Can holding a newborn in the "airplane hold" position relieve gas?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Abdominal gas in newborns is detrimental to their health. Properly holding the baby in a "flying" position can help alleviate gas to some extent, as it promotes digestion, facilitates gas release, enhances gastrointestinal motility, increases the baby's sense of security, and helps relax their mood. If abdominal bloating persists despite using these methods, probiotics may be taken under medical guidance to regulate the digestive system.
Abdominal bloating in newborns is detrimental to their health. Properly using the "airplane hold" can help alleviate gas discomfort to some extent by promoting digestion, facilitating gas release, accelerating gastrointestinal motility, enhancing a sense of security, and relaxing the baby's mood.
1. Promotes Digestion
The digestive system of newborns has not yet fully matured. Holding the baby in the airplane position applies gentle pressure on the intestines, which helps support gastrointestinal development and improves digestive function, thereby reducing or preventing abdominal bloating.
2. Facilitates Gas Release
When holding a newborn in the airplane hold—positioning the baby's head toward the crook of the elbow and allowing the legs to hang down on either side of the adult's arms—gentle pressure is applied to the abdomen. This encourages trapped gas in the intestines to be expelled through the mouth or anus, effectively relieving bloating.
3. Accelerates Gastrointestinal Motility
The airplane hold helps move gas and food contents downward through the intestines, stimulating intestinal peristalsis, improving digestion, and alleviating abdominal discomfort.
4. Enhances Sense of Security
The close physical contact achieved with the airplane hold increases the newborn’s sense of safety and comfort. This closeness can distract the baby from abdominal discomfort and reduce crying episodes caused by gas.
5. Relaxes the Baby's Mood
As the caregiver moves around while holding the baby in the airplane position, the gentle motion provides a swaying sensation that strengthens interaction between the baby and adult. This helps the baby feel more relaxed and happy, easing other physical discomforts.
If abdominal bloating persists despite using these methods, probiotics may be administered under medical guidance. Commonly used medications include *Saccharomyces boulardii* powder, *Clostridium butyricum* and *Bacillus subtilis* live bacterial granules, and *Bacillus subtilis* and *Enterococcus faecalis* live bacterial granules.
