Why is my newborn so gassy?

Dyschezia (dis-ˈkē-zē-uh). Probably one of my most talked about concerns around babies. Why is my baby so gassy? Why are they so grunty? They get so fussy and irritable, then pass gas or have a bowel movement and only then will go to sleep. Do I need to change formula? Should I just use gripe water, doc? The short answer: probably not and absolutely no. It is most often just a normal part of being a baby called dyschezia. Dyschezia is doctor speak for "your child doesn't know how to poop."

Something very automatic for you or I, is actually a slightly challenging process that needs to be learned. When we have a bowel movement, we have to do two opposing actions; we must flex our abdomen, and relax our anal sphincter (the actually booty hole). What babies often do when they are first born is flex both their abdomen and anal sphincter, leading to pushing against a "closed gate," if you catch my drift... they are pushing, but they are also clamping down on that anal sphincter, not allowing stool or gas to pass easily. Therefore, they are irritable and fussy until they either accidentally figure it out, or increase their abdominal tone enough to overcome their anal sphincter tone.

This learning process can be frustrating, but its important you allow your kiddo to figure it out. This usually takes until roughly 4-5 months of age. There are instances in which I would say to go see your pediatrician:

1. The stool is formed like little pebbles or clay texture (baby poops should be fairly runny).

2. Baby hasn't had a bowel movement in 5+ days.

3. Baby's poop has any blood, or is white.

There are definitely some things we can do to help ease the fussiness during these times like bicycle motion of legs and "crunchy" their legs to their abdomen as well as massaging that tummy in a rainbow pattern across their stomach to help them move that gas and stool through their system. Some babies do respond to a change in formula that is made for gas or spit ups, others do not respond to anything but time. Hang in there; this is not forever! And as usual, if something feels off, talk to your pediatrician! No one knows that baby better than you!

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice or replace the advice of your physician.