How to Relieve Baby Gas Fast

Why babies are so gassy

Newborn digestive systems are still developing, so swallowed air and normal gut activity build up easily. Crying, fast feeding, and gulping all add air that has to come back out one end or the other.

Most gas is harmless and passes on its own. The techniques below simply help it move along faster so your baby is more comfortable.

It is also normal for babies to turn red, grunt, and strain before passing a soft stool. In babies under about 9 months this pattern — straining and crying for several minutes before a soft poop — is called infant dyschezia. It looks like constipation but is just coordination practice and does not need treatment.

Gas relief techniques: what to do and when

Try one move at a time. Movement and pressure tend to work fastest.

Technique	How to do it	Best time to use it
Bicycle legs	Lay baby on their back, hold the ankles, and pedal the knees toward the belly in slow circles, one leg at a time.	Between feeds, when baby seems uncomfortable
Knees to belly	Gently press both bent knees toward the tummy and hold for about 10 seconds, then release. Repeat.	After bicycle legs, to push trapped gas out
'I Love You' massage	With a flat hand, trace an 'I' down the left side of the belly, an upside-down 'L' across the top, then an upside-down 'U' around the navel.	30+ minutes after a feed
Tummy time	Place baby on their tummy while awake and supervised; the gentle pressure helps move gas.	At least 15 to 30 minutes after eating
Paced feeding + burping	Keep the bottle nipple full, take breaks, and burp partway through and after the feed.	During every feed
Gas drops / the Windi	Simethicone drops or a vented tube (the Windi) are common over-the-counter options in North America.	When other moves aren't enough; check with your pediatrician

Burping and feeding tips that prevent gas

Stopping air from getting in is easier than getting it back out. Small feeding changes often cut down on gas before it starts.

• Burp partway through the feed, not just at the end, so air doesn't pile up.
• Hold your baby more upright while feeding and for 10 to 15 minutes after.
• For bottles, keep the nipple full of milk and choose a flow that doesn't make your baby gulp.
• For breastfeeding, check the latch — a deep latch lets in less air.
• Try not to wait until your baby is frantically crying to feed; a calmer feed means less swallowed air.

How long before it gets better

Gassiness tends to peak in the first few weeks and eases by around 3 to 4 months as the gut matures. In the meantime, the moves above give short-term relief on hard days.

If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and content between bouts of fussing, gas alone is rarely a reason for concern. The signs below are what tell you to call instead.

Reviewed June 2026.

Related questions

How do I relieve my baby's gas fast?

Try bicycle legs and gently pressing the knees to the belly to push trapped gas out, then the 'I Love You' belly massage. Burping partway through feeds and tummy time also help. These work fastest when used between feeds.

Why is my baby straining and grunting to poop but the stool is soft?

That's usually infant dyschezia — babies under 9 months straining and crying for a few minutes before a soft poop while they learn to coordinate the muscles. It looks like constipation but isn't, and it doesn't need treatment.

Do gas drops actually work for babies?

Simethicone gas drops are widely used and considered safe from birth, though evidence on how well they work is mixed. Many parents find them most useful as a preventive given before gas builds up. Check with your pediatrician first.

Is it normal for my newborn to be so gassy?

Yes. Newborn digestive systems are immature, so gas is very common in the first few months and usually eases by 3 to 4 months. As long as your baby feeds well and gains weight, gas alone is normal.

When should I worry about my baby's gas?

Call your pediatrician if you see blood in the stool, forceful or green vomiting, a hard swollen belly with no stool, poor feeding, or a fever of 100.4°F or higher in a baby under 3 months.

Sources & further reading

1. Cleveland Clinic — How to Relieve Baby Gas
2. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) — Breaking Up Gas, Reflux and Spitting Up
3. Seattle Children's — Constipation
4. Mayo Clinic — Infant constipation: How is it treated?

This article reflects current AAP, CDC, FDA, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.