What treatments are available for baby wind?

What treatment is available for baby’s wind problems?

Burping the baby thoroughly will reduce the amount of air in the stomach, so that it does not pass on to the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, burping is not 100% effective at eliminating wind, since it has absolutely no effect on the wind created in the intestines during normal digestion. There are various physical therapies to relieve wind such as baby massage which may prove somewhat effective in helping baby to release wind. Simply applying light pressure on the tummy can soothe and help. You can also try carrying baby in the “football hold” – face down on your forearm with baby’s legs straddling your elbow and baby’s chin resting in your hand. The gentle pressure placed on the little tummy can help soothe and release baby’s wind.

If this does not work, there are several treatments available for infant wind. As always, you should consult your pediatrician first before giving baby any medications, remedies or supplements.

• Simethicone is sold under several brand names in drug stores. Simethicone is essentially a foaming agent that joins gas bubbles in the stomach on the theory that wind can be more easily burped away. However, if the larger clusters of bubbles are not burped up quickly enough, they pass into the lower digestive tract. Here the larger gas bubble clusters can cause more painful distention and cramping. Simethicone admittedly has no effect on intestinal wind, which as many adults know, can cause the most intense pain. Since simethicone works by joining gas bubbles, it must be where the wind is in order to work. As a result, simethicone is not an “as needed” medicine, but rather one that must be given in regular doses with every meal. If wind has been created other than by feeding, simethicone will have no effect after the windiness appears. Also, simethicone will work only on wind near the top of the stomach and has no effect on intestinal wind.
• Sodium Bicarbonate (aka Baking Soda) is used in several gripe water brands that are sold as dietary supplements. Be careful! These are not regulated by the FDA and fall under loose dietary supplement guidelines. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali which counteracts the PH of stomach acid which is naturally created in the baby’s stomach. It can temporarily relieve some discomfort caused by acid reflux. Unfortunately, sodium bicarbonate is absorbed into the bloodstream and can have unwanted side effects. For this reason, sodium bicarbonate is not to be consumed by children under an age five years, as stated clearly on baking soda boxes. Even for adults, it should not be used for more than 2 weeks or for recurring conditions. According to some doctors, sodium bicarbonate can cause an imbalance in babies’ electrolytes which can lead to serious problems.
• Essential Oils and Herbal Extracts (dill, fennel, etc.) are used by some gripe water brands and sold as dietary supplements. Again, be careful as these are not regulated by the FDA. There are known safety issues with essential oils. Many experts believe they are not to be taken internally by adults, let alone infants. Please be well advised of all possible side effects before giving essential oils to your baby, no matter how small the concentrations.
• Homeopathic formulas can be an excellent choice for treating infant wind symptoms. Homeopathic medicine is completely allergen-free and side-effect-free. There is only two such liquid formulas on the market. Colic Calm Gripe Water Alternative and Tummy Calm Wind Relief Drops are available online and in select health food stores and health practitioners’ offices. Colic Calm and Tummy Calm have a success rate of over 95% in treating infant wind and colic. Many parents and caretakers have been relieved to find an all-natural remedy. These unique homeopathic formulas work within minutes, so it is only given on an “as needed” basis. Thousands of satisfied customers have also reported that Colic Calm and Tummy calm work wonders for bloating, pressure, stomach cramps, and even hiccups. It is also extremely effective on wind created during introduction of new foods to babies’ delicate digestive tracts. Read more about how Colic Calm Gripe Water and Tummy Calm Wind drops Treat Newborn, Infant and Baby wind Problems.

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