleep with a gassy baby
Even with gas or reflux, the safest sleep for all infants is on their back, on a firm, flat sleep surface without soft bedding or inclines. Car seats and infant seats are not for routine sleep, and inclined sleepers are unsafe. Holding baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds may reduce spit-up, but once it’s time to sleep, place baby on the back in a crib or bassinet (AAP 2022 Safe Sleep Policy) [3].
Your postpartum well-being matters, too
Caring for a fussy, gassy newborn is exhausting. Your health and recovery are essential. Hydrate at every feed, keep easy, nutrient-dense snacks within reach, and accept help with cooking, cleaning, and errands so you can rest. If you had a vaginal birth, continue perineal care, use a peri bottle after bathroom trips, and rest your pelvic floor by sitting or lying down when you can. After a cesarean, follow incision care instructions and avoid heavy lifting until cleared by your clinician (ACOG) [9]. Gentle walking and diaphragmatic breathing can support healing.
Protect your sleep creatively. Split the night into shifts with a partner or helper, nap when the baby naps if possible, and keep overnight tasks simple—dim lights, organized diaper caddy, premade bottles or pump parts ready. White noise can help both you and baby settle between wake-ups.
Mind your mental health. Prolonged infant crying can be triggering. It’s okay to place your baby safely on their back in the crib and step away for a few minutes to breathe, call a friend, or splash water on your face if you feel overwhelmed. If you notice persistent sadness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or feel disconnected from your baby, reach out. Postpartum Support International offers free, fast help and local referrals (Postpartum Support International) [10]. You’re not alone, and support works.
When to call the pediatrician
Contact your baby’s clinician promptly if you see any of the following: fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months; vomiting that is green or bloody; bloody or black stools; poor feeding, weak cry, or lethargy; persistent vomiting and poor weight gain; a distended, tense abdomen; eczema plus blood/mucus in stools; or if your baby is inconsolable for long stretches and you’re worried. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it’s worth a call (AAP) [1].
Putting it together: a sample evening plan
Before the witching hour, set the stage: feed in a quiet, dim room; burp halfway and at the end; keep baby upright on your shoulder for 20 minutes. If fussiness starts, run through the quick relief routine: brief burp, upright hold, gentle motion, tummy time or forearm hold, bicycling legs, tummy massage. If bottle feeding, use paced technique and slow-flow nipple. Keep stimulation low and consider a warm bath earlier in the evening if your baby finds it soothing. When you need a reset, place baby safely in the crib and take a short self-care break.
You’re doing a great job
Most gas and colic improve with time. With a few feeding tweaks, soothing tools, and strong support for your own rest and recovery, you’ll find your rhythm. Reach out to your pediatrician, IBCLC, or a postpartum doula if you want personalized help—you don’t have to do this alone.
References and helpful resources
[1] American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Colic: What It Is, How to Help. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Colic.aspx
[2] American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Burping Your Baby. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Burping-Your-Baby.aspx
[3] American Academy of Pediatrics. 2022 Policy Statement: Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Parent summary: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infant Formula Feeding: How to Bottle-Feed. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/formula-feeding/index.html
[5] National Health Service (NHS). Paced bottle feeding (responsive bottle feeding). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/paced-bottle-feeding/
[6] Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Clinical Protocol #32: Management of Hyperlactation (2020). https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2332.pdf
[7] Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Clinical Protocol #24: Allergic Proctocolitis in the Exclusively Breastfed Infant (revised). https://www.bfmed.org/protocols
[8] Cochrane Review. Probiotics for infantile colic (treatment). Summary indicating potential benefit of L. reuteri for breastfed infants. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/
[9] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Postpartum Care. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-care
[10] Postpartum Support International. HelpLine and resources. https://www.postpartum.net/
This guide is for general education and support and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult your clinician for questions about your baby or your recovery.