Those early weeks and months with a new baby can feel like a whirlwind… beautiful, intense, love-filled, exhausting, and at times, a little uncertain.
If your little one seems uncomfortable, unsettled, or cries in a way that feels hard to soothe, it’s completely natural to wonder if baby trapped wind might be playing a part.
Baby trapped wind happens when air becomes stuck in a baby’s digestive system, causing discomfort, fussiness, bloating, or crying until the wind is released through burping or passing gas. Trapped wind in babies is very common in the early months, particularly while their digestive systems are still developing.
As a mum of two and an experienced baby massage instructor, I know just how challenging this stage can feel. My eldest experienced reflux, constipation, and trapped wind as a baby, and there were many moments where I felt unsure and overwhelmed; just wanting to help her feel comfortable.
I can smile about it now, but at the time I was rarely without a giant muslin over the top half of my body; it became less of a baby essential and more of a permanent outfit.
Through research, guidance from professionals, and gentle trial and error, I began to find small, supportive ways to ease her discomfort. Later, through my training and work as a baby massage instructor, I’ve been able to support many other parents navigating similar experiences.
I hope this brings you reassurance, empowers you with knowledge, and leaves you with a real sense that you are not alone in this.
Common Signs of Baby Trapped Wind
Every baby is different, but some common signs of trapped wind in babies can include:
- Fussiness or crying that feels difficult to settle
- Pulling legs up towards their tummy
- A firm or tight-looking tummy
- Restlessness after feeds
- Difficulty settling, particularly in the evening
- Squirming or arching their back
- Seeming uncomfortable shortly after feeding
What Is Baby Trapped Wind?
Trapped wind is very common in young babies and is usually linked to their digestive system still developing.
When babies feed, cry, or swallow, they can take in small amounts of air. Because their digestive system is still immature and they spend so much time lying down, air can sometimes become “trapped” and harder to move through, which can lead to discomfort until it is naturally released through burping or passing wind.
Some babies are more sensitive to this than others, especially in the early months.
Understanding this can sometimes help shift the experience from “something is wrong” to “my baby is still learning, and I can gently support them through it.”
What Causes Trapped Wind in Babies?
- Immature digestive systems
A baby’s digestive system is still developing in those early months. The muscles that help move food and air through the digestive tract are not yet fully coordinated, which can make it harder for wind to move along smoothly. - Swallowing air during feeds
Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, babies can take in air if they are feeding quickly, have a shallow latch, or if milk flow is fast. This air often needs to come back up or pass through later. - Crying can increase wind
Crying is completely normal in babies; it’s a way they communicate. But in intense bouts, it can lead to more air being swallowed, which can add to their discomfort, creating a cycle where wind and crying feed into each other. Something I remember well from those long, unsettled evenings. - Time spent lying flat
Babies spend a lot of time on their backs, especially when they’re very young. This position is safest for sleep, and your little one should always be placed on their back when sleeping, but it doesn’t always help trapped air move through as easily. As such, support can be given to help move wind through before and after they sleep. - Developing nervous system
In the early months, babies are learning how to regulate their bodies. This means sensations like fullness or pressure in their digestive system can feel more intense to them than they might to an older child.
How to Relieve Trapped Wind in Babies
I will say this… there is no one magic technique that works for every baby, every time. If there was, you wouldn’t be reading this right now.
Often, it’s a combination of small, gentle things, like the suggestions listed here, that help your baby gradually find relief.
- Slow, responsive feeding
Pausing during feeds, keeping your baby calm, and allowing time for winding during and afterward can help reduce the amount of air they swallow. - Upright time after feeds
Holding your baby upright for 10–20 minutes after feeding can support their digestion and give trapped air a chance to rise naturally. - Try different winding positions
Some babies respond better to being held over the shoulder, while others prefer sitting supported on your lap. It can take a little experimenting. I remember trying what felt like every winding position possible before finding what worked for us. - Gentle tummy time
Short, calm periods on their tummy (when awake and supervised) can gently encourage movement through the digestive system. It’s important to know that it doesn’t need to look like long stretches on a mat, especially in the early weeks. For many babies, just a few seconds at a time is more than enough to begin with. You can gradually build this up as your baby becomes more comfortable. Think little and often, rather than aiming for a set amount of time. If your baby isn’t naturally a fan of tummy time at first, that’s completely normal. Many babies need a bit of help to feel settled in this position.
You might find it helps to:
👶 Get down on the floor with them so they can see your face
👶 Use a rolled-up blanket or your arm under their chest for extra support
👶 Place a high-contrast toy, book, or your smiling face in front of them to keep them gently engaged
👶 Try it after a nappy change or when they’re calm and alert rather than hungry or overtired - Warmth and containment
A warm hand placed gently on the tummy, or holding your baby close, can help them feel more settled and supported. - Gentle movement techniques
Slow, gentle movement can sometimes help encourage trapped wind to shift and bring your baby relief. It’s all about soft, rhythmic actions rather than anything forced. The most well-known options are cycling legs and gently bringing knees towards their tummy, which many parents find helpful.
You might also like to try a few gentle variations that I have found useful:
👶 Slow bicycle legs – moving each leg in a calm cycling motion, keeping the movement small and unhurried. Slow movement activates your little one’s parasympathetic nervous system, which helps muscles relax and trapped wind move more easily through their body.
👶 Tummy tuck – softly bending both knees towards the tummy, stopping when you feel resistance and holding for a few seconds before releasing with a gentle bouncing of the legs.
👶 Gentle side-to-side hip sway – with your baby on their back, lightly moving their hips from one side to the other in a soothing rhythm.
You may find it helps to try them when your baby is calm rather than upset, as they can be more receptive to movement in a settled state. And like everything in these early months, it’s about observation rather than expectation; seeing what your baby responds to and letting that guide you. I remember doing what felt like endless bicycle legs in those early weeks, sometimes convinced I was “getting it wrong”, when really it was just about finding what helped her body release things in its own time. - Baby massage for trapped wind
This is something I discovered later in my journey and truly wish I had known about it sooner. As a certified baby massage instructor and baby yoga teacher, I see how powerful slow, intentional positive touch can be. Gentle tummy massage strokes can support digestion, help encourage the movement of trapped wind, and offer a calm, connected moment between parent and baby.
You could try:
👶 Roly Poly – gently stroking down baby’s tummy with alternating hands turned inwards
👶 Tummy circles – placing your hands gently on your baby’s tummy and making slow clockwise circles to encourage relaxation
These simple strokes don’t need to be done perfectly to be effective. What matters most is the gentle rhythm, your touch, and the connection you’re building with your baby. Even a few minutes can help support digestion and offer comfort.
When to Speak to a Healthcare Professional
While trapped wind in babies is very common, it’s always okay to seek reassurance if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Speak to a healthcare professional if your baby experiences:
- Persistent or forceful vomiting
- Blood in stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor weight gain
- Ongoing feeding difficulties
- Severe or persistent discomfort
You know your baby best, and it’s always okay to ask for support.
FAQs About Baby Trapped Wind
You’re Not Alone — and Where to Find Me
I’m Katherine, the founder of Birch Holistics. I’m a certified baby massage instructor and baby yoga teacher supporting families across Leeds, Yorkshire, and surrounding areas.
My work is rooted in both professional training and my lived experience as a mum of two. My eldest experienced reflux, constipation, and trapped wind as a baby, and those early challenges are a big part of what led me into this work.
I now support parents through classes designed to:
👶 Be calm, supportive spaces for connection and wellbeing
👶 Offer gentle, practical tools for common challenges like baby trapped wind and settling
👶 Build confidence in reading cues and responding to your baby
👶 Help you feel less alone in those early months
Birch Holistics offers baby massage classes, baby yoga, workshops, and gentle parent support designed to support baby wellbeing, digestion, sleep, relaxation, and connection.
If you’d like to explore my classes, courses, or free resources, you can find me at:
Website: www.birch-holistics.org
Instagram: @birch.holistics
However you’re navigating this stage, please know you are doing a wonderful job. These early days are intense, but they are also temporary, and they do soften.
