Getting your baby's wind up

We do not know the cause of colic but many believe it is related to babies feed time in that they may take in air with their milk. Small bubbles of air cause wind in your baby’s stomach or bowels and this in turn can cause tummy ache which can be very distressing for your baby.

It has been thought that Breastfed babies may get less wind than bottle fed babies, they may take in less air, but it doesn’t mean that they definitely won’t get wind. If you’re feeding your baby with a bottle, make sure that the bottle is tipped up enough so that the teat is always full of milk. This will reduce the amount of air the baby swallows.

How will I know if my baby has wind?

• they may have a bluish tinge on the skin notable between their top lip and nose (not lips!)
• may grimace and look like they are smiling but appear uncomfortable.
• your baby is restless or crying and may be pulling legs up to their tummy

What can you do to help?

When you’re helping your baby to get his wind up the idea is that you are trying to dislodge and disperse any small bubbles of air that have become trapped in the nooks and crannies of his digestive system.

• Sometimes just picking your baby up will help these little bubbles to escape
• It may be more effective to have your baby upright against your chest, looking over your shoulder than to have your baby ‘sitting’ on your knee with his chin in your hand. Do keep an eye on your babies facial expression in between back rubs.
• Don’t pat your baby’s back, but rub it gently
• Don’t be over-eager – if he doesn’t get any wind up straight away, he may not have wind
• Don’t always expect a big burp – just a small gurgle in his tummy could be a sign that any wind has escaped.

If your baby is settled after a feed don’t spend time trying to get his wind up straight away. It is something you can try though if he doesn’t settle, or if he starts to become restless a few minutes later.

If your baby has problems with wind that can’t be helped by trying these techniques, discuss with your midwife or healthvisitor, they may suggest other forms of help such as colic drops. However, it is important that you read the label as they are not all suitable for newborn babies.

Useful link: www.colief.com/uk