Trapped Wind in a Baby What to You Do You

Introduction

Trapped wind in babies (which is also known as colic or infantile colic) is a common and distressing problem for parents. It can lead to pain and discomfort, making the baby unsettled and irritable. While it typically doesn't cause any harm, it's still important to address it and provide some relief for your little one. This guide explains the causes of trapped wind in babies and what you can do to manage and prevent it.

Causes of Trapped Wind in Babies

Trapped wind in babies is a common problem, often caused by feeding and other activities that put pressure on the abdomen. It can happen at any age, but it is especially common in newborns and very young babies. Common causes of trapped wind include:

-Swallowing air during feeding: When bottle feeding an infant, make sure that he or she is relaxed and suckling at a slow pace. If your baby is taking too long to finish his/her bottle, switch to a smaller teat with thinner holes to reduce the amount of air they swallow. Burping them during and after each feed also helps release any build-up of gas between feeds.

-Too much crying: Babies may take in too much air when they cry heavily which then becomes trapped and causes the abdominal pain that we know as ‘trapped wind’. Gently comforting your child will help them stay content so they don’t end up gulping down mouthfuls of air.

-Sleeping position: Make sure that you’re not placing your baby down for sleep in positions known to cause trapped wind such as lying on their belly or wrapping tightly around their tummy in swaddling blankets. Instead, opt for side sleeping (once your baby has sufficient head control), or lay their back against your chest when settling for sleep for example provided it's safe for you both to do this comfortably.

-Swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid before birth: In newborn infants this often happens when the umbilical cord hasn't been cut until after delivery and is associated with an increased risk of trapping gas inside the tummy due to early introductions of fluids into the system before digestion begins properly.

Symptoms of Trapped Wind

Trapped wind in babies can be very uncomfortable for them and cause distress. Knowing the common symptoms to look out for can help you identify them in your little one. Symptoms of trapped wind can include:

- Crying and grouching, especially while they’re lying down

- Becoming uncomfortable after regular feeds

- Fussing after feeds, usually between 30 minutes to two hours afterwards

- Tummy rumbling and gas passed during burping or afterwards

- Passing excessive amounts of wind through their mouth and bottom

- Becoming distressed when lying down on their back with legs bent up towards their tummy

- Disturbed sleep due to discomfort caused by abdominal pain

Prevention of Trapped Wind

Preventing trapped wind in infants can be achieved by taking some simple steps. To start, parents need to ensure that babies are properly positioned during bottle and breastfeeding. Babies should be held upright while they feed, not lying down or propped up with pillows. This will help keep the air from going directly into the stomach and not getting burped out. It is also important to burp the baby frequently during each feeding session. Frequent breaks during feedings will allow your baby to release any excess gas that may have been swallowed along with the milk or formula.

It is also a good idea to limit distractions when your baby is feeding, especially if he or she tends to get agitated when interrupted or disturbed. This includes reducing noise levels and trying to keep things relatively calm in the environment around your baby when they are eating and immediately afterward while they are burping. To further help prevent trapped wind, parents should try providing their babies with smaller, more frequent meals over larger ones less often through the day.

Finally, if you notice that your infant is exhibiting signs of distressed breathing or pain associated with their stomach after feeding them, it may be necessary for you to seek medical advice about potential diets for babies prone to trapped wind. There are certain formulas available which can help alleviate any build-up of gas in an infant’s digestive system before it causes distress or discomfort speak with your paediatrician if you are considering changing formulas for this purpose.

Home Remedies for Trapped Wind

Home remedies for trapped wind in babies include gentle physical activities, warm baths, massage, positioning during feeding and burping. The best way to prevent trapped wind in babies is to make sure that your baby is correctly positioned during feeding, moves regularly to help the digestive system and has plenty of opportunity for burping.

Physical activity can be in the form of running with the baby around the house or taking them for a gentle walk outside. During physical activity gently soothingly move your baby’s limbs to help move gas back down into their stomach.

In addition, warm baths are beneficial as they provide relaxation, as well as help, reduce stress. Warm water helps soothe a baby's tummy and reduce the tension that can build up. Massage is also advisable after bath time as it can improve digestion and reduce tension which helps relieve trapped wind. There are a variety of techniques such as using long strokes towards your baby's chest and tummy area followed by gentle tapping movements or circling motions on your baby's abdomen or lower back (always check with a paediatrician before trying any massage techniques).

Correct positioning plays an important role when it comes to reducing trapped wind in babies during feedings; having them held upright will aid digestion and also let them take more time when needed for burping which helps release some of the unnecessary air in their little tummies!

Over the Counter Treatments

If you’ve noticed signs that your baby is suffering from trapped wind, there are a few things that you can try to ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter treatments are widely available and generally considered safe to use. While these medications may provide some relief, they won’t relieve all cases of trapped wind in a baby, so parents must consult their doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Some common over-the-counter treatments for trapped wind in babies include:

-Gripe water – This is a herbal remedy designed to soothe any stomach cramps or aches associated with trapped wind.

-Simethicone drops – These contain tiny bubbles which help to break down larger gas bubbles in the stomach.

-Lactase drops or tablets – These can help to break down lactose in the stomach, reducing indigestion and helping to reduce flatulence and bloating as a result of trapped wind.

It is always important for parents to read instructions carefully before administering any medicines and seek medical advice if they are worried about their child’s health.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If your baby is experiencing trapped wind, you may want to try a few possible remedies before seeking medical advice. These may include: burping your baby during and after feeding, changing the way you feed your baby (alternating shoulders during feeding), holding them upright after feeding while they’re sleeping, cutting down on air-ingesting foods such as cabbage and bananas, or giving them over-the-counter infant gas drops available at pharmacies. However, if the symptoms persist then it is important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your baby's discomfort so that they can start an appropriate treatment plan. They may recommend lifestyle changes such as making dietary adjustments or over-the-counter medications like antacids if it is determined that the cause of the trapped wind is diet related. It's important to be aware that some more serious conditions could present with similar symptoms so if any major changes occur in their eating habits or bowel movements it should be taken seriously. In addition, blood tests, x-rays and even endoscopy may be recommended depending upon the diagnosis of your doctor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best way to treat and prevent trapped wind in a baby is to ensure a good burping technique after each feed, by helping them bring up any air swallowed during feeding. Massage and gentle exercise like bicycling their legs can also help, as can changing formula or position if necessary. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, speak to your doctor for further advice and treatment.