Why is Bloating Common in Newborns?

[priyankasharma]

Bloating is common in newborns but causes discomfort for both babies and their parents. It is quite depressing and affects the baby's behavior. Dr. Promilla Butani, one of the renowned general pediatricians in Delhi, shares that bloating can occur due to several factors, such as an immature digestive system, swallowing air during feeding, sensitivity to milk, or gas trapping. Understanding the reason for bloating is necessary for effective treatment. 

Here is a guide on bloating in newborns by Dr. Promilla Butani:

1. Immature digestive system: One of the main reasons for bloating in newborns is the immature digestive system. The newborn's digestive system is still in the process of development. Enzymes that break down complex foods into simple forms are underdeveloped. Therefore, the digestion process becomes slower and less efficient, leading to bloating.

2. Swallowing air during feeding: Swallowing air during feeding is another reason for gas accumulation and bloating. Improper latching milk during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, swallowing air. It builds up gas and causes discomfort. It is necessary that the baby latches milk in the right way and swallows less air.

3. Sensitivity to milk: Sensitivity to milk leads to bloating in newborns. Sensitivity to milk refers to lactose intolerance or milk protein intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition when a baby is not able to break down the lactose due to an insufficient amount of lactase enzymes. The lactase enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of lactose into simple sugar. Milk protein intolerance is a condition when a baby's immune system reacts to protein, leading to gastrointestinal problems like bloating.

4. Gas trapping: Gas trapping is a condition that accumulates gas, resulting in bloating in newborns. It happens when a baby's digestive system faces a problem passing gas through the intestine.

A baby struggles with bloating due to certain reasons, such as an immature digestive system, sensitivity to milk, swallowing air, or gas trapping. This makes them uncomfortable. It is important to address it immediately to ensure good health of the baby. Dr. Promilla Butani, is one of Top 10 child specialists in Delhi who guide parents on ways for managing bloating conditions in their newborn. She also shares them with a list of the food that can prevent bloating in newborns. Consult her for more details!