Few things are as stressful as watching your baby cry from colic or discomfort caused by trapped gas. While this phase is common—affecting nearly 20–25% of newborns—it can leave parents exhausted and unsure of what to do. The good news? Many feeding-based remedies can significantly reduce gas, ease tummy cramps, and make feeding time much calmer for both you and your baby.
This guide breaks down what actually works, based on pediatric insights, feeding techniques, bottle choices, and gentle remedies you can use at home.
What Causes Colic and Gas in Babies?
Before jumping into remedies, understanding why your baby is gassy helps you fix it faster. Common causes include:
1. Swallowing too much air while feeding
Incorrect latch or fast bottle flow can trap air in your baby’s stomach.
2. Immature digestive system
Babies’ guts take several months to mature, making them prone to gas buildup.
3. Overfeeding or feeding too quickly
This can overwhelm their tiny stomachs, causing discomfort and fussiness.
4. Sensitivity to formula or dairy
Some babies react to cow’s milk protein or ingredients in certain formula types.
5. Not burping frequently
Unreleased air gets trapped and causes pain.
Understanding the cause helps you pick the right remedy.
Effective Feeding Remedies to Soothe Colic and Gas
Below are the most reliable and proven feeding remedies parents can start using immediately.
1. Adjust Your Baby’s Feeding Position
The right feeding posture prevents swallowed air and helps milk travel smoothly.
⭐ Best Positions:
- Upright feeding position: Baby’s head higher than their tummy.
- Cradle hold but angled upward
- Paced bottle feeding position (great for gassy bottle-fed babies)
🎯 Why it works:
Gravity helps milk move down while keeping air at the top of the stomach—reducing gas pain.
2. Practice Paced Bottle Feeding
Paced feeding slows the flow of milk and mimics breastfeeding.
How to do it:
- Hold your baby at a 45° angle.
- Hold the bottle horizontally so milk flows slowly.
- Let your baby suck and pause naturally.
Benefits:
✔ Reduces gas
✔ Prevents overfeeding
✔ Calms babies who gulp milk too quickly
✔ Helps with reflux
Try this especially if your baby gets fussy or gassy during bottle feeds.
3. Choose the Right Bottle and Nipple Type
Not all bottles are created equal—some are specifically designed to reduce gas and colic.
Look for:
- Anti-colic vents
- Slow-flow nipples
- Wide-neck bottles
- Soft, breast-like nipple shapes (for easy latch)
⭐ Popular anti-colic bottle options include:
- Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Bottles
- Philips Avent Natural
- Tommee Tippee Anti-Colic
- MAM Anti-Colic Bottle
Switching bottles alone can dramatically improve gas and colic symptoms.
4. Burp More Often (and Use the Right Technique)
A baby with gas needs to be burped more frequently—not only after feeding but also during feeding.
When to burp:
- After every 1–2 oz of milk
- When switching breasts
- When baby becomes fussy during feeding
Effective burping positions:
- Over-the-shoulder patting
- Sitting upright with chin supported
- Lying on tummy across your lap
Burping mid-feed releases trapped air early, preventing pain later.
5. Tummy-Friendly Formula Changes (If Your Baby Is Formula-Fed)
Not every baby handles every formula well. If gas or colic is severe, your pediatrician may recommend:
Types of formulas that may help:
- Gentle or Comfort Formula (partially broken-down proteins)
- Hypoallergenic Formula (for cow’s milk sensitivity)
- Lactose-reduced Formula
- Anti-colic formula blends
Signs your formula may be causing issues:
- Frequent spit-ups
- Excessive crying
- Mucus in poop
- Gassy belly
Always consult a doctor before switching formulas.
6. Proper Latching During Breastfeeding
A shallow latch leads to swallowed air. Correct latch = less gas.
Signs of a good latch:
- Baby’s lips flanged outward
- Chin touching the breast
- More areola visible above baby’s mouth
- No clicking sounds
If breastfeeding is painful, your baby may not be latched properly—leading to gas.
A lactation consultant can help correct latch issues quickly.
7. Avoid Overfeeding to Reduce Gas
Babies sometimes continue sucking even when they’re already full.
To avoid overfeeding:
- Watch for hunger cues (rooting, lip sucking)
- Stop when baby turns head away
- Use slow-flow nipples
- Pace the feeding
Overfeeding = more trapped gas + more crying.
8. Try Warm Compresses After Feeding
This gentle home remedy relaxes your baby’s stomach muscles.
How to apply:
- Use a warm (not hot!) towel
- Place gently on baby’s tummy for 5–10 minutes
- Massage in circular motions
This helps gas move through the intestines more comfortably.
9. Gentle Tummy Massage to Relieve Gas
Massaging helps release trapped gas and soothes colic pains.
Techniques to try:
- Bicycle legs
- Tummy clockwise circle massage
- Knee-to-chest gentle pressure
Do this between feedings—not immediately after.
10. Try Gripe Water or Gas Drops (If Recommended)
Many parents find these helpful, but always check with a doctor first.
Common options:
- Simethicone gas drops
- Gripe water with ginger, fennel, or chamomile
These help break up gas bubbles or relax the digestive system.
Feeding Mistakes That Can Make Colic Worse
Avoiding these mistakes can drastically reduce colic:
❌ Using fast-flow nipples
❌ Shaking formula (creates air bubbles)
❌ Switching formulas too often
❌ Feeding baby while lying flat
❌ Not burping during feeds
❌ Overfeeding during growth spurts
Small changes can bring big relief.
Signs Your Baby’s Colic Might Need Medical Evaluation
While gas and colic are normal, you should see a doctor if:
- Baby cries nonstop for hours
- Vomits forcefully (projectile vomiting)
- Has blood or mucus in stool
- Isn’t gaining weight
- Seems in pain during every feed
Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, check with a pediatrician.
When Will Colic End?
The good news: colic typically peaks at 6 weeks and improves by 3–4 months.
Gas issues also reduce once your baby’s digestive system matures.
Final Tips for Parents
- Stay calm—your baby feels your stress.
- Try adjustments one at a time to see what works.
- Keep a feeding log to track patterns.
- Remember: this phase will pass.
Every baby is different, but with patience and the right feeding strategies, colic and gas can be managed effectively.