My Baby Has Excessive Gas
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published American Academy of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, La Leche League International guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing has excessive gas, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Gas is incredibly common in babies and usually peaks around 6-12 weeks. While it can seem uncomfortable, most babies pass gas 15-20 times per day as their digestive systems mature. Simple techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and proper burping can help, and it typically improves significantly by 3-4 months.
Key takeaways
- Gas is incredibly common in babies and usually peaks around 6-12 weeks. While it can seem uncomfortable, most babies pass gas 15-20 times per day as their digestive systems mature. Simple techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and proper burping can help, and it typically improves significantly by 3-4 months.
- Usually normal when: Baby passes gas frequently (15-20+ times per day) but seems relieved afterward
- Call your doctor if: Baby's belly is hard, swollen, and painful to touch
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to American Academy of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, La Leche League International guidelines, gas is incredibly common in babies and usually peaks around 6-12 weeks. While it can seem uncomfortable, most babies pass gas 15-20 times per day as their digestive systems mature. Simple techniques like bicycle legs, tummy time, and proper burping can help, and it typically improves significantly by 3-4 months. At 0-6 weeks, gas is very common as baby's digestive system is brand new and still learning to process milk efficiently. Swallowing air during feeding is normal, and baby's gut bacteria are still establishing. You might notice more gas in the evening hours (sometimes called the "witching hour"). Baby may pull legs up, grunt, strain, or cry when trying to pass gas. It is generally considered normal when baby passes gas frequently (15-20+ times per day) but seems relieved afterward. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby's belly is hard, swollen, and painful to touch.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 weeks
Gas is very common as baby's digestive system is brand new and still learning to process milk efficiently. Swallowing air during feeding is normal, and baby's gut bacteria are still establishing. You might notice more gas in the evening hours (sometimes called the "witching hour"). Baby may pull legs up, grunt, strain, or cry when trying to pass gas.
6-12 weeks
This is often peak gas time. Baby's digestive system is maturing but not fully developed yet. You might notice baby becomes very fussy when gassy, especially in late afternoon and evening. The good news: relief is coming soon. Many babies show significant improvement after 12 weeks as their gut matures.
3-6 months
Gas usually decreases noticeably as baby's digestive system matures. Baby becomes better at passing gas without discomfort. If gas suddenly increases or seems painful, consider whether you've introduced any new foods (if breastfeeding) or changed formula.
6-12 months
With the introduction of solid foods, you might notice changes in gas patterns. Some foods (beans, broccoli, prunes) naturally produce more gas. This is normal. Baby should be able to pass gas easily at this age. If baby seems genuinely uncomfortable or has other symptoms, talk to your pediatrician about potential food sensitivities.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed has excessive gas and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gas seems to cause significant pain or crying for extended periods.
- Mention if baby refuses feeds or has decreased appetite due to gas discomfort.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby passes gas frequently (15-20+ times per day) but seems relieved afterward
- Fussiness that improves after passing gas or having a bowel movement
- Gas that's worse in the evening or after certain feeds
- Baby pulls legs up to chest, grunts, or strains briefly then relaxes
- Some gas odor (especially after starting solids)
- Gas seems to cause significant pain or crying for extended periods
- Baby refuses feeds or has decreased appetite due to gas discomfort
- You've tried common remedies for 2+ weeks without improvement
- Gas accompanied by blood in stool, diarrhea, or rash
- Baby's belly is hard, swollen, and painful to touch
- Severe vomiting (especially green or bloody) with gas
- Baby isn't passing any gas or having bowel movements for more than 24 hours
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice has excessive gas — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby passes gas frequently (15-20+ times per day) but seems relieved afterward — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 weeks, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby's belly is hard, swollen, and painful to touch.
Related Resources
Excessive Crying Triage
Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is has excessive gas normal?
When should I call the doctor about has excessive gas?
When is has excessive gas normal?
What causes has excessive gas?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has excessive gas?
Is has excessive gas normal at 0-6 weeks?
Is has excessive gas normal at 6-12 weeks?
Should I go to the ER for has excessive gas?
Does has excessive gas go away on its own?
References
- [1]Gas and Your Breastfed Baby: What's Normal (2024) American Academy of Pediatrics
- [2]Managing Infant Gas and Colic Symptoms (2024) Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- [3]Gassy Babies: Causes and Comfort Measures (2024) La Leche League International
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has Excessive Gas.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed has excessive gas and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gas seems to cause significant pain or crying for extended periods.
- Mention if baby refuses feeds or has decreased appetite due to gas discomfort.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Gas seems to cause significant pain or crying for extended periods
- Baby refuses feeds or has decreased appetite due to gas discomfort
- You've tried common remedies for 2+ weeks without improvement
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby's belly is hard, swollen, and painful to touch
- Severe vomiting (especially green or bloody) with gas
- Baby isn't passing any gas or having bowel movements for more than 24 hours
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of has excessive gas are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby's belly is hard, swollen, and painful to touch.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Tummy Massage for Baby Gas
Gentle abdominal massage can help relieve gas and discomfort in babies by encouraging gas to move through the intestines. The technique involves gentle clockwise circular motions on the belly (following the direction of the digestive tract), the "I Love U" stroke pattern, and gentle knee-to-tummy movements. Massage also provides comforting touch that can soothe a fussy baby.
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Bicycle Legs Technique for Gas
Bicycle legs is a simple, effective technique for helping babies pass trapped gas. Gently moving your baby's legs in a cycling motion pushes against the abdomen and helps gas move through the intestines. Combined with gentle belly massage and tummy time, it is one of the best non-medical approaches to gas relief in infants.