Gas Discomfort in Newborns
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing gas discomfort in newborns, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Gas is very common in newborns because their digestive systems are immature. Signs include fussiness, pulling legs up, a hard or distended tummy, and excessive flatulence. Burping during and after feeds, bicycle leg exercises, tummy time, and gentle tummy massage can help. Gas drops (simethicone) are safe but have limited evidence of effectiveness.
Key takeaways
- Gas is very common in newborns because their digestive systems are immature. Signs include fussiness, pulling legs up, a hard or distended tummy, and excessive flatulence. Burping during and after feeds, bicycle leg exercises, tummy time, and gentle tummy massage can help. Gas drops (simethicone) are safe but have limited evidence of effectiveness.
- Usually normal when: Some fussiness after feeds that resolves with burping
- Call your doctor if: Hard, distended abdomen with vomiting (especially green/bile) that could indicate bowel obstruction
- 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.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, gas is very common in newborns because their digestive systems are immature. Signs include fussiness, pulling legs up, a hard or distended tummy, and excessive flatulence. Burping during and after feeds, bicycle leg exercises, tummy time, and gentle tummy massage can help. Gas drops (simethicone) are safe but have limited evidence of effectiveness. At 0-1 month, all babies have gas, but some seem more affected than others. Newborns swallow air during feeding and crying, and their immature digestive systems produce gas during normal digestion. Signs of gas discomfort include: fussiness especially after feeds, pulling legs up toward the belly, a round or firm abdomen, arching the back, and excessive passing of gas. Helpful strategies include: burping baby thoroughly during and after every feed, holding baby upright for 15-20 minutes after feeds, gentle bicycle leg movements, tummy massage in a clockwise direction, and supervised tummy time. It is generally considered normal when some fussiness after feeds that resolves with burping. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if hard, distended abdomen with vomiting (especially green/bile) that could indicate bowel obstruction.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
All babies have gas, but some seem more affected than others. Newborns swallow air during feeding and crying, and their immature digestive systems produce gas during normal digestion. Signs of gas discomfort include: fussiness especially after feeds, pulling legs up toward the belly, a round or firm abdomen, arching the back, and excessive passing of gas. Helpful strategies include: burping baby thoroughly during and after every feed, holding baby upright for 15-20 minutes after feeds, gentle bicycle leg movements, tummy massage in a clockwise direction, and supervised tummy time.
1-3 months
Gas discomfort often peaks around 4-6 weeks and then gradually improves. Continue burping techniques and other comfort measures. If gas is severe and baby is very fussy, your pediatrician may evaluate for underlying causes such as milk protein sensitivity, formula intolerance, or reflux. Probiotic drops (such as Lactobacillus reuteri) may be discussed.
3-6 months
Gas discomfort typically improves significantly as the digestive system matures. If it persists, discuss with your pediatrician.
6-12 months
Gas may recur with the introduction of new solid foods. Introduce new foods one at a time and observe your baby's response.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed gas discomfort in newborns and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gas discomfort seems severe and persistent despite comfort measures.
- Mention if baby is excessively fussy for hours each day (could be colic).
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Some fussiness after feeds that resolves with burping
- Passing gas frequently without significant distress
- A slightly round belly that is soft and not painful to gentle pressure
- Improvement with age and maturity of the digestive system
- Gas discomfort seems severe and persistent despite comfort measures
- Baby is excessively fussy for hours each day (could be colic)
- You notice blood or mucus in stools along with gassiness
- Hard, distended abdomen with vomiting (especially green/bile) that could indicate bowel obstruction
- Baby is inconsolable, has a fever, or appears very ill
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice gas discomfort in newborns — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that some fussiness after feeds that resolves with burping — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, 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 hard, distended abdomen with vomiting (especially green/bile) that could indicate bowel obstruction.
Related Conditions
My Baby Has Excessive Gas
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.
Is It Colic or Just Gas?
Gas causes temporary discomfort that improves when baby passes gas or poops, while colic involves intense, inconsolable crying for 3+ hours at a time, at least 3 days a week, often at the same time each day. Gas is extremely common; true colic affects about 1 in 5 babies and typically starts around 2-3 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months.
Straining and Grunting to Poop (Infant Dyschezia)
Straining, grunting, and turning red during bowel movements is very common in newborns and is called infant dyschezia. It occurs because babies are learning to coordinate relaxing the pelvic floor while bearing down with the abdomen. It is NOT constipation as long as the stool is soft. It typically resolves by 3-4 months.
Related Resources
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 gas discomfort in newborns normal?
When should I call the doctor about gas discomfort in newborns?
When is gas discomfort in newborns normal?
What causes gas discomfort in newborns?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about gas discomfort in newborns?
Is gas discomfort in newborns normal at 0-1 month?
Is gas discomfort in newborns normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for gas discomfort in newborns?
Does gas discomfort in newborns go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Gas Discomfort in Newborns.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed gas discomfort in newborns and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if gas discomfort seems severe and persistent despite comfort measures.
- Mention if baby is excessively fussy for hours each day (could be colic).
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Gas discomfort seems severe and persistent despite comfort measures
- Baby is excessively fussy for hours each day (could be colic)
- You notice blood or mucus in stools along with gassiness
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Hard, distended abdomen with vomiting (especially green/bile) that could indicate bowel obstruction
- Baby is inconsolable, has a fever, or appears very ill
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 gas discomfort in newborns are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if hard, distended abdomen with vomiting (especially green/bile) that could indicate bowel obstruction.
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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Related Digestive Concerns
My Baby Has Excessive Gas
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.
Is It Colic or Just Gas?
Gas causes temporary discomfort that improves when baby passes gas or poops, while colic involves intense, inconsolable crying for 3+ hours at a time, at least 3 days a week, often at the same time each day. Gas is extremely common; true colic affects about 1 in 5 babies and typically starts around 2-3 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months.
Straining and Grunting to Poop (Infant Dyschezia)
Straining, grunting, and turning red during bowel movements is very common in newborns and is called infant dyschezia. It occurs because babies are learning to coordinate relaxing the pelvic floor while bearing down with the abdomen. It is NOT constipation as long as the stool is soft. It typically resolves by 3-4 months.
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
Can Antibiotics Damage My Baby's Gut?
Antibiotics can temporarily disrupt your baby's gut microbiome, which may cause loose stools, fussiness, or diaper rash during and shortly after treatment. However, when antibiotics are medically necessary, the benefits of treating the infection far outweigh the temporary gut disruption. Most babies' microbiomes recover within weeks to months, especially with breastfeeding and a gradual return to normal feeding patterns.