Understanding Newborn Gas and Colic: What’s Normal and How to Help Your Baby Feel Better
It’s completely normal for newborns to be gassy, fussy, and uncomfortable in their first weeks of life. Their digestive system is brand new and still learning what to do, so even a tiny bubble can feel like a major crisis to them (and to you). Many parents find themselves pacing the house, bouncing on exercise balls, or Googling “whhhyyyy is my baby crying after feeding?!” at 3 a.m. The good news is that gas and colic are extremely common, temporary, and very treatable once you understand what’s happening in your baby’s little belly.
Newborn digestion is slow and delicate. Their intestines are still developing the strength and rhythm needed to push milk and air through the digestive tract. Because of this, digestion takes time, much longer than adults, and babies don’t actually have the muscle tone yet to easily pass gas on their own. This is why they need extra help from you through burping, movement, and patience. Many parents feel tempted to rush feedings or immediately put the baby down afterward, but giving your baby time to digest can significantly reduce gas discomfort and prevent colic-like episodes. Simply holding your baby upright for 10–15 minutes after each feeding can make a huge difference.
Newborns swallow air constantly, while feeding, crying, sucking, and sometimes even while just moving around. Because their digestive tract is immature, it’s harder for them to move that air through their system, which leads to pressure, discomfort, and fussiness. You may notice your baby squirming, pulling their legs up, clenching their fists, turning red, or making those “Help me” grunting sounds. These are all normal signs of gas. Colic, on the other hand, is when a baby cries intensely for long periods with no clear cause. It usually peaks around week six, but many colicky behaviors are actually tied to digestion and can improve with the right techniques.
One of the best ways to help is by paying close attention to feeding. If breastfeeding, ensure your baby has a deep latch so they’re not gulping air. If bottle-feeding, try paced feeding, which slows down the flow and helps them take in less air. Always burp your baby halfway through a feeding and again at the end, sometimes they’ll give you a big burp, sometimes a tiny bubble, and sometimes nothing at all, but the attempt matters. Slow, gentle feeding and unrushed burping support digestion and prevent trapped gas, which is one of the biggest triggers for colic-like crying.
Movement is another powerful tool in relieving gas. Bicycling your baby’s legs, gently pushing their knees toward their chest, and placing them tummy down across your forearm can help release trapped air. Tummy time on a firm surface is also incredibly helpful, even in short bursts throughout the day, because the gentle pressure on their belly helps move digestion along. Just remember to do tummy time while they’re awake and supervised. Again, none of this should feel rushed. Slow, rhythmic movements help your baby relax, which allows their digestive system to work more efficiently.
If your baby is crying intensely and nothing seems to work, it may be colic, but colic does not mean something is wrong. Some babies simply have a heightened need for comfort during these early weeks. Creating a calm environment can help tremendously. Dim the lights, lower stimulation, swaddle your baby, and use soothing motions like rocking or walking while holding them close. Many babies respond well to white noise because it mimics the whooshing sound from the womb. A warm bath and a massage in the evening will also relax their muscles and ease digestive tension.
Your baby may have certain times of day when fussiness is on 1000, this is very normal. Evening “witching hour” is common, even for babies who aren’t colicky. Knowing it’s predictable can help you feel more prepared. Try offering a full feeding, skin-to-skin contact, or a warm belly rub in slow, clockwise circles to help ease gas and support digestion.
Most importantly, remember that gas and colic are part of normal newborn development and usually improve dramatically by 8 to 12 weeks. It’s hard in the moment, but it doesn’t last forever. Your baby isn’t upset because of anything you’re doing wrong, they’re simply adjusting to life outside the womb, and their digestive system is learning how to do its job. With patience, unrushed feedings, gentle routines, and supportive techniques, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and bring much more calm into those early weeks. You got this!