Babies, by nature, are gassy little beings. As they commence their journey in this new world, their digestive systems are still maturing, which can sometimes result in discomfort for them and a sense of helplessness for their parents. While gas in babies is a normal part of life, an excess can lead to discomfort and restlessness, affecting their feeding and sleep schedules.

Finding the right infant formula that supports digestion and reduces gas can make a significant difference in your baby's overall comfort. This article aims to guide you in choosing the best infant formula for your gassy baby and provide you with some tips to reduce gassy issues.

Understand Why Babies Get Gassy

Before we delve into choosing the right infant formula, it's important to understand why babies get gassy. Picture it this way: newborns come into this world armed with a fledgling digestive system that is just starting to unfold its wings. This state of infancy often makes them susceptible to the production of a surplus of gas, occasionally leading to a fair bit of discomfort. But, as they grow and their digestive capabilities evolve, this gassy spectacle transforms into a far less frequent occurrence, making way for more giggles and peaceful slumbers.

Digestive System Immaturity

A baby's gastrointestinal (GI) tract is in the initial stages of learning to process food, extract nutrients, and get rid of waste. The enzymes responsible for breaking down food are not as efficient in the early stages of a baby's life, particularly during the first few months. This inefficiency often results in the incomplete breakdown of food, particularly carbohydrates like lactose, leading to the fermentation of undigested food by gut bacteria, a process that produces gas as a byproduct.

Air Ingestion

In addition to this natural gas production, babies also tend to swallow air while feeding, whether they're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or eating solid food. This is particularly true if they're feeding rapidly, crying, or if the bottle's nipple isn't the right fit. The swallowed air can get trapped in their still-learning-to-function digestive system, adding to their overall gaseous state.

The Microbiome Factor

The gut microbiota, or the community of microbes living in our digestive tracts, also plays a critical role in this scenario. The baby's gut microbiota is in its initial stages of development, contributing to the overall immaturity of the digestive system. These microbes also help break down food, and in the process, they produce gas. As the baby's gut microbiota matures, their ability to handle gas production and expulsion generally improves.

The Uncomfortable Side of Gas

While gas is a normal part of life and a sign that the digestive system is working, an excess can cause discomfort in babies. When gas doesn't pass through belching or flatulence, it can build up in the GI tract, stretching the intestines and causing bloating and discomfort. This situation is often manifested as fussiness, crying, squirming, a bloated tummy, or even disrupted sleep.

While it's a normal part of the digestion process, there are certainly ways to alleviate the excess gas and associated discomfort. It can be as simple as changing feeding practices or finding the right infant formula designed to be gentle on immature digestive systems.

Tips for Reducing Gas

• Feeding technique: The manner in which you feed your baby can significantly influence their gas production. Always ensure that your baby is positioned in a way that their head is higher than their stomach during feeding. This strategy makes it easy for the milk to descend to the bottom, while the air rises. This position allows for better digestion, reducing the chance of gas build-up. If your baby is still having issues with gas, try adjusting the angle of feeding slightly. You can experiment with different angles to see what works best for your little one.
• Frequent burping: Burping your baby regularly during and after feeds can help to expel the gas that gets swallowed along with the milk. Don't wait until the end of the feeding session to burp your baby; doing it midway could help to reduce gas build-up.
• Tummy time: Giving your baby some tummy time while they are awake and supervised can aid in the natural expulsion of gas. The gentle pressure on the tummy helps to release trapped gas, reducing discomfort.
• Baby massage: Gentle stomach and lower body massages can also help to relieve gas. Try moving your hands in a clockwise motion on your baby's tummy or gently cycling your baby's legs to ease the gas out.
• Correct bottle technique: If you are bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple is the right size for your baby. A nipple that is too big may cause your baby to gulp down milk too quickly, swallowing excess air. Additionally, the bottle should be tilted so the nipple is full of milk, not air.
• Consider a different formula: If your baby consistently struggles with gas, it might be worth considering a change in formula. Some babies may have an intolerance or sensitivity to certain ingredients that can increase gas. There are many formulas specifically designed to reduce gas, and one of them may work better for your baby.

What to Look For in Infant Formula

When choosing a formula for your gassy baby, consider the following factors:

• Protein source: Protein in infant formulas can come from different sources like cow’s milk, goat milk, and more specialized sources like amino acids in hypoallergenic formulas. Some babies might struggle to digest the protein from cow's milk, making them more susceptible to gas. In such cases, goat-based or hypoallergenic formulas could be a better fit.
• Hydrolyzed proteins: Formulas with hydrolyzed proteins have been broken down into smaller components, making them easier to digest. These are often found in 'sensitive' or 'gentle' formulas and can be an excellent choice for a gassy baby.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: These beneficial bacteria and fibers support the growth of healthy gut flora, which can aid digestion and reduce gas. They are a significant component to consider when choosing a formula.
• Lactose content: Some gassy babies might be lactose intolerant or sensitive, meaning they have trouble digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk. In these cases, a low-lactose or lactose-free formula may be a good option.

Top Formula Recommendations for Gassy Babies

HiPP Comfort Formula: HiPP Comfort Formula is specially formulated to cater to babies who suffer from gas, colic, and constipation. It contains easily digestible proteins, reduced lactose content, and a special blend of prebiotics and probiotics, which all work together to ease digestion and reduce gas.

HiPP Hypoallergenic (HA) Formula: HiPP HA Formula is a great choice if your baby is at risk of allergic reactions, which can exacerbate gas and digestive discomfort. The milk proteins in this formula are hydrolyzed, breaking them into smaller parts for easier digestion, thereby reducing the likelihood of gas and discomfort.

Holle Goat Milk Formula: Goat's milk is known for being easier to digest than cow's milk, which can make Holle Goat Milk Formula an excellent choice for gassy babies. Its protein composition is slightly different from cow's milk, allowing for easier digestion and less gas production.

Kabrita Goat Milk Formula: Kabrita offers another great goat milk option. This formula has the additional advantage of including a blend of prebiotic fibers, which can support healthy gut bacteria, potentially further reducing gas and discomfort.

Kendamil Organic Infant Formula: Kendamil Organic Infant Formula stands out because it's the only British-made formula and uses whole milk rather than skimmed. It also contains no palm oil, which some studies suggest can contribute to increased gas and harder stools in some babies. The absence of this ingredient might make this formula easier on your baby's digestive system.

Nanny Care Goat Milk Formula: Nanny Care Goat Milk Formula is a premium goat milk formula that is enriched with extra calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and D. Goat milk is naturally gentle on the stomach, and this formula also includes prebiotics, which may further help to reduce gas and digestive discomfort.

Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you have concerns, consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dietitian before switching formulas.

Where can I buy these Organic Formulas?

At Mommy Formula, we deliver organic baby formula straight from Europe to the United States. Kendamil formulas have been trusted by moms for generations, and we're proud to be able to offer them at the best prices. Our online store is open 24/7, and we offer free shipping on all orders.