5 Positions to Help Relieve Gas in Babies

There is already so much for new parents to worry about — feeding, sleeping, and diaper changes. Believe me, a gassy baby can quickly add to that stress.

When gas builds up, babies may cry nonstop or squirm, and it can be hard to know how to help. If you’re trying to figure out whether your baby has gas, this article is for you.

Read on to learn how to relieve gas in babies so that your little one can feel more comfortable. And you can feel more at ease, too.

Why Do Babies Get Gas?

Gas is very common in babies, and there are a few different reasons it happens.

The most common cause is swallowed air during feeding. When babies suck in milk or formula, they can also swallow tiny pockets of air. This air can get trapped in their stomach or intestines, which leads to that uncomfortable gassy feeling.

The same swallowed air can also show up as hiccups after feeding.

Other reasons babies may get gas include their developing digestive system, which is still learning how to break down food, or sensitivities to certain foods in breast milk or formula.

For breastfed infants, substances from mom’s diet (like dairy proteins) can pass into breast milk and contribute to gas. However, this happens in only about 3% of breastfed babies, meaning most babies do not react to dairy in breast milk (1).

For formula‑fed infants, components like lactose or other ingredients that are harder for a baby’s gut to break down can lead to increased gas production.

Signs of a Gassy Baby

Thankfully, there are ways to tell when your baby is gassy. Once you figure out if gas might be causing your baby’s fussiness, you can take steps to help them feel more comfortable. Watch out for:

• Crying or fussiness: Especially after feeding or when lying down.
• Squirming or arching the back: Pulling their knees up toward the tummy.
• Clenching fists or stiffening legs: Showing discomfort or tension.
• Burping or passing gas frequently: Signs that air is trapped in the digestive system.
• A bloated or firm belly: The stomach may feel tight to the touch.
• Refusing to feed or feeding poorly: May turn away from the bottle or breast when uncomfortable.

5 Best Positions to Help Relieve Gas in Babies

The common goal of position changes is to use gravity and gentle pressure to help trapped air move through your baby’s digestive system.

Try these gassy baby remedies the next time your baby seems uncomfortable:

1. Upright hold

Hold your baby upright, with their head resting on your shoulder or chest. This allows gravity to help move trapped air upward so it can be released through burping. At the same time, you can gently pat or rub their back.

2. Tummy time 

Tummy time is my personal favorite because it did wonders for easing our baby’s fussiness. Besides helping with gas, it supports motor development (2). The pressure tummy time creates on the belly can help trapped gas move through the digestive system.

 Even short tummy time sessions throughout the day can make a difference.

3. Knee-to-chest 

With your baby lying on their back, gently bend their knees and bring them toward their chest. This motion helps apply light pressure to the belly. Repeat this slowly a few times.

4 . Football hold

In the football hold, also known as the magic hold, your baby lies face-down along your forearm, with their head supported in your hand. Gently tilt your baby’s head to the side to keep their airway clear.

 Many parents find this hold especially helpful for calming a fussy, gassy baby.

5. Side hold

Laying your baby on their side (especially the left side)  or holding them in a side-lying position can help relax the abdominal muscles. This position can be soothing when paired with back rubbing.

Tips to Prevent Gas in Babies

Prevention is always better than trying to soothe a gassy baby. Many pediatricians recommend simple daily habits to help prevent gas. We’ve personally used these tips at home:

• Burp your baby often: Burping during and after feeds helps release swallowed air before it gets trapped and causes discomfort. Many pediatricians suggest trying to burp your baby after about each ounce during bottle feeds or when switching breasts. If a burp doesn’t happen right away, that’s okay.
• Keep your baby upright after feeds: Holding your baby upright for 10–20 minutes after feeding allows gravity to help air move upward, which may reduce gas buildup. Keeping your baby upright during feeds (so their head is higher than their stomach) can also help limit the amount of air they swallow.
• Check bottle nipples: Using the right bottle nipple for your baby’s age can help prevent gulping and extra air intake. If the nipple flows too fast, babies may cough or gulp. If it’s too slow, they may suck harder and swallow more air.
• Watch hunger cues: Babies who are very hungry tend to feed quickly and gulp, which makes them more likely to swallow air. The key is to feed your baby as soon as you notice hunger cues. This allows for calmer, more controlled feeding.

How Long Does It Take for Gas to Pass?

Gas in babies often passes fairly quickly, especially after a good burp or a simple position change. In many cases, relief happens within minutes. That said, it’s also normal for gas discomfort to come and go, especially in newborns. Some episodes may last 10 to 30 minutes.

Newborns naturally pass gas many times a day, and their digestive systems are still immature. Because of this, gas-related fussiness often peaks around 6 to 8 weeks of age. The good news is that for most babies, gas becomes less uncomfortable — typically easing by 3 to 6 months.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you notice changes in your baby’s feeding or bowel habits, such as refusing feeds, eating much less than usual, or sudden changes in stool frequency or appearance.

You should also seek guidance if your baby is extremely fussy and cannot be comforted despite trying common soothing techniques, or if crying is intense and lasts for long periods. Vomiting, especially repeated or forceful vomiting, is another reason to call, as it may point to something other than gas.

Other signs that warrant a call include a firm or swollen belly that doesn’t improve, fever, or signs that your baby seems unusually tired or unwell.

It’s important to trust your instincts. Your pediatrician can help determine the next steps.

The Takeaway

Gas is a normal part of infancy, especially in the early weeks when your baby’s digestive system is still developing.

While it can be stressful to watch your baby squirm or cry, simple position changes and feeding adjustments can go a long way in providing gas relief for babies.

Learning how to help a gassy baby often takes a little trial and error. If your baby’s symptoms feel intense, last longer than expected, or come with changes in feeding, stool, or behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They’re there to support you.