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

5 min read

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. The NHS says anti-colic drops and other colic remedies are not recommended, as there is no evidence they help.

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. With the right techniques, you can help your baby 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
Arching their back or clenching their fists
Passing wind frequently
Difficulty settling after feeds

A swollen, hard or tender tummy is not a usual sign of wind, especially if your baby is also being sick or has not pooed. See When to get help.

Cute baby making a funny face indoors, capturing the essence of childhood fun.

How to wind your baby

The NHS says there are no rules on when to wind your baby: some babies need winding during their feed, some after. 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.

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

Small changes at feed time to cut down on swallowed air

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, make sure 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

Source: NHS. General information, not medical advice.

What about wind drops or gripe water?

Wind drops (simethicone) and gripe water are sold in pharmacies and some shops. The NHS says remedies for colic, such as anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements, are not recommended and there's no evidence they help colic. Speak to your health visitor for advice first. If you do decide to try a remedy, ask a pharmacist whether it's suitable for your baby's age and always follow the instructions on the pack.

When to get help

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

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if your baby has blood in their poo, has a swollen or tender tummy, is refusing to feed, keeps being sick and cannot keep fluid down, or will not stop crying and is very distressed.

Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby has yellow-green or green vomit, vomits blood or has vomit that looks like ground coffee, or has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry.

Frequently asked questions

When can I give my baby gripe water?

The NHS says colic remedies, such as anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements, are not recommended and there's no evidence they help colic. Speak to your health visitor before trying gripe water or wind drops. If you do use one, ask a pharmacist whether it's suitable for your baby's age and follow the instructions on the pack.

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, they are not gaining weight well, or you suspect reflux. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you notice blood in their poo, their tummy is swollen or tender, or they are refusing to feed.

Sources & further reading

NHS — Wind, burping, hiccups and bloating

General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.