colic
wind and colic is a hot topic for new parents
Is your baby windy?
Were you told breastfed babies don’t need winding?
Have you been google searching remedies and support for colic, wind and trapped air?
Nikki Mather at The Baby Element Clinic discusses air intake for breast and bottle fed babies, why it happens and how to resolve discomfort for gassy babies.
Wind, when talking about babies, refers to gas or air trapped in their tummy. Babies often swallow air while feeding or crying, which can cause discomfort, fussiness, and even pain. This trapped air is what we commonly refer to as “wind.” Burping and other techniques can help release this trapped air, providing relief for the baby.
Helping your windy baby
Easing the Discomfort of a Windy Baby
Windy babies can be uncomfortable and fussy for everyone, including breastfed babies. To help soothe them, try the tips below.
How to wind a baby:
- Burping frequently: Burp your baby during and after feeds to release trapped air.
- Experiment with positions: Babies may prefer different burping positions, so try over the shoulder, sitting up, or lying down like “tiger in the tree”.
- Gentle massage: Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise movement to help relieve gas and constipation.
- Bicycle legs: Move your baby’s legs as if they’re cycling to create movement in their digestive system.
- Colic remedies: Over-the-counter colic remedies like gripe water or simethicone drops claim to provide temporary relief for some babies. Although the evidence for these is low quality or not available at all, some parents report less crying when using them.
- Patience: Remember, wind is a common issue in babies and often improves over time.
If your baby’s discomfort is severe or persistent, consult your local Feeding Team, or Lactation Consultant who can help.
why a feeding assessment may be needed
There are several reasons why a Lactation Consultant might recommend a feeding assessment for windy, colicky babies.
Looking at your baby’s feeding history can identify potential causes of excessive air intake.
Colic is not a medical diagnosis, however it is often linked to discomfort, which can be exacerbated by trapped wind and excessive air intake.
What a feeding assessment might help with
A feeding assessment can help determine if the baby is swallowing too much air during feeding due to factors like:
- Latching issues: Incorrect latching can lead to excessive air intake for breastfed babies.
- Bottle feeding techniques: Incorrect bottle preparation or feeding techniques can cause babies to swallow more air than typical.
- Ineffective milk transfer: Insufficient milk transfer for breastfed babies can lead to a baby feeding for longer periods, increasing the chance of swallowing air.
- Underlying feeding issues: Other feeding difficulties like tongue-tie or oral dysfunction can contribute to excessive air intake.
By identifying these potential issues, a feeding assessment can offer guidance and solutions on how to improve feeding techniques, alleviate discomfort, and reduce colic symptoms.
baby massage techniques for windy babies
Gentle massage can be a soothing and effective way to help relieve your baby’s discomfort from wind. Here are a few techniques:
- Clockwise circles: Imagine a clock face on your baby’s tummy. Starting at the 7 or 8 o’clock position, gently massage in a clockwise direction. This can help move gas through the intestines.
- I Love You massage: Trace the letters I, L, and U on your baby’s tummy with your fingertips. Starting at the top left, trace down for the I, across for the L, and up and over for the U.
- Paddling: Place your hands flat on your baby’s tummy, with your fingers together. Gently move your hands in a paddling motion from top to bottom.
- Leg cycling: Gently hold your baby’s legs and move them as if they were cycling. This can help stimulate the digestive system.
Remember: Always use gentle pressure and observe your baby’s cues. If they seem uncomfortable, stop the massage.
Possible Reasons for Continued Baby Discomfort After Winding
If your baby is still uncomfortable after winding, it’s important to consider these possibilities:
- Reflux: If your baby is spitting up frequently or seems to be in pain after feeding, reflux might be a possibility, with the vast majority of cases being induced by excess air intake, not acid reflux.
- Intolerance or allergy: Some babies may have sensitivities which may cause them digestive discomfort.
- Overfeeding: If your baby is overfed, they might experience discomfort.
- Underlying medical condition: In rare cases, underlying medical issues could be causing the discomfort.
Seeking support for your baby is important if sympoms persist. If you would like to learn more, book a free chat here.