Best Gas Medicine for Infants: Treating Colic and Gas in Newborns

Your infant's sudden crying in the evening, legs pulled up tightly toward their abdomen, and the sheer difficulty of soothing them no matter what you try—this is a scene almost every mother recognizes in her baby's first few months. Gas and colic are among the most common issues in infants. Although they are usually temporary and harmless, they can cause significant anxiety for parents.

In this article, we review the best gas treatment options suitable for newborns, how to choose a safe and genuine product, effective natural ways to soothe your baby's tummy, and when you should consult a doctor.

What is Infant Colic and What Causes It?

Infant colic is a common condition characterized by frequent episodes of intense crying and difficulty soothing the infant, even though they are otherwise healthy and thriving, with no obvious medical cause for this crying.

Traditionally, the "Rule of Threes" has been used to describe colic:

• Crying that lasts for more than 3 hours a day.

• Occurs for more than 3 days a week.

• Persists for over 3 weeks.

However, modern guidelines indicate that this rule is used as a traditional reference only; there is no need to wait three weeks to evaluate an infant if the crying is severe or concerning.

Colic usually starts within the first few weeks of life (between the second and third weeks), peaks at around 6 weeks of age, and then gradually subsides and disappears on its own in most infants by 3 to 4 months of age.

The exact cause of infant colic remains unknown, but research suggests it may result from a combination of several factors, such as:

• Immaturity of the digestive and nervous systems.

• Differences in the composition of beneficial gut bacteria.

• Allergy to cow's milk protein in some infants.

Additionally, other factors are still being studied, and there is no scientific evidence confirming a single cause responsible for all colic cases.

The Difference Between Infant Colic and Infant Gas

Parents often confuse the two conditions, but there are clear differences:

• Gas: Crying that appears during or immediately after feeding, which quickly subsides after burping or passing gas. It is accompanied by noticeable abdominal bloating and gurgling in the stomach.

• Colic: A high-pitched cry that sounds like screaming, is difficult to soothe using normal methods, recurs at almost the same time every day (usually in the evening), and is not necessarily linked to passing gas or burping.

Swallowing air during long crying spells can increase gas in a colicky baby, but gas itself is not the underlying cause of colic.

Causes of Infant Bloating and Abdominal Colic

There is no single cause that explains all cases of infant colic or abdominal bloating, but studies indicate that a combination of factors may contribute to its appearance, including:

• Immaturity of the Digestive System: An infant's digestive system is still developing during the first few months, which can affect bowel motility, food digestion, and increase gas accumulation.

• Imbalance of Beneficial Gut Bacteria: Some research suggests that variations in the gut microbiome of certain infants may be linked to an increased likelihood of colic. However, this relationship is still under study.

• Allergies or Food Intolerances: A small number of infants may have an allergy to cow's milk protein found in some types of Infant Formula or transmitted in tiny amounts through breast milk, which can cause symptoms including colic and bloating in some cases.

• Maternal Diet: Sensitivities to certain foods consumed by the breastfeeding mother.

• Swallowing Air During Feeding: Rapid feeding, a poor latch on the breast or nipple, or not burping the infant after feeding can lead to swallowing air, increasing abdominal bloating and discomfort.

• Association with Migraines: Some studies suggest a potential link between infant colic and an increased susceptibility to migraines later in life. However, this association does not mean that migraines are a direct cause of colic, and it still requires further research.

• Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: Smoking during pregnancy or exposing the infant to cigarette smoke after birth is associated with an increased risk of colic, which may be due to nicotine's effect on gut motility and the nervous system.

Important Note: In most cases, infant colic is a temporary condition that improves on its own as the baby grows. However, if the crying is accompanied by fever, frequent vomiting, blood in the stool, or poor feeding or weight gain, a doctor must be consulted to rule out any other medical conditions.

How Do You Know if Your Baby's Crying is Due to Colic?

Diagnosing colic depends on ruling out other health causes first. If the infant is feeding and growing normally, exhibits no symptoms of illness, and cries in a regular, repetitive pattern, it is highly likely to be colic rather than an illness.

Signs of Infant Crying Due to Colic and Gas

• A predictable schedule for crying, usually in the late afternoon or evening.

• A sharp, high-pitched cry that is closer to screaming than normal crying.

• Body tension: pulling legs up toward the abdomen, stiffening of legs and arms, clenching fists, and arching the back.

• Facial flushing due to intense crying, and sometimes paleness around the mouth.

• Difficulty soothing the baby despite trying to hold, rock, feed, or change their diaper.

• Continued crying even after passing gas or burping (unlike simple gas, which is relieved as soon as it is passed).

When Does Infant Colic Require Medical Treatment?

Colic itself does not require medical treatment and resolves on its own over time. However, some signs warrant an immediate doctor's visit to rule out other causes for crying:

• A fever above 38°C (especially before 3 months of age, which is a medical emergency).

• Frequent or forceful vomiting, or vomit that is green/yellow or contains blood.

• Blood or mucus in the stool, or unusually black or pale stools.

• Refusal to feed or consuming significantly less than usual.

• Failure to gain weight or losing weight between follow-up visits.

• Extreme lethargy, difficulty waking up, or altered consciousness.

• Difficulty breathing or a noticeable change in breathing patterns.

• Crying that is suddenly different from their usual pattern, or an unusual, unfamiliar sound to the cry.

Parents are also advised to consult a doctor if they feel severely exhausted or unable to cope with the baby's crying. Emotional support for parents is just as important as monitoring the infant's health.

Best Drops for Treating Gas in Infants and Newborns

Over-the-counter gas drops vary in their active ingredients and mechanisms of action. Some rely on pharmaceutical compounds like simethicone, while others utilize herbal extracts or beneficial bacteria (probiotics). Here are the most prominent options in Al-Jawaher Al Motamyza Pharmacies:

1. Simethicone Drops for Infants (e.g., Deflat Drops)

• Deflate Oral Drops contain Simethicone at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. It is a non-absorbable substance that works locally in the digestive system by reducing the surface tension of small gas bubbles, allowing them to coalesce into larger bubbles that are easier to expel via burping or passing wind.

• Dosage: For infants under two years old, the dose is half a dropper (about 10 drops) four times daily after feedings and at bedtime.

• They are safe to use from birth and can be mixed with milk or water.

Note: It is recommended to consult a doctor if the infant has a thyroid disorder or is taking other medications.

2. Ogha Drops for Infant Colic

• An Ogha Drops product based on natural herbal ingredients, most notably dill oil (fennel) extract, caraway oil, and zinc. These are traditional ingredients used to soothe abdominal discomfort and facilitate the release of gas in infants.

• Common dosage: 4 drops twice daily, or as directed by a doctor. It can be added to the feeding bottle or given directly by mouth.

Warning: Just because it is a herbal product does not mean it is free from the risk of allergies or interactions with other medications. Therefore, it is preferred not to start using it without consulting a specialist, especially in the first few weeks of life.

3. Tumeez Drops for Expelling Gas

• Tumeez Drops are oral drops that also contain Simethicone (at a concentration of about 4%). They work through the same physical mechanism of breaking down gas bubbles within the intestines without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

• Usual dosage: Half a milliliter (half a dropper) before each feeding, which can be doubled to 1 mL if the child does not improve within the first few days.

• It is best to shake the bottle well before each use and inform the doctor about any other medications or vitamins the infant is taking to avoid interactions.

4. BioGaia Drops and Probiotics for Infants

• BioGaia Drops contain the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, a beneficial bacterium that helps support the balance of the gut microbiome. It does not directly expel or break down gas; rather, its effect is believed to come from improving the bacterial environment in the intestines.

• This strain is one of the most thoroughly studied probiotics for infant colic. Scientific reviews indicate that it may help reduce daily crying time in some colicky infants, particularly those who are exclusively breastfed. For formula-fed infants, the scientific evidence is still insufficient to clearly prove its efficacy, so it is not routinely recommended for all cases.

• Usual dosage: 5 drops once daily, or as directed by a doctor.

• It is preferred to give the dose using a clean spoon or mix it with a small amount of breast milk or formula at room temperature, avoiding adding it to hot drinks or foods so as not to damage the beneficial bacteria.

Warning: Probiotics, including BioGaia Drops, should not be used for premature infants, those with severely weakened immune systems, or those with serious illnesses, except after consulting a doctor. It is also advised to consult a pediatrician before starting use to evaluate the infant's condition and ensure its suitability.

Natural Ways to Treat Bloating and Gas in Infants

Simple measures can help relieve gas and soothe the infant, either on their own or alongside treatments recommended by a doctor. The most prominent include:

• The Bicycle Exercise: Gently move the infant's legs as if they are riding a bicycle while lying on their back. This can help stimulate bowel movement and facilitate the expulsion of gas.

• Bending Knees to the Abdomen: Gently bend the infant's legs toward their belly for a few seconds, then release them. Repeat this motion several times to help relieve pressure within the intestines.

• Abdominal Massage: Massage the infant's tummy in gentle, circular, clockwise motions (the direction of colon movement), which can help move trapped gas along.

• Tummy Time: When the infant is awake and under direct supervision, placing them on their tummy can apply light pressure that helps move gas, while also supporting muscle development.

• Burping During and After Feedings: Make sure to burp the infant after every feeding, and sometimes during the feeding if they swallow a lot of air. Keep the baby's head positioned higher than their tummy during feeding.

• Reducing Air Swallowing: If the infant is formula-fed, anti-colic bottles or nipples with an age-appropriate flow rate can help reduce the amount of swallowed air.

• Warm Bath: Warm water can help relax abdominal muscles and soothe the infant, easing their discomfort.

Warning: There is no strong scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of traditional remedies such as Gripe Water or fennel tea in treating infant colic. Furthermore, some of these products may contain ingredients unsuitable for infants. Medical organizations recommend not giving infants under 6 months of age any drinks or herbs other than breast milk or formula, unless recommended by a doctor. Therefore, it is best to consult a pediatrician before using any herbal product or dietary supplement.

Tips for Buying Genuine and Safe Infant Colic Drops

• Make sure the product is officially registered and authorized for sale in licensed pharmacies within your country.

• Check the expiration date and the integrity of the safety seal on the packaging before buying and using.

• Examine the ingredients list and the actual concentration of the active ingredient (such as the percentage of Simethicone). Avoid any packaging that does not carry clear information in Arabic or English.

• Avoid buying the product from unreliable sources or at prices that are unreasonably lower than the standard market rate, as this may indicate a counterfeit product.

• Keep the purchase receipt, especially when ordering online, to facilitate exchanges or reporting any issues with the product.

Buying Infant Colic Drops Online from a Trusted Pharmacy

• Only shop from the websites of well-known, licensed, and accredited pharmacies, and avoid general platforms that do not specialize in pharmaceuticals.

• Ensure there is a pharmacist consultation service available on the platform to answer your questions regarding the appropriate dosage for your infant's age.

• Verify that there is clear information on shipping and storage, as some drops (such as probiotic products) require special storage conditions that could be affected during delivery.

• Read user reviews with caution, and focus on products that clearly display their pharmaceutical registration number on the product page.

Precautions and Warnings Before Using Colic Medications for Infants

• Do not use any colic drops without consulting a doctor first, especially for infants under one month of age or those who were born prematurely.

• Do not exceed the recommended dose stated on the packaging or prescribed by the doctor; increasing the dose will not speed up the results and may cause side effects.

• Stop use immediately and consult a doctor if the infant shows signs of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing.

• Inform the doctor or pharmacist of any other medications the infant is taking to avoid potential drug interactions, especially if they are being treated for a thyroid issue.

• Do not substitute a doctor's visit with home treatment if the crying is accompanied by warning signs such as fever, frequent vomiting, blood in the stool, or a clear weakness in feeding and weight gain.

• Ensure that all drops are stored out of reach of children, and do not use the dropper of one product for another to avoid contamination or mixing up dosages.

• Remember that most mild cases of colic and gas improve spontaneously over time without the need for permanent medication, and that the goal of these products is only to relieve temporary discomfort.

Ultimately, handle your baby's colic and bloating with calmness and confidence. Most cases resolve on their own with time. Try natural methods first, such as massage and burping, and if you need medicinal drops, choose a safe and reliable product under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist. Your infant's health and your emotional peace of mind as a mother are equally important, so do not hesitate to ask for support when needed.