How to Help a Gassy Baby: Wind Relief Tips for UK Parents

Quick answer: To help a gassy baby, wind them during and after every feed using the over-the-shoulder, sitting-on-your-lap or face-down-on-your-lap position. A gentle clockwise tummy massage and bicycle legs can shift trapped wind, and slower-flow teats, a deep latch and upright feeding reduce swallowed air. Infacol is licensed from birth; gripe water is generally recommended from one month.

What parents need to know

Every parent has experienced it — a seemingly happy baby who suddenly scrunches their face, pulls up their legs and starts wailing. Wind is one of the most common causes of discomfort in young babies, especially in the first few months. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can help your little one feel more comfortable quickly.

Why do babies get gassy?

Babies swallow air when they feed, cry or simply breathe, and their digestive systems are still immature — meaning gas can build up and cause real discomfort. Some babies are more prone to wind than others, and it can affect both breastfed and formula-fed babies alike.

Common causes include:

• Swallowing air during feeds
• Feeding too quickly
• An immature digestive system
• Using a bottle teat with a flow that is too fast or too slow

Signs your baby has wind

• Pulling their legs up to their tummy
• Crying and appearing uncomfortable after feeds
• A hard or bloated-feeling tummy
• Passing wind frequently
• Difficulty settling after feeds

How to wind your baby

The NHS recommends winding your baby during and after every feed. Here are three effective positions:

Over the shoulder: Hold your baby upright against your chest with their chin on your shoulder. Gently pat or rub their back in circular motions.

Sitting on your lap: Support their chin and chest with one hand, lean them slightly forward, and gently rub their back with the other hand.

Face down on your lap: Lay your baby face-down across your lap with their head slightly higher than their bottom. Gently rub or pat their back.

Tummy massage for wind relief

A gentle tummy massage can help move trapped wind along. Use a few drops of baby-safe oil and try clockwise circles using two or three fingers — following the natural direction of digestion — or the I Love U massage: trace the letter I down the left side, an upside-down L across the top, then a U up the right side and down.

Only massage when your baby is calm and not immediately after a feed. Infatot muslin cloths and towels make a wonderful soft surface for a cosy post-bath wind-down session.

Bicycle legs

Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion. This is often effective when combined with a tummy massage and can help shift trapped wind quickly.

Feeding techniques that help

• For bottle-fed babies, try a slower-flow teat and keep the bottle tilted so the teat stays full of milk rather than air
• For breastfed babies, ensure your baby has a deep latch to minimise air swallowing
• Try feeding in a more upright position
• Anti-colic bottles can significantly reduce air intake

What about Infacol or gripe water?

Many UK parents turn to Infacol (simethicone drops), which is licensed from birth and works by combining small gas bubbles into larger ones that are easier to pass. Gripe water is generally recommended from one month. Always follow the dosage instructions and check with your pharmacist before use.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wind my baby properly?

Try three positions: over your shoulder with their chin on your shoulder, sitting on your lap supporting their chin and chest while leaning them slightly forward, or face down across your lap with their head slightly higher than their bottom. Gently pat or rub their back.

When can I give my baby gripe water?

Gripe water is generally recommended from one month, while Infacol (simethicone drops) is licensed from birth. Always follow the dosage instructions and check with your pharmacist before use.

Does a gassy baby mean something is wrong?

Wind is very common and usually nothing to worry about. Speak to your GP or health visitor if your baby seems in persistent pain between feeds, you notice blood in their nappy, they are not gaining weight well, or you suspect reflux.

Do breastfed babies get wind too?

Yes. Babies swallow air when they feed, cry or simply breathe, and their digestive systems are still immature. Wind can affect both breastfed and formula-fed babies alike.