My 4 Month Old Has Bad Gas Only at Night

Are you drinking cow's milk? If you are, even a tablespoon, I would stop drinking it. Colicky type babies and gaseous babies do this kind of thing when they are getting some form of cow's milk (formula or mom that is breastfeeding).

I'd try that first, then see what you are eating...I had to stop onions and broccoli (which is my favorite) for a while until mine got older.

Then after you've done those things and it is still happening, I would go to a chiropractor. Chiropractors that work with babies can usually correct the problem in an instant.

But, I would definitely stop drinking dairy...that seems to be the biggest culprit for some.

If you aren't eating anything different and have been successfully breastfeeding for 4 months, I seriously doubt your milk is an issue. I'd say it could be a growth spurt, some babies start cereal at this age, if you're willing to try that. Also could be reflux--you could elevate the head of his bed just to rule that out. Maybe teething (mine got her 1st tooth at 4.5 months). I'd be surprised if it was just gas, since your diet hasn't changed. If it is though, Mylicon or Gripe water should do the trick. Hang in there--it's SO hard to ever know what's wrong with them:)!!

Gas is a tough problem for anyone, especially a tiny baby! My son had a sensitive digestive system when he was little, so our doctor recommended gripe water (instead of Mylicon, which she said might make it worse for him). You can find it at whole foods. It is basically sodium bicarbonate, and it works like a dream! Steer clear of some European brands, though, since they might contain alcohol.

Also, are you sure it is gas? Since feeding seems to help get your son back to sleep, maybe he is hungry. Babies usually sleep through the night once they have the ability to take in enough calories to sustain them through that long period. Maybe if you increased the frequency of his daytime feedings the nighttime feedings would become less regular, or even disappear. Eating every four hours during the day could be an easy solution for you both!

I hope this helps. I just thought a look at the problem from another angle might help. Take care, and good luck!

I am so sorry! Lack of sleep made me crazy too. My eyes would burn with sleepiness all day. My daughter did the same at 6 months. I was able to massage her stomach when she was small to get the gas out. I also adjusted my diet but with little success there. (I still can't give her anything with corn or corn bi-products.) Try giving your child a stomach massage before bed. You can get details on how over the internet. My daughter would pass a TON of gas and then sleep soundly UNTIL she turned 6 months and would no longer lay still for a massage. That's when our nights became intolerable. Very frustrating. Mylicon was useless. Colic Calm helped us a bit. I'll be thinking about you!

Have you contacted a Lactation consultant in your area? I am an RN with 10 yrs mother/baby exp and have nursed all three of my children. Is the baby emptying one breast completely at each feeding? It is not as important to switch sides as emptying one side completely at each feeding to allow the baby to receive the hindmilk. Gas drops are fine, and you can give them in the evening when the gas occurs if you want. Have you really looked at your own diet? Do you consume alot of dairy? Ice cream or yogurt in the evenings? Examine your own diet and take away something you eat on a regular basis to see if that could be the culprit (dairy is a common offender when baby has upset tummey or gas). Take that food away for a few days and see if the gas improves. If you are using pumped milk, it may take longer to get the effects of removing something from your diet so your stored milk doesn't contain the offending food. Every baby is different, so try to take out all dairy first and go from there! Good luck!

My baby had bad reflux when he was younger. I found elevating his crib mattress helped with this at night. I bought a wedged cushion (I think at Babies R Us) that he was able to sleep right on, which worked especially well until he was turning over at night. I also put a folded quilt under his mattress. Not sure if this will help, but it might be worth a try in order to keep his gas down a little while he's sleeping.
They also sell a great little machine at Babies R Us that you put under the crib mattress. The control panel fits on the side of the crib, and the other piece under the mattress vibrates so the mattress shakes a little. This was also soothing for my little one. I think it has several sounds you can include and a night light.
Good luck!

Your eating something that doesn't agree with him. Does your husband have any food allergies? Start there, then anything spices, fruits, greasy foods illuminate them one at time. The normal food allergies for kids are milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, etc. It takes time but you will figure it our. Drink you some ginger tea to help settle his stomach. Sounds crazy but try and see. I had two colic babies and now they are grown and fine : ) Lots of prayer too!

V., My youngest had the colic(severe gas) until she was 18mths. I thought I would pull my hair out , we tried everything and one day I was sitting out side with her on the porch and a little old lady who was walking down the sidewalk saw she and I both cring asked what was wrong,I told her and she told me about an all natural product called "gripewater" it can be given in between the mylicon drops. My daughters pediatrition told her to give this to her son. You can find it at wal-mart, but you have to get it at an herb shop to get it in it's purest form . Call your pedatrictian an ask, he should know what it is. It worked miricals for us........Mabel S.