The image of a parent walking the floor at midnight with a screaming, inconsolable, gassy baby is universal. Gas discomfort is extremely common in young babies because the digestive system is immature and the muscles that coordinate digestion are still developing. Massage is one of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for gas and colic, and India's tradition of daily malish means most Indian mothers already have the habit — they just need the right techniques.
Why Gas Is So Common in Young Babies
Young babies swallow air during feeding — both breastfed and bottle-fed babies do this. Their immature gut has not yet developed the peristaltic efficiency of an older child or adult, meaning gas can become trapped and cause significant discomfort. The gut microbiome in the first months is in flux, which can contribute to gassiness. The passage of stool, which in young babies is still being regulated by developing gut motility, can also cause discomfort.
The Tummy Massage: Technique Matters
The direction of massage matters because it should follow the path of the large intestine, which moves food in a clockwise direction when facing the baby. Always massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction — from your perspective as you look at the baby, this means moving to the right side of the baby's tummy (your left as you face them) first, then across the top, then down the left side (your right). Going counterclockwise can push gas in the wrong direction.
The I Love You stroke is a specific technique widely used by paediatric massage therapists. On the baby's left side (your right as you face them), stroke downward — this is the I. Then stroke from the right side across to the left side — an inverted L shape. Then stroke in a U — from the right side, up, across, and down the left side. Each stroke follows the path of the large intestine and encourages gas and stool to move through.
Bicycle Legs for Gas Relief
Lay your baby on their back. Hold their lower legs and gently cycle their legs in a pedalling motion — right leg bends toward the tummy while the left extends, then alternate. 10 to 15 cycles. Then hold both legs together and gently press the knees toward the tummy, hold for 3 seconds, release. Repeat 5 to 10 times. The movement of the hip flexors and abdominal muscles helps dislodge trapped gas bubbles. This is most effective when done before a feed when the baby is not too full.
Warm Oil Application for Gas
Warm a small amount of coconut or sesame oil in your palms (test on your wrist first — should be comfortably warm, not hot). Apply with gentle, firm clockwise pressure to the abdomen. The warmth itself helps relax the abdominal muscles and can provide relief. Hing (asafoetida) mixed into a carrier oil and applied externally to the navel area — never given orally to young babies — is a traditional Indian remedy for gas that many families find effective.