The first few months with your little one are a whirlwind of emotions, cuddles and, sometimes, a whole lot of crying. While some fussiness is perfectly normal, persistent crying, especially when accompanied by other telltale signs, could mean that your baby is experiencing gripes. But what exactly are gripes, and how can you help your little one find relief?
What are gripes, exactly?
Flatulence or gassiness is common in babies and usually goes away on its own.1,2 Occasionally, however, babies can experience gassiness that becomes uncomfortable1 – this is called gripes. When a baby experiences gassiness, small bubbles form in their stomach or intestines, and these can sometimes lead to pressure, pain, and tummy discomfort.1,2 Generally, gassiness isn’t something you need to worry too much about but, if your baby is uncomfortable, it’s a sign that they’re asking for your help!1,2
Why do babies get gripes?
Almost all babies experience gassiness.1,2 Here are some common reasons for why your little one might be gassy:1
- Swallowing air: During nursing or bottle-feeding, if babies don’t latch correctly or feed in certain positions, they may swallow air which can lead to gassiness.
- Excessive crying: During crying episodes, babies tend to swallow a lot of air, which can lead to gassiness. It can be tricky to tell if the gas is caused by crying or if the crying is caused by gas so make sure that you are tending to your baby’s needs and soothing them in the best way possible.
- Digestive problems: Constipation or acid reflux can lead to gassiness. This is something you can speak to your healthcare professional about, especially if it is frequent or severe.
- Immature digestive tract: Babies are new to the world… and so are their digestive tracts! Their bodies are still learning how to digest food which means they may experience gassiness more often than adults.
- Virus: Gastrointestinal viruses can lead to different stomach problems, including gas, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If you notice any worrying signs, speak to your healthcare professional.
- Food sensitivity: As your baby gets older, you may start introducing new or solid foods. These may cause gas which, if it happens often, could be a sign of a food sensitivity.
Spotting the signs: Is it gripes?
When a baby is experiencing gripes, they are bound to let you know about it and are usually a less-than-happy baby.2 Here are some common signs that can help you figure out if your baby might be experiencing gripes:1-3
- Intense crying or crying more than usual.
- Scrunching and getting red in their face while crying.
- Squirming frequently.
- Pulling their legs up to their chest.
- Not sleeping or eating well.
- Appearing unhappy or extra fussy.
- Having a hard, bloated tummy.
So, how can you help your baby find relief?
Good news! There are a number of things you can do to try help soothe your baby’s discomfort. Since gripes are often caused by a buildup of gas in the tummy, you can help your baby by getting the gas bubbles to move more quickly out of their body.1,2 Here are some simple home remedies that you can try:1-3
- Change your baby’s feeding position so their head is above their tummy.
- Slow down your baby’s feeding to prevent them from swallowing air.
- Burp your baby more often and hold them in an upright position.
- Swaddle your baby.
- Move your baby’s legs in a gentle circular motion.
Gently rub and massage your baby’s tummy.
When should you speak to your healthcare professional?
Although minor gas doesn’t necessarily require a visit to the doctor, you should speak to your healthcare professional if you notice any of the following:1-3
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in your baby’s stool
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
What other remedies are available?
What other remedies are available? Many parents find comfort in time-tested remedies. For generations, families have turned to WOODWARD’S Celebrated Gripe Water to help soothe babies experiencing gripes. This trusted formula contains ingredients that can be used to help relieve your baby’s gas and tummy discomfort. WOODWARD’S Celebrated Gripe Water has been comforting babies with gripes for over 160 years and is S.A.’s #1 Gripe Water.4*
It’s also part of Aspen’s Little Wonders trusted portfolio of products for children – because when Little Wonders have bigger needs, you can count on Aspen to lend a helping hand.
The bottom line
Gripes can be a challenging part of early parenthood but remember that you’re not alone. By understanding the signs, trying different soothing remedies, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can help your baby find relief.
*In both value and volume.
References:
- Villines Z. Causes and how to relieve gas in a baby [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2025 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324725.
- Cleveland Clinic. Gassy Baby? Try These 9 Gas Relief Tips [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 4]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-relieve-baby-gas.
- Brown T. Infant Gas: How to Prevent and Treat It [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/infant-gas.
- Woodward’s Impact Rx, February 2025.
S0 WOODWARD’S Celebrated Gripe Water. Reg. No.: E/11.4.3/1551. Each 5 ml contains 50 mg sodium bicarbonate and 2,15 mg dill seed oil, terpeneless. [S0] ASHTON & PARSONS Infant Powders. Ref. No.: E679 (Act 101/1965). Each sachet contains 4,055 mg Tincture Matricaria Duplex. [S0] INTEFLORA Sachets. Reg. No.: 44/11.9.2/0783. Each sachet contains 250 mg lyophilised cells of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. [S0] PEGICOL Plain (powder for reconstitution). Reg. No.: A39/11.5/0385. Each sachet of powder contains 6,563 g macrogol 3 350, 25,1 mg potassium chloride, 89,3 mg sodium bicarbonate and 175,4 mg sodium chloride. [S0] LACSON. Reg. No.: Z/11.5/0055. Each 5 ml of syrup contains 3,3 g of lactulose. [S0] Lennon Glycerin Suppositories for Infants and Children. Reg. No.: E/11.6/1540. Each suppository contains 1,12 g glycerin. [S0] LENOLAX Paediatric. Reg. No.: E/11.5/1982. Each 1ml contains 160 mg sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate and 60 mg disodiumphosphate heptahydrate. [S0] Behoedmiddel Vir Kinders. Reg. No.: E/11.4.1/1528. Each 5 ml contains: Light Magnesium Carbonate 210,00 mg, Prepared Chalk 79,85 mg, Alcohol (100 %) 6,48 % v/v.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Aspen Group of companies. © 2025 Aspen Group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Marketed by Pharmacare Limited t/a Aspen Pharmacare Co. Reg. No.: 1898/000252/06. Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191. ZAR-ZOSEAG-03-25-00007. 04/2025.
You may also like
Learn the common triggers behind constipation in children: causes and how to prevent it with helpful tips on diet, routine, and hydration.
