Baby pulls up their legs, clenches their fists, and cries inconsolably. You've tried feeding, comforting, and changing the diaper. Could it be gas?

Gas and stomach cramps are very common in newborns. A baby's digestive system is immature, and trapped air can cause surprisingly intense pain. The good news: there are several simple techniques you can use at home.

Here are 8 concrete methods for relieving gas, plus clear signs of when you should contact a doctor.

Why do babies get gas?

Babies swallow air — it's completely normal. Every feeding, every crying spell, and even pacifier use causes a little air to end up in the stomach. The problem arises when the air can't get back out.

A baby's digestive system is developing rapidly in the first months. The intestinal muscles are immature, and gas bubbles can get stuck and cause discomfort.

Common causes of gas in babies:

Swallowing air during feeding — especially with a bottle, but also at the breast
Crying — the more baby cries, the more air is swallowed
Immature gut flora — it takes time to build a balanced digestive system
Food sensitivity via breast milk — in rare cases, mom's diet can affect baby
Wrong bottle nipple size — flow that's too fast or too slow can cause extra air swallowing

Gas is most common from 2–3 weeks of age and typically eases around 3–4 months as digestion matures.

8 effective methods for relieving gas in babies

1. I Love You tummy massage

This classic baby massage technique follows the natural direction of the intestines and helps gas bubbles move along.

How to do it:

Lay baby on their back on a soft surface
Use a little baby oil and warm your hands
Stroke the letter I downward on baby's left side (your right)
Stroke the letter L — across the top and down the left side
Stroke the letter U — up the right side, across the top, down the left side
Repeat gently 3–5 times

Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding before massaging the tummy. Massage right after a meal can cause spitting up.

2. Bicycle legs

Hold baby's feet and gently move the legs as if baby is pedaling a bicycle. This applies gentle pressure to the abdomen and helps air escape.

Do 10–15 bicycle movements, pause, then repeat. Many babies enjoy this — and it often works quickly.

3. Proper burping technique

Burping is the first line of defense against gas. Most people know to burp their baby — but technique makes a big difference.

Over the shoulder: Hold baby upright with their chin over your shoulder. Gently pat or rub upward on the back.
Sitting up: Support baby's chin with one hand, lean baby slightly forward, and pat their back with the other.
Across the lap: Lay baby face-down across your knees and rub their back.

Try to burp baby after every 1.5–2 oz (50–60 ml) with a bottle, or between breasts when nursing.

4. Tummy time (supervised)

Tummy time creates gentle pressure on the abdomen that can help gas escape. Lay baby on their tummy along your forearm with their head in the crook of your hand.

This position is often called the "colic hold" and combines pressure relief with closeness to you.

Baby should never lie on their tummy unsupervised, and should never sleep on their tummy. Tummy time is only a relief method while you're holding baby.

5. Warm bath

A warm bath (97–99°F / 36–37°C) has a relaxing effect on the intestinal muscles. Many babies with stomach cramps settle down in the water.

You can combine the bath with a gentle tummy massage in the water. Make sure the room is warm and have a warm towel ready afterward.

6. Proper nursing position and latch

During breastfeeding, a poor latch can cause baby to swallow extra air. Check that:

Baby takes a good mouthful of the areola, not just the nipple
Lips are flanged outward (like a fish)
You hear swallowing, not smacking or clicking sounds
Baby is held close to your body with nose level with the nipple

7. Right bottle and nipple size

Using a bottle? The nipple flow plays a major role.

Too fast flow — baby swallows too quickly and takes in air
Too slow flow — baby sucks harder and swallows more air
Anti-colic bottles — have vent systems that reduce air swallowing

Hold the bottle at roughly a 45-degree angle so the nipple is always filled with milk, not air.

8. Carrying and movement

Many babies with gas enjoy being carried, ideally in a baby carrier or wrap. The upright position helps air move upward, and your body movement has a calming effect.

Gentle rocking, light knee-lifts while holding baby, or a calm stroller ride can also help.

When gas may be something else

Gas is usually harmless and temporary. But sometimes similar symptoms have other causes.

Consider whether it might be:

Colic — persistent, intense crying for more than 3 hours daily, at least 3 days a week
Reflux — spitting up with discomfort, arching the back, restless during feeding
Cow's milk protein allergy — blood or mucus in stool, rash, persistent distress
Constipation — hard stools, infrequent stools, visible discomfort when having a bowel movement

According to the AAP, about 20 percent of all newborns have episodes of colic. Colic typically starts at 2–3 weeks of age and usually resolves by 3–4 months.

When should you contact a doctor?

Most cases of gas and stomach cramps are completely harmless. But contact your doctor or pediatrician if:

Baby has a fever along with stomach pain
You see blood or mucus in the stool
Baby refuses food repeatedly
Baby is losing weight or not gaining as expected
The tummy is tense and hard for an extended period
Baby seems unusually limp or listless
Symptoms are getting worse over time rather than improving

Your pediatrician is a good first contact. They can assess whether baby needs further evaluation.

Can mom's diet make a difference?

When breastfeeding, some foods in mom's diet may cause more gas in baby. Research is mixed, but some mothers notice that baby reacts to:

Cow's milk protein (best documented)
Heavily spiced food
Beans and cabbage in large amounts
Caffeine

AAP/WHO guidelines don't recommend routine elimination diets for breastfeeding mothers. Talk to your doctor or dietitian before cutting food groups from your diet.

Common questions

How long do gas problems last in babies?

Gas is most common between 2 weeks and 4 months. Most babies grow out of it as the digestive system matures. Some may have gas issues a bit longer, but it gradually improves.

Can simethicone drops help?

Simethicone drops (such as Mylicon or Little Remedies) break up large gas bubbles into smaller ones that are easier to pass. They are safe for babies. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Do probiotics help with gas?

Some studies suggest that probiotics (especially Lactobacillus reuteri) may reduce crying time in colicky babies. There is no general recommendation, but it is safe to try. Talk to your pediatrician.

Is it normal for baby to fart a lot?

Yes. Babies fart a surprising amount, and it's completely normal. Passing gas is good — it means the gas is getting out. It's when gas gets trapped that the discomfort occurs.

Does putting baby on their tummy help?

Supervised tummy time can help gas escape. The pressure against the abdomen is soothing. But baby should never sleep on their tummy — it increases the risk of SIDS.

Relief takes time — and it does pass

Gas and stomach cramps are one of the most common challenges in the first months. Even though it's exhausting to watch baby hurt, it helps to know this is temporary.

Try the different methods and find out what works best for your baby. Baby massage is a great place to start — it relieves gas and strengthens the bond between you.

Sources

American Academy of Pediatrics — Colic
WHO — Infant Nutrition
International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM)

Gas and Stomach Cramps in Babies: How to Bring Relief