Trapped wind is one of the most common causes of discomfort in newborns. While it’s a completely normal part of early digestion, it can leave babies unsettled, especially during or after feeds. If you’ve ever held a red-faced baby pulling their knees up in discomfort, you’re not alone.
The good news? There are several gentle, parent-approved techniques that can help ease wind and make your little one more comfortable. Here are 10 ways to relieve trapped wind in babies, plus how to tell if wind might be the culprit.
1. Try the “Magic Hold” (Tiger in the Tree Position)
One of the most loved techniques for relieving trapped gas is the “Tiger in the Tree” hold. This involves laying your baby belly-down across your forearm, with their head supported in the crook of your elbow and legs dangling on either side.
Apply gentle pressure to their tummy with your forearm, keeping your baby close and secure. The warmth and position may help move trapped air through their digestive system, calming wind pain.
2. Gently Massage Baby’s Tummy
Warm your hands and use slow, clockwise circular motions around your baby’s belly. This mimics the natural path of digestion and can help release gas.
You can also try the “I Love You” massage technique, where you trace the letters I, L, and U across the left side of their abdomen in smooth, gentle strokes. Always check your baby is calm and not too full before massaging.
3. Bicycle Baby’s Legs
Lay your baby on their back on a soft, safe surface. Holding their legs at the knees, gently pedal them back and forth as though they’re riding a bicycle.
This movement helps push air through the lower intestines and can be especially effective for relieving trapped wind after feeding.
4. Switch Feeding Positions
Sometimes, wind is caused by swallowing too much air during a feed. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
For breastfeeding, try positioning your baby so they’re more upright and ensure a good latch. For bottle feeding, opt for slow-flow teats and hold the bottle at an angle to minimise air bubbles. Paced bottle feeding can also help babies take in less air.
5. Burp More Frequently During Feeds
Don’t wait until the end of a feed to burp. Pausing halfway through can help release air before it becomes trapped lower in the tummy. Burp again at the end of the feed.
Some of the best ways to burp a baby include: upright on your shoulder, seated upright on your lap, or lying across your knees on their tummy. A gentle pat or upward rub on the back can encourage burps to rise.
6. Try (Supervised) Tummy Time
In short, supervised spurts of tummy time can aid digestion and help relieve wind.
Start with a few minutes a couple of times a day when your baby is alert and calm. The gentle pressure on their tummy combined with movement can help shift trapped gas.
7. Keep Baby Upright After Feeds
After feeding, hold your baby upright against your chest or in a supported seated position for 20–30 minutes.
This allows gravity to assist digestion and can reduce the chance of gas becoming trapped or reflux occurring. It’s especially helpful for babies who are prone to spitting up.
8. Use Gentle Motion
Sometimes, a little movement is all it takes to soothe wind.
A gentle rock in your arms, a walk in the pram, or time in a baby swing (always supervised and age-appropriate) can relax your baby’s tummy muscles. You can also try slow bouncing while holding your baby securely upright.
9. Check for Feeding Triggers
Frequent trapped wind could be a sign of something in your feeding routine that needs adjusting. A few things to consider:
- Is your let-down too fast, causing your baby to gulp air?
- Could the bottle teat be too fast or too slow?
- Are there latch issues that allow excess air to enter?
If in doubt, a lactation consultant or maternal child health nurse can help assess feeding techniques.
10. Consider Herbal Support Traditionally Used to Relieve Wind
Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve wind, bloating, and digestive discomfort in babies. It’s free from alcohol, sugar, and artificial colours or flavours, and is suitable for use from birth.
Many Australian parents have trusted Infants’ Friend since 1935 as part of their wind-relief routine.
Explore our Colic & Wind Oral Liquid
Signs Your Baby Might Have Trapped Wind
Not sure if your baby’s discomfort is wind-related? Look for these common signs:
- Clenched fists
- Pulling knees up to the chest
- Crying or fussing during or after feeds
- Arched back or squirming
- Red face and irritability
- Hard or bloated tummy
- Trouble settling or sleeping after feeding
- Fewer burps than expected
Relief Is Closer Than You Think
Trapped wind can be distressing, but with the right techniques, it’s manageable. Whether it’s a calming tummy massage or upright cuddles after feeding, small actions can make a big difference.
Looking for extra support? Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid is trusted by Australian families and suitable from birth.
Have questions? Contact us or read more about the signs your baby might have colic.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
