How To Properly Burp A Newborn Baby

How To Effectively Burp Your Newborn

How to Burp a Newborn

Burping is essential for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, though most breastfed newborns need less burping than bottle-fed infants because they swallow less air during feedings. There are four common positions that many parents use to burp, but every baby is different so pay attention to the cues Baby gives you and make sure to use a towel or bib in case of spit-up.

Why Babies Need To Be Burped

When a baby swallows air during feeding, that air gets trapped in the stomach. This trapped air can be uncomfortable, causing your infant to cry or fuss. Additionally, it can make your baby feel full when they aren’t. Burping helps to remove that air. Once your child burps and gets that air out of their belly, they will feel better. They may even start feeding again, since removing the air will make room in their stomach for more breast milk or formula.

What If Your Baby Doesnt Burp

Not all babies burp every time theyâre winded, and some find it easier than others to let out all that trapped air.

If youâve tried winding your baby but he or she is still showing signs of uncomfortable wind you could try laying your baby down on a safe, comfortable surface and gently massaging his or her tummy. If this doesnât work, moving your little oneâs legs in a bicycling motion can also help release some of the trapped air.

If none of these techniques seem to make any difference, ask your health visitor for advice.

Recommended Reading: How Often Should A Formula Fed Newborn Eat

How Long Do Babies Need To Be Burped

Disclaimer: All content found on our website is published for informational and/or educational purposes only not intended to serve or offer any form of professional/competent advice. We put in every effort to ensure that all information is just, accurate, fool-proof, useful, and updated but do not assume responsibility or liability, to loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence of information provided. Parenthoodbliss may earn commissions from affiliate links in the content.

Dont Miss: How To Help Newborns Poop When Constipated

Holding Baby Upright On Lap Or Knee

The Importance Of Making The Baby Burp After Feeding And Right Ways To Do

Using one hand, parents can support the babys back and head by cradling the chin and resting their palm into his or her chest. As they gently support the babys chin and chest, they can use their other hand to pat the back. However, parents should take caution to not grip the throat, but rather gently hold the chin.

Read Also: How Much Sleep Does A Newborn Need

Baby Burping: The Why When And How Plus Expert Tips

As a new parent, there are a wide variety of skills we all need to learn and FAST! One such skill is how to burp our baby. Whilst some babies need a lot of help with burping, others need very little assistance at all. However, regardless of whether your baby is breast or bottle fed, particularly gassy or not, he or she will inevitably need help at some time so youd be wise to be prepared.

When To Stop Burping Your Baby

There’s no definitive age to stop burping your baby, but as your little bundle gets older and their digestive system becomes more mature, burping will become less of a necessity, says Dr. Landau. You’ll likely see this change around 4 to 6 months, when your baby starts eating solid food. That said, if you still notice your baby is gassy, continue with burping and other gas-relief techniques until you feel they aren’t needed.

Don’t Miss: Why Is My Newborn’s Poop Green

When Should I Burp My Baby

There are no rules on when you should burp your baby, some babies need burping whilst they’re taking their bottle, some after. Look for clues â if your baby seems uncomfortable while bottle feeding, have a little break to wind them. If they seem fine while feeding, wait until they’ve finished. Your baby will let you know!

Sitting Up On Your Lap Burping

Newborn Burping Techniques

This position is a simple one that can be used at any time. Sit your baby upright on your lap and lean them forward a little bit. Support their head by placing your hand against their chest and cupping their chin with your palm. Make sure your are holding their chin and not their throat. Your other hand can be used to rub or pat your babys back.1

You May Like: How Do Newborn Babies Sleep

Allergic Reactions Or Food Intolerance

If you are breastfeeding, your baby may also have a sensitivity to some of the food you eat and feel belly pain as a result. The most common food reaction in babies is adairy intolerance, particularly from ice cream, cheese, or yogurt that mom has eaten, says Dr. Shalini Forbis, a pediatrician and a Dr. Mom Squad blogger for Dayton Childrens Hospital in Ohio. Babies who are formula fed may also experience a similar intolerance, which creates more gas.

What Should I Do If My Baby Doesnt Burp

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Jaundice In Newborns At Home

How To Bottle Feed

The early days with your baby are a great time to get to know each other. This can be done by keeping your baby close to you when you bottle feed, enjoying skin contact. Babies will feel more secure if most feeds are given by parents or main caregivers, especially in the early weeks, as this will really help you bond with each other.

Will Baby Grow Out Of Needing To Be Burped

Everything you Need to Know About Burping a Baby

As babys digestive system develops, theyll naturally swallow less air during feedings, and burping will become less important. Youll likely notice that baby naturally becomes less gassy when they start eating solids.

This varies from baby to baby, though. Some babies may still swallow air and become gassy when theyre a bit older. If you notice continued gassiness, colicky crying, excessive spitting, or other stomach discomfort, keep up the burping routine. The same goes if baby has GERD.

Recommended Reading: Which Body Wash Is Best For Newborn

Does My Baby Need To Burp

Its commonly believed that infants need to burp to get rid of extra gas in their stomachs.1 The idea is that babies dont know how to burp on their own and that babies may be bloated or fussy if we dont help them get that air out.

In fact, its so common for people to burp their babies during and after feeding that many of us have never stopped to wonder if its necessary.

Want More Advice About Burping Your Baby Come See Us

If youre wondering whether youre burping your baby properly, if your baby seems overly gassy and you want some advice on what to do, or if you have other questions relating to your babys health and well-being, please call 232-1919 to make an appointment with one of our Westchester Health pediatricians. He/she will help you work out solutions that will bring relief to both you and your baby. Whenever, wherever you need us, were here for you.

To read Dr. Adlers blog in full, click here.

Recommended Reading: How Many Diapers Newborn Use A Day

How To Burp Your Baby

When burping your baby, repeated gentle patting on your baby’s back should do the trick. Cup your hand while patting this is gentler on the baby than a flat palm.

To prevent messy cleanups when your baby spits up or has a “wet burp,” you might want to place a towel or bib under your baby’s chin or on your shoulder.

Try different positions for burping that are comfortable for you and your baby. Many parents use one of these three methods:

  • Sit upright and hold your baby against your chest. Your baby’s chin should rest on your shoulder as you support the baby with one hand. With the other hand, gently pat your baby’s back. Sitting in a rocking chair and gently rocking with your baby while you do this may also help.
  • Hold your baby sitting up, in your lap or across your knee. Support your baby’s chest and head with one hand by cradling your baby’s chin in the palm of your hand. Rest the heel of your hand on your baby’s chest, but be careful to grip your baby’s chin, not the throat. Use the other hand to pat your baby’s back.
  • Lay your baby on your lap on his or her belly. Support your baby’s head and make sure it’s higher than their chest. Gently pat your baby’s back.
  • If your baby seems fussy while feeding, stop the session, burp your baby, and then begin feeding again. Try burping your baby every 2 to 3 ounces if you bottle-feed and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed.

    • tends to be gassy

    Face Down Across Your Lap

    How to Burp a Newborn Baby | 3 Easy Burping Techniques | Newborn Care

    One of the easiest burping positions involves laying Baby face down across your legs so that he is lying across your knees. Make sure to support his head and gently rub or pat his back to release the air bubble.

    • Baby Basics: Burping Your Baby. KidsHealth. The Nemours Foundation, July 2016. Web.
    • Burping, Hiccups, and Spitting Up. HealthyChildren. American Academy of Pediatrics. November 21 2015. Web.

    You May Like: How Many Ounces For Newborn

    More Burping Positions To Try

    Sit baby upright on your lap. Lean baby forward with babys tummy against your hand. The pressure of your hand on babys tummy might bring up wind. Rub babys back gently with your other hand.

    Place baby face down on your lap or your forearm so baby is looking sideways and is supported by your knee or hand. Rub babys back gently with your other hand.

    Some babies might be unsettled during and after a feed until theyve been burped. Burping your baby part way through a feed might help. Use the position that works best for your baby.

    What To Do When Baby Wont Burp

    What do you do if youve tried all the positions above and your baby is still uncomfortable but wont burp? It may be time to look into changing some of the possible causes of your babys discomfort to see if that might help.

  • Moms diet:For those moms that breastfeed, your diet may be the offender. Try keeping a food diary to see what you eat when your baby is most uncomfortable, then try eliminating that food from your diet and see if there is a difference. You can also try eliminating dairy, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, to see if that helps your baby at all.
  • Formula:Mixing powdered formula into water is often done by shaking, which incorporates tiny air bubbles into the mix. Try swirling the formula into the water to minimize air bubbles or letting the formula rest after shaking, which releases air bubbles. You could also try using pre-mixed formulajust make sure to consult with your pediatrician if you are thinking about changing formula.
  • Nipples: Nipple options span all baby-appropriate ages . A nipple too big for a baby can cause them to swallow too quickly, letting air in as they try to keep up with the large flow. Choose the right size for your baby for the most comfortable feeding.
  • Bottles: Some baby bottles are shaped to harbor as little air as possible. Others have disposable liners, vents, or straw-like systems that keep bubbles from getting into the babys system as they drink.
  • Get free updates on babys first year! Free Updates on First Year

    Don’t Miss: How To Play With Newborn

    Why Do Babies Burp

    First things first: why do newborns need to burp in the first place? When babies feed, they tend to swallow air. Burping helps to alleviate the gas in their bellies from swallowing this air and can help prevent spitting up, crankiness, and gassiness. Its best to burp a baby frequently to help avoid any milk coming back up after eating.

    Other Ways To Relieve Or Reduce Air Buildup

    How Burp Baby When Baby Won

    What if youve burped baby frequently but they still seem like they need more help getting the air out? Try these methods:

    And how to cut down on the uncomfortable air buildup in the first place? These tips may help:

    • Look for signs of fullness and stop the feed when you see them, as overeating can cause baby to swallow too much air. Signs of babys fullness may include turning away from the breast or bottle, becoming distracted, or becoming sleepy during a feed.
    • If bottle-feeding, select a bottle with a slow-flow nipple and anti-colic valve. These bottles are designed to keep baby from swallowing too much air during a feed.
    • Talk to your doctor if you think baby has an intolerance to a formula ingredient. They may suggest switching formulas .
    • If youre breastfeeding, ask a doctor or lactation consultant if certain foods youre eating may be causing your babys gas.
    • If youre breastfeeding and suspect a strong let-down, try pumping a little breastmilk before a feed to slow the flow for baby.

    Also Check: How To Encourage Newborn To Sleep At Night

    Should You Burp A Baby After A Dream Feed

    Yes, you should burp your baby even after a dream feed, which is a late-night feeding you wake your little one up for before you head to bed. The reason? Any feeding, including a dream feed, can create gas and/or cause your baby to spit up. So do your best to alleviate that pressure.

    One trick to try: Sneak in a little burping when he takes a break from the bottle or when you switch breasts.

    And if the position youre using doesnt yield good results, try a different one, but dont spend more than about five minutes attempting to get a burp out.

    Some Frequently Askedquestions To Perfect Your Burping Skills

    How long do you burp ababy?

    It is best to burp your baby after every feed however, if you notice she was extra hungry and gulped down her milk very fast, it is best to burp her between the feeding. After your baby is well feed, burp her for about 10 to 15 minutes and have her upright to avoid having the milk coming back up. If your baby has GERD and tends to spit up, you might need to burp her a little longer. Think of this as a bonding session you can sing or talk to your baby.

    Do you need to burp anewborn?

    As we all know, babiesare different, and some tend to be gassier than others, but all babies need tobe burped after every feed. It is to ensure any trapped air has been released,and whats left in her tummy is the milk she needs. And you might notice yourbaby immediately sleeps after her feeding if this happens ensure you still burpher to keep her comfortable.

    What happens when babydoesnt burp after feeding?

    If your baby does notrelease the trapped air she might have ingested while feeding, it might createsome discomfort for her later. This air tends to move to her little intestinesthat now ends up as gas, making her feel full than she really is, and we knowhow trapped gas feels uncomfortable for you, let alone your baby. Trying toburp her reduces all this discomfort or crankiness in her next feed.

    Why is it so hard toburp a newborn?

    Recommended Reading: How Much Can A Newborn Eat

    Face Down On Your Lap

    This is another good method of burping for babies 4 months and up. Heres how to do it:

    Step 1: Lay your baby across your lap with his/her face down.

    Step 2: Give your baby a few gentle pats on the back or rub her back up and down.

    Step 3: Support your babys head with your other hand. Dont let your babys head go lower than her body.

    Why Burping A Baby Is Important

    How To Burp A Baby Correctly? – The Right Ways To Burp A Baby

    A burp is essentially the discharge of air or gas through the esophagus and mouth.

    Despite the benefits of breastfeeding, a certain amount of gas is bound to get trapped in your newborns tiny stomach in the process. The natural breaking down of particles which occurs during digestion forms gas bubbles. Burping a baby is therefore necessary for releasing these bubbles which cause them to squirm and fuss after a big meal.

    To reduce the likelihood of pain and discomfort for your child, experts recommend burping a baby before theyve gotten cranky. In fact, it should become an integral part of your daily feeding routine.

    Note that your little ones burp could occasionally bring up some stomach contents. Thats why its always a good idea to use baby burping cloths while burping a baby.

    You May Like: What Clothes Do You Need For A Newborn

    Why Is Burping Baby So Important

    Burping baby is vital because baby swallows air during every nursing or bottle-feeding session.

    If too much air builds up in babys stomach, they may feel full before theyve actually had enough to eat. They may also become gassy and uncomfortable. And if the uncomfortable feeling leads baby to become fussy , they may take in even more air. This may lead to increased crankiness, and sometimes, spitting up.

    But burping baby helps release that air and relieve those discomforts (or stop those discomforts before they start.

    Related Posts

    Popular Articles