It is natural for babies to swallow air when drinking milk. The baby can get rid of the flatulence either by passing wind or belching. Although it is very common in bottle-fed babies, breastfed babies can also swallow air.

When feeding your baby, allow them time to pass wind; if you are breastfeeding, relieve your baby’s gas when you change breasts. Swallowed air can make them feel full, cause inconvenience and prevent them from getting the nutrition they need. Or gas can press on the stomach and make your baby vomit. If your baby is happy, this means they have not swallowed enough air to burp; if they are fidgety and grimace, that means some air has found its way inside, so try to keep at it a bit more. But do not be hasty in expecting quick results.

Here’s what you can do to relieve your baby’s gas and make them relax:

• Hold them by the buttock, lean them against your shoulder, gently pat their back and gently stroke them rhythmically. You can cover your shoulder with a clean towel or cloth in case some milk comes out of their mouth.
• You can also relieve your baby’s gas by placing them face down on your knees and gently patting their back. You can cover your knees with a clean towel or cloth in case some milk comes out of their mouth.
• After your baby is three months old, you can put them on your knee, hold their chest with one hand and rub their back with the other.