How To Prevent Gas In A Newborn

As new parents, we had so much to learn and were so lucky to have our Yue Sao (our "confinement nurse" based on Chinese traditions) teach us everything she knows from decades of experience. One of the cutest yet super effective practices she taught us was a series of super simple post-bath baby exercises! The benefit of these gentle movements is to push any air in the baby's belly out, preventing gas and the ensuing fuss. It only takes a minute or so, doesn't require any tools, and it can be done daily or anytime you feel the baby needs to expel gas. See how to help a newborn with gas with the quick method below.

Here are the 3 simple steps to infant gas relief:

1. With the baby legs together, gently bend the knees and move them towards the belly, then gently re-extend the legs. Repeat and count softly to 10.
2. End the above move with the knees softly bent towards the belly. Gently move the knees in a small circle. Count softly to 10 with each completed circle.
3. Gently bend one knee toward the belly with the other leg extended, then switch, like the bicycle exercise you might do at the gym (but much more softly and slowly!). Repeat and count softly to 10. 

This can be very calming and fun - like a little massage for your baby. Just make sure to follow these tips to make this a safe and relaxing experience for your newborn.

• Do these exercises after bath when baby is still naked or with just a diaper, so you can see their limbs clearly. Onesies, pajamas, and even the super soft Porpoise footed yoga pants can wait.
• Be gentle in movement and in voice. Move slowly and narrate what you're about to do each time.
• Cradle the sides around and under the knees to have full control over the movements and to avoid over-bending or over-extending the legs.
• Always keep the legs together, never open or splayed.
• Don't worry if you don't heart any farts. They are tiny humans, so only a tiny bit of air might be released. When air is expelled, there might be a faint sound or they might not make a sound at all. No need to push on the belly or move the legs too far onto the belly.

We loved doing this exercise every evening for the first 4 months or so, because it is truly such a fun moment of connection as the day "ends". Plus, it seems to have worked - our LO didn't have any gas issues thankfully. At around 4-6months, babies' bodies grow enough to start expelling gas on their own, so eventually, these movements aren't necessary anymore. Enjoy these precious little moments and happy farting!