Gassy Baby at Night? – How Baby Massage Can Help Them Settle

If your baby becomes fussy in the evening, you are not alone.

Many parents notice that their baby seems more uncomfortable after feeds, pulls their legs in, or cries more at night. This often leads to one big question: Why is my baby so gassy at night?

The answer lies in how Baby’s body is developing.

In the early months, Baby’s digestive system is still learning how to move food and gas through the intestines. During the day, movement, feeding, and position changes help things along. But in the evening, when Baby is more still and tired, gas can build up more easily.

This pressure can make it harder for Baby to settle, relax, and fall asleep. The good news is that there are simple, gentle ways to help.

Why Babies Get More Gassy at Night

By the end of the day, Baby has taken in a lot.

Feeding, light, sound, and movement all add up. As Baby becomes more tired, their body can feel more sensitive. At the same time, gas that has built up during the day may start to cause discomfort.

You might notice:

• Pulling legs toward the belly

• A firm or bloated tummy

• Fussiness after feeds

• Difficulty settling to sleep

Because Baby cannot yet shift positions easily or release gas on their own, this discomfort can feel overwhelming. They let you know by crying and holding their body tightly. This is where gentle, intentional touch can make a meaningful difference.

How Baby Massage Helps Relieve Gas

Baby massage helps enhance the natural movement of the digestive system.

Gentle strokes across Baby’s belly can help encourage gas to move through the intestines. At the same time, massage helps relax Baby’s body, which can reduce tension and make it easier for them to settle.

Baby massage also supports:

• Circulation, which helps the muscles relax and let go

• Relaxation, which is key for sleep and settling

• Body awareness, helping Baby feel more comfortable in their body

The more you massage your baby, the more they learn to relax the different muscle groups of their body. As circulation improves and the body relaxes, Baby often finds it easier to settle and feel calm.

Research has shown that infant massage can support digestion, reduce discomfort, and improve overall regulation in young infants. Studies have also found that babies who receive regular massage may experience improved sleep patterns, better settling, and more organized daily rhythms. This is because gentle, consistent touch helps support both the digestive system and the developing nervous system, allowing Baby to feel more comfortable and at ease in their body. (1, 2).

Many parents find that adding baby massage into their evening routine can help reduce gas discomfort and make bedtime smoother.

A Simple Way to Use Baby Massage at Night

You do not need a long routine to help Baby. A few simple strokes can make a big difference. Start with a calm environment. Dim the lights and speak softly so Baby feels safe and relaxed.

Then try:

1. Gentle belly strokes
   Use warm hands and move in slow, clockwise circles around Baby’s tummy

2. Leg movements
   Gently bend Baby’s legs, bringing the knees toward the belly. Hold for a few seconds, then release

3. Pause and observe
   Watch how Baby responds and adjust your pressure and pace

Keep your movements slow and steady. This helps Baby’s body relax and allows the digestive system to respond. Over time, baby massage can become an important part of your evening rhythm.

If you want to go deeper, you can learn how to build a full baby massage before bed routine that helps your baby relax and settle more easily.

Touch Builds Trust and Comfort

When Baby is uncomfortable, what they need most is to feel safe and supported. Baby massage is a powerful way to both comfort your baby and help them feel safe in their body.

Each gentle stroke helps Baby feel calm, connected, and more comfortable. This growing sense of safety is what allows Baby to settle more easily, especially at night.

Learn More Through Best Beginnings

If you are looking for a simple, step by step way to learn baby massage at home, the Best Beginnings Infant Massage and Movement Program can guide you.

You will learn:

• A full baby massage routine you can follow with confidence

• Gentle techniques to support digestion, sleep, and calming

• Simple ways to build a daily rhythm that works for your family

When your baby is uncomfortable at night, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Having something simple and effective that you can do with your own hands changes everything.

That quiet confidence is what begins to change your evenings, helping both you and your baby settle into a more peaceful rhythm together.

References

1. Bennett, C., Underdown, A., & Barlow, J. (2013). Massage for promoting mental and physical health in typically developing infants under the age of six months. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(4), CD005038.

2. Ferber, S. G., Laudon, M., Kuint, J., Weller, A., & Zisapel, N. (2002). Massage therapy by mothers enhances the adjustment of circadian rhythms to the nocturnal period in full term infants. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 23(6), 410–415.