How To Burp Your Baby: The Right Time And Positions

Does your little one act cranky and fussy during and after feedings? If yes, then chances are they have swallowed a little bit of air along with milk, and that is making them feel uncomfortably full. One way to help your baby in this case is by burping them and relieving the gas in their tummy. In fact, burping is considered an important feeding step that prevents any discomfort in your little one’s tummy and aids in digestion.

So if you are wondering how to burp a baby, then keep reading as we discuss different tips and burping positions that bring up the air from your baby’s tummy and make space for a full meal.

Why Do You Need To Burp Your Baby?

When your little one is fed, they tend to swallow some air. This air can cause bubbles in your little one’s tummy, making them uncomfortable. Apart from ingesting air orally, your baby may also produce gas during digestion. Similarly, certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mums produce gas in breastfed babies. Burping your little one helps release any trapped air in your little one’s tummy and eases their digestive system. It also prevents your little one from spitting up their food and allows them to have a full meal comfortably.

When To Burp Your Baby?

While you can burp your baby anytime they are fussy, the ideal period would be right after a feeding session. Burping could be especially necessary if your baby seems fussy after feeding, indicating they have gulped too much air.

You may also consider burping your baby in between feeds. If you are bottle-feeding you may burp your little one after they are half-done with the bottle. Also, be cautious about choosing the correct size nipple, and hold the bottle upside down. This way both air ingestion and choking while feeding can be avoided. 

How To Burp Your Baby?

There are different positions you can try to burp your baby. First, place a burp cloth around your baby’s mouth, as they may spit up some milk. Don’t worry, this is a normal reaction and is termed a wet burp. You may try some of the following burping positions to find the one suitable for your munchkin.

Burping While Leaning

Place your baby’s chin on your shoulder while you support them with one hand. Use your other hand to pat their back, between the shoulder blades gently. Keep patting with gentle taps until they burp. You can occasionally check whether your baby is comfortable. If you notice any signs of discomfort, change your and your baby’s position before attempting burping again.

Burping While Sitting

Make your baby sit in an upright position on your lap, facing away from you, and support them by holding their chest with one hand. Next, make them lean forward a bit, and place your hand to hold their chin so that they don’t fall forward. Now, use your other hand to start patting and rubbing their back until they burp.

Burping While Lying

For this position, you will have to sit on a chair or a couch and place your baby across in your lap. Gently lay your baby down while using your hand to support them. Make sure your baby is in a semi-inclined position, with their face leaning forward. Now, pat their back gently, between their shoulder blades with your other hand. Check for signs of discomfort, if patting seems uncomfortable, you may try rubbing their backs.

When To Stop Burping Your Baby?

Most infants outgrow the need for burping by the time they are 4-6 months old. This is because, by the time your baby is around six months old, they gain better control over their bodies, and are able to make themselves comfortable during feeding by moving. Moreover, your baby’s digestive system is better developed by six months to take solid foods. Once your little one is started on a solid diet, they are less likely to swallow air while eating.

What To Do If Your Baby Doesn’t Burp?

Not all infants burp during or after a feed. Also, babies who are breastfed may burp less than the ones who are bottle-fed. Nevertheless, if your baby doesn’t burp despite your interventions, you can try the following methods.

• Try to burp them in an upright position, and avoid laying them on their back after feeding. Because if your baby suddenly burps or throws milk after lying down, there is a high chance of choking. Hence keep your baby in a right lateral position for about five minutes.
• You can also try massaging your baby’s belly in a circular motion to release trapped gas. But don’t try this right after feeding your baby. Try it when your baby has not eaten, and is fussy, indicating gas. You can also use the tummy relief roll-on from BabyChakra to ease indigestion and gas in your baby’s stomach. The relief roll-on is formulated with organic ingredients like hing and fennel, which ease stomach muscles and release trapped gas. 

When To Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider if you notice that your baby is fussy even after burping. In addition to this, you may also consult a doctor on noticing the following signs.

• Excessive crying
• Tight belly
• Abnormal or hard stool
• Projectile vomiting after feeding

Burping is an essential feeding step, and you may notice that your little one is calmer after they’ve been burped. You may try different burping positions to determine which one works best for your little one, and also try tricks to prevent your baby from ingesting excess gas while feeding. If your little one continues to be fussy even after burping, then don’t hesitate to seek medical advice to determine the exact cause and administer proper treatment. 

Also read:

How to soothe a newborn tummy ache: Soothe your little one’s tummy troubles with these helpful tips and interventions.

How to take care of a newborn baby: Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your newborn baby.

Best baby skincare products:  Cart these best baby skincare products to give your little one the gentlest care and nourishment.

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