My Baby Has Excessive Gas
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Sources
Related Resources
Related Digestive Concerns
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.
My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica)
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Baby Excessive Gas After Starting Solids
Increased gas after starting solid foods is completely normal and expected. Your baby's digestive system is encountering new proteins, fibers, and sugars for the first time and needs time to adapt. The gut bacteria are also diversifying, which naturally produces more gas. This typically improves within a few weeks as the digestive system adjusts to each new food.
My Baby Gulps Air While Feeding
Swallowing some air during feeding is normal for all babies, but excessive air gulping can lead to gas, hiccups, and spit-up. Common causes include fast milk flow, poor latch (if breastfeeding), bottle nipple flow that's too fast or slow, and crying before feeds. Simple adjustments to feeding position, pacing, and equipment can usually help reduce air intake significantly.
Baby Poop Color Changes with Solids
Dramatic changes in poop color after starting solids are completely normal and expected. What your baby eats directly affects stool color - carrots may turn poop orange, spinach makes it green, beets can make it reddish, and blueberries can turn it dark blue-black. As long as your baby is comfortable and the stool is not white, black (tarry), or bright red with blood, these color changes are harmless.