Reflux & Gassy Babies: What New Moms Need to Know & Soothing Technique
If you’re a new mom dealing with a refluxy or gassy baby, let me start by saying this: you are not alone. Those endless burps, spit-ups, hiccups, and fussy moments can feel never-ending—especially in the middle of the night when you’re running on almost no sleep. It’s easy to wonder if you’re doing something wrong, but I promise you’re not. Reflux and gas are incredibly common in newborns, and while they can be tough to manage, there are gentle, loving ways to bring your little one some relief.
Why Do Reflux and Gas Happen?
Reflux happens when milk flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus. In babies, this is super common because their digestive systems are still developing. The sphincter muscle at the top of their stomach—the one that’s supposed to keep milk down—is immature and not quite strong enough yet. That means milk can more easily sneak back up, causing spit-ups or discomfort. Gas, on the other hand, often happens because babies swallow air while feeding or because their tummies are still adjusting to digesting milk outside the womb. Both are completely normal, though they can leave your baby feeling uncomfortable and you feeling drained.
Signs Your Baby May Be Refluxy or Gassy
Every baby is different, but common signs include: frequent spit-ups after feeding, arching their back or stiffening during or after feeds, fussiness when lying flat, pulling their legs up toward their tummy, or seeming uncomfortable even when they aren’t hungry. Seeing these things doesn’t necessarily mean something is “wrong”—for many babies, it’s simply part of their development and their bodies learning how to work.
When to Call the Doctor
Most of the time, reflux and gas are normal and temporary. But there are moments when it’s best to check in with your pediatrician. If your baby has projectile vomiting, spit-up with blood, feeding refusal, poor weight gain, trouble breathing, or seems to be in constant pain, trust your instincts and reach out. Sometimes just getting reassurance from your doctor can bring peace of mind.
Gentle Strategies to Ease Gas and Reflux
There are simple, mom-tested techniques you can try at home to help your little one feel more comfortable.
1. Prop Baby Up on Your Legs
Sit back comfortably against a sofa or big pillow for support, then place your baby in a seated position on your stomach and lap, facing away from you. Your legs should be slightly tilted downward—not too high—especially for newborns and younger infants, to avoid putting too much pressure on their spine and head. Allow your baby’s head to rest comfortably to the side on your legs, with their arms relaxed and hanging down and their little legs tucked gently against their tummy. This position applies natural pressure that encourages gas to move through and release.
2. Massage the Spine
Once your baby is positioned and relaxed, use gentle pressure to massage up and down along their spine. This can help trapped milk and gas move upward and allow extra burps to come out more easily.
3. Gentle Back Circles
Massage your baby’s back in small circular motions with soft, steady pressure. This can help trapped digestive gas move along and often leads to those “big winds” (the ones that make everyone breathe a sigh of relief!).
4. Try a Lactation Massager
Once your baby’s umbilical cord has healed, you can use a lactation massager (on a low, gentle setting) against their tummy. The vibration can help move trapped gas through their digestive system, offering extra comfort.
5. Gentle Side-to-Side Swinging
Babies often find rhythmic movement soothing. While holding your baby securely, gently sway them side to side. This calming motion can help them relax and make it easier for gas to move along.
You can try these strategies for 5–10 minutes at a time, as long as your baby is comfortable. Many little ones find them so relaxing they even drift off to sleep in the process.
Reassurance for Moms
Mama, I know how exhausting it feels when your baby seems uncomfortable no matter what you try. Please remember—this is not your fault. Reflux and gas are incredibly common, and most babies outgrow these phases as their sphincter muscle strengthens and their digestive system matures. In the meantime, your love, patience, and presence matter more than anything else. Even when the nights feel endless, your baby feels safe because you’re there.
Need More Support?
If reflux, gas, or any other sleep struggles are wearing you down, you don’t have to figure it out all on your own. Every baby is unique, and sometimes all the advice in the world can’t replace having someone in your corner who really gets it. That’s where I come in. As a certified baby sleep coach (and as a mom who’s been in those same tired trenches), I help families create gentle, realistic strategies that honor your baby’s needs while giving you the rest you desperately need. You can book a 1:1 consult or SOS consult here for personalized guidance, explore my self-paced courses, or grab one of my step-by-step sleep guides. Because every family deserves rest—and yes, mama, that includes you too. 💛
With love,
Selina Truax
Creator and Head Sleep Coach
