-- Let Less Air In: Dr. Sears often advises new parents to pay particular attention to the position of the baby’s mouth while he or she is feeding. "If breastfeeding, be sure that the baby’s lips form a good seal far back on the areola to minimize the amount of air that is taken in the mouth," said Dr. Sears. "If bottlefeeding, be sure the baby’s lips are positioned on the wide base of the nipple, not just on the tip, to avoid taking in air along with the milk."

-- Use the 45-degree Rule: Dr. Sears recommends that parents tilt the bottle at a forty-five degree angle while feeding so that air rises to the top of the bottle. "I also recommend keeping the baby upright during feeding and for a half-hour following a feeding to help minimize the gas build-up in the baby’s digestive tract," said Dr. Sears.

-- Eliminate Allergens: Although milk is a good source of nutrition for nursing moms, Dr. Sears points out that cow’s milk protein allergies are some of the most common triggers for gastrointestinal problems in breastfed babies. Dr. Sears also recommends that nursing moms try to eliminate foods that commonly cause allergic reactions, such as chocolate, shellfish, berries, eggs and nuts.

-- Flesh Out Formula Choices: Bottle-fed babies may be intolerant of certain types of formulas. "Not all formulas are alike," said Dr. Sears. "If one is causing your baby discomfort, there are plenty of alternatives – just check with your pediatrician."

-- Safely Medicate: Infants’ Mylicon Gas Relief Drops are the number one choice of pediatricians to remedy infant gas. They are not absorbed into the baby’s system and contain no sweeteners or alcohol. "It’s important to first have a doctor determine that there are no serious problems," said Dr. Sears. "But for most cases of infant gas, Mylicon goes a long way, and because it’s not absorbed, it can be safely used at every feeding*, if necessary."

* Use only as directed. Do not exceed 12 doses per day.

© 2006 HealthNewsDigest.com