If your baby seems uncomfortable at the breast — pulling their legs up, squirming, or crying during or after feeds — it’s completely understandable to wonder if something isn’t quite right. Many of the families I support reach out during the first few weeks and months feeling unsure about whether their baby’s gassiness is normal or a sign that feeding needs a closer look.

Many parents notice their baby squirming, grunting, pulling their legs up, or crying during or after feeds. While this can feel worrying, it’s important to know that some gas is a normal part of newborn development. A baby’s digestive system is still maturing, and they are learning how to coordinate feeding, digestion, and passing gas.

At the same time, when gas is persistent or paired with feeding challenges, it can be helpful to look a little deeper at what might be contributing.

Why Breastfed Babies Can Be Gassy

There isn’t just one reason babies experience gas — it is usually a combination of normal development and feeding dynamics.

One of the most common contributors is air intake during feeds. When a baby’s latch is shallow, slipping, or inconsistent, they may swallow more air while feeding. Over time, this can lead to increased gassiness and discomfort.

In addition, milk flow plays a significant role. Both fast milk flow and oversupply can contribute to gas. Organizations like La Leche League describe how babies with a forceful letdown may gulp quickly, cough, or pull off the breast, often taking in more air and becoming gassy as a result.

More great info here from Dr. Katrina Mitchell on Oversupply.

When milk moves quickly through the digestive system — often in cases of oversupply — the enzyme lactase may not have enough time to fully break down lactose, which can lead to gas, discomfort, and green or frothy stools.

Another important factor is simply developmental. Newborns are still learning how to coordinate digestion, and it is very common for them to appear uncomfortable as they figure out how to pass gas and stool effectively.

Sometimes It’s Not Just Gas…

This is one of the most important things I share with families. When a baby is pulling off the breast, crying, or appearing uncomfortable during feeds, it is often assumed to be gas — but that is not always the full picture.

Babies who are overwhelmed by fast milk flow, or frustrated by slower flow, may:

pull on and off the breast
cry or arch during feeds
appear unsettled or uncomfortable

Babies experiencing fast flow or oversupply may fuss, choke, or come off the breast repeatedly, sometimes appearing distressed during feeding. In some cases, this can also be related to feeding patterns or even early bottle preference, rather than gas alone.

Does What I Eat Cause Gas in My Baby?

Gas in babies is not typically caused by foods that make parents gassy. Gas from your digestive system does not pass into your breast milk. However, in some cases, certain proteins from foods (like dairy) can pass into breast milk and may affect sensitive babies. This is less common, and most parents can continue eating a normal, varied diet without causing issues.

If a baby is reacting to something in the diet, it is usually accompanied by additional symptoms such as:

persistent discomfort early on
changes in stool (mucus or blood)
skin reactions

What Can Help a Gassy Breastfed Baby?

While gas is often normal, small adjustments can make feeding more comfortable.

Improving latch and positioning is one of the most effective places to start. A deeper, more stable latch helps reduce air intake and allows babies to feed more efficiently.

Burping during and after feeds can also help release trapped air, especially for babies who are feeding quickly or gulping.

If milk flow is fast, adjusting positioning — such as using more upright or laid-back feeding positions — can help babies better manage the flow and reduce air intake.

Gentle movement, such as holding your baby upright after feeds, or using simple techniques like bicycle legs or tummy massage, can also support digestion.

Most importantly, looking at the full feeding picture — including latch, milk transfer, feeding rhythm, and supply — often provides more clarity than focusing on gas alone.

A Gentle Reframe

One of the most important things to remember is: Not all fussiness is gas — and not all gas is a problem.

Gas is a normal part of development for many babies. And when something feels off, it is often a sign that we can make small, supportive adjustments — not that something is “wrong.”