Does Babywearing Help With Gas?

What Is Gas (Colic)?

Gas and colic are common in the early months and often show up as fussiness that can feel hard to settle. Gas happens when air gets trapped in your baby’s digestive system, which can lead to discomfort, squirming, or crying. Colic is often used to describe longer stretches of crying that seem to follow a pattern, sometimes happening at the same time each day. If your baby truly has colic it is something that can be diagnosed as it typically will be intense, inconsolable crying that lasts for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. Interventions and support are available if your baby truly has colic. Gas however is much more typical and common and is a temporary fussiness which is relieved by burping, passing gas or stool. Your baby’s digestive system is still developing in these early stages, so these moments are a normal part of the transition. While it can feel overwhelming, gentle support like holding your baby upright, keeping them close, and responding to their cues can help bring a sense of calm during these fussy periods.

Benefits of Babywearing for Gas

• Upright positioning
  Keeping your baby upright can help support more comfortable digestion and reduce pressure in their belly. This position allows air to move more easily, which can help ease some of that trapped, fussy discomfort.
• Gentle pressure
  Being held close against your body creates a light, consistent pressure on your baby’s tummy. That gentle support can feel soothing and may help encourage natural movement in the digestive system.
• Oxytocin 

Oxytocin, commonly known as the bonding/love hormone, is released (in both you and your baby) when you hold your baby close. It also aids with digestion, supports absorption of nutrients and helps to relieve discomfort in the digestive tract. 

• Motion and calm
  The natural rhythm of your movement, whether you are walking, swaying, or simply going about your day, can help settle your baby. This steady motion often brings a sense of calm that can ease tension and discomfort.
• Colic relief
  For babies experiencing longer periods of fussiness, babywearing offers closeness, warmth, and consistency. Those small, connected moments can help your baby feel more secure, turning overwhelming stretches into something softer and more manageable for both of you.

Choosing a Baby Carrier for Gas

When your baby is feeling uneasy, the best baby carrier can make a meaningful difference in how supported and comfortable they feel. Look for a soft, breathable option that keeps your baby upright in a natural, seated position with their hips supported. This kind of positioning encourages a more comfortable posture while keeping your baby close, calm, and gently supported throughout the day.

• Stretchy wraps
  Stretchy wraps offer a snug, close fit that holds your baby high and upright against your chest. Styles like WildBird’s Aerial Buckle Wraps combine that soft feel with thoughtful design, giving you support that feels both secure and easy to wear during fussy moments.
• Soft structured carriers
  Soft structured carriers like the Aerial Buckle Carrier provide built-in support and are easy to adjust, helping you maintain a consistent, upright position. They are a great option for longer wear, giving both you and your baby comfort as you move through your day.
• Hybrid carriers
  Hybrid carriers combine the softness of a wrap with the structure of a buckle carrier. They offer flexibility while still supporting proper positioning, making them a versatile choice for everyday use.
• Ring slings
  Ring slings allow for a customizable fit that keeps your baby close and upright. The lightweight fabric and adjustable design make it easy to fine-tune positioning, helping your baby stay comfortable while you stay connected.

Best Practices for Colic Babywearing

• Use a suitable carrier
  Choose a carrier that feels supportive, easy to adjust, and comfortable for longer stretches. A well-designed carrier helps keep your baby in a consistent, upright position while allowing you to move through your day with ease.
• Belly-to-belly positioning
  Keeping your baby close, inward-facing towards you, creates a secure and comforting hold. This position supports a natural posture while helping your baby feel calm and connected.
• Time babywearing for post-feeding
  Wearing your baby after feeds can help them stay upright and facilitate digestion. It is a gentle way to support more settled moments, especially during times when gas tends to build.
• Keep moving
  Slow, natural movement can be incredibly soothing. Walking, swaying, or simply shifting your weight creates a rhythm that helps your baby relax, turning fussy moments into something more manageable for both of you.

Babywearing and Gas FAQs

What Is the Best Thing To Give a Gassy Baby?

The best thing to give a gassy baby is gentle and consistent support to help ease gas and bring your baby more comfort throughout the day. Regular burping during and after feeds helps release trapped air, while simple movements like bicycling your baby’s legs and offering supervised tummy time can encourage natural digestion. Incorporating some clockwise tummy massage, below the belly button can also be helpful (wait at least 30 minutes after feeding). Keeping your baby upright and close can also help them feel more settled during fussy moments. These small, supportive techniques work together to create a calmer, more comfortable experience for both you and your little one.

Does Babywearing Reduce Colic?

Babywearing can help reduce colic by creating a calm, supportive environment that soothes your baby throughout the day. Keeping your baby upright and close can support more comfortable digestion and reduce pressure after feeds, while your natural movement adds a gentle rhythm that helps settle fussiness. The closeness, warmth, and consistent contact can also help your baby feel more secure, which may lead to less crying over time. While it is not a cure, many parents find that babywearing helps make colicky moments feel more manageable and connected.

What Positions Help Babies With Gas?

To relieve gas in babies, positions that gently support your baby’s belly can help ease gas and bring more comfort. Simple movements like bicycling your baby’s legs, bringing their knees toward their chest, or offering supervised tummy time can help encourage natural release. Small clockwise circular massage of the tummy area (below the belly button) can be helpful too. (Be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after feeding your baby, before doing massage on the tummy). Holding positions can make a difference too. Carrying your baby upright against your chest, resting them over your shoulder, or laying them belly-down across your lap can all create light pressure that supports digestion. These small, supportive positions work together to help your baby feel more settled and at ease.