Congratulations, new mom! I hope you are enjoying the exciting journey of motherhood despite trying to navigate the challenges along the way. And to do that, and let you focus on the joy of your mom journey we are here for you with some guidance and practical advice. As a mom of a 1-year-old boy, I understand the joys and challenges that come with raising a newborn. One common concern many of us new parents face is how to burp a baby who seems to have trouble releasing those tiny trapped gas bubbles after feeding. In this article, I will share five effective and gentle techniques to help your little one find relief from burping difficulties.
Why should I burp my baby?
As a new mom, you may wonder why would you need to burp your baby at all, whether you have a breastfeed or bottle feed. The answer lies in your baby’s delicate digestive system. During feeding, whether it’s breast milk or formula from a bottle, your newborn baby tends to swallow some air along with their milk. This excess air can create tiny gas bubbles in their little tummy, leading to discomfort and fussiness. By burping your baby after feedings, you help release trapped air, reducing the risk of colic and gas pains. Ensuring your baby’s tummy is free from gas not only brings relief but also promotes better digestion, making mealtime a more pleasant experience for your little one. So, make burping a regular part of your feeding routine, whether you have a breastfed baby or a bottle-fed baby, to keep those adorable smiles coming and ensure your baby stays happy and content throughout the day.
When is it Necessary to Burp a Baby?
The general rule of thumb is to burp your baby after each feeding session, regardless of whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. This routine ensures that any swallowed air during feeding is released, preventing the buildup of gas bubbles that could lead to discomfort and fussiness.
However, keep in mind that every baby is unique, and some may need more frequent burping than others, and some babies just simply give you that little burp easier than others. Some say breastfed babies need less burping, as they tend to build up less gas during feeding, however, it might not always be the case. Watch for signs that your baby is getting uncomfortable during or after a feeding regardless of your feeding type. Common cues include restlessness, pulling away from the breast or bottle, arching their back, or becoming fussy. These may be indications that trapped air is causing discomfort, and it’s time for a burping break.
Furthermore, if your baby tends to be a quick and enthusiastic eater, they may be swallowing more air than usual. In such cases, more frequent burping may be necessary to help release excess air and keep them comfortable.
As your baby grows and becomes more efficient at feeding, you may notice that they need less burping. Typically, by around 4 to 6 months of age, most babies develop the ability to sit up and control their head movements better, which reduces the chances of swallowing air during feeding.
Additionally, if your baby is experiencing colic, reflux, or excessive gas pain, burping can be even more crucial in providing relief. In such situations, try experimenting with different burping techniques to find the one that works best for your little one.
5 Burping Techniques
1. The Pat and Rub Method or Above the Shoulder
The good old “Pat and Rub” technique is one of the most common and effective ways to burp your baby and I am pretty sure you have already heard about it. After feeding, place your baby so that their head and chin are above your shoulder as if they were leaning over your shoulder. Then gently pat or rub your baby’s back in a circular motion. This creates gentle pressure on the tummy, helping release trapped air and bringing comfort to your little one. Thanks to the upright position, it is easier for trapped air to come to the surface. Beyond the practical benefits, this method is a beautiful bonding moment. Embrace your baby in your arms, feel the warmth, and cherish the connection. Enjoy these precious moments together and you might even find your baby falling into a peaceful sleep.
2. The Sitting Upright Hold
The “Sitting Upright Hold” is another burping technique to ease your baby’s post-feeding discomfort. Place your baby on your lap in a sitting position (this method is more recommended for older babies, to avoid of putting any pressure on the delicate spinal cord of your newborn). Once you placed your baby as he was sitting, gently support him with the palm of your hand on his chest and let your baby lean a bit forward face away from you. With your other hand gently pat or rub their back until those stubborn air bubbles come out.
3. The Tummy Time Technique
Did you know that Tummy time is not only beneficial for your baby’s physical development but can also play a significant role in aiding burping after feeding? After your little one finishes their meal, gently lay them on their tummy across your lap or on a firm surface. This position exerts gentle pressure on their belly, helping the release of trapped gas that might have built up during feeding. By allowing the air to move through their digestive system more freely, tummy time can make burping easier and provide relief from any discomfort caused by gas. As you supervise your baby during tummy time, keep an eye out for signs that they may need to burp. This gentle approach can be particularly helpful if your little one tends to have difficulty burping in other positions. Integrating tummy time into your baby’s daily routine not only contributes to their physical growth but also serves as a natural and comforting way to address any burping issues they may experience.
4. The Feeding Break Technique
The “Feeding Break Technique” offers a simple solution when your baby’s chest or belly feels too full during feeding, making burping difficult. Take a short break during the feeding to allow your baby to catch their breath and prevent excessive air intake. This pause promotes more comfortable burping. Simply remove the bottle or breast from their mouth for a couple of seconds or minutes, observing their cues, and offering gentle pats on the back to encourage burping. Embrace this practice as a nurturing way to bond with your baby and ensure they feel comfortable and nourished.
5. The Gentle Massage & Bicycle Method
A soothing baby massage can do wonders for relieving discomfort and trapped gas. Lay your baby on their back and gently massage their tummy in a clockwise motion using your fingertips. This can help the gas move through the digestive system, making burping easier for your little one. The “Bicycle Method” is another technique that can be perfectly combined with gentle massage to combat trapped gas. While your baby is on their back, gently grasp their legs and imitate a bicycle-pedaling motion. This pedaling movement not only engages their leg muscles but also aids in stimulating the digestive process, encouraging the release of trapped air.
The Plus One Secret: Change positions or let it go!
Changing the burping positions after feeding can be a helpful strategy in promoting effective burping and relieving gas for your baby. If one position doesn’t seem to be working, try another one, like the “Pat and Rub” method, the “Sitting Upright Hold,” Tummy time, or the Gentle massage and Bicycle method. Each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. By varying positions, you can find the most comfortable and effective way to burp your little one, ensuring their tummy stays happy and gas-free. If your little one hasn’t managed to bring up a single burp, even after trying different positions for more than 20 minutes, and they don’t seem to be fussy or in pain, then it might be time to let it go. Babies do not always need to burp, sometimes they just simply don’t. If there is not so much trapped air and they don’t seem to be in discomfort, it is time to just simply let them go to sleep. If you are concerned about what happens if your baby later burps or spits up the milk, do not worry, it is completely normal from time to time, and it lands most of the time either on the bedsheets or on their clothes. They won’t choke in their sleep while spitting up, as they have nature ways to protect themselves. As long as you follow the recommended safe sleep advice, such as putting your baby to sleep on his back. When a baby is on his back, the air tube is on top of the esophagus (the food tube). If a baby spits up while on his back, the food and fluid run back into the stomach and not to the lungs.
Conclusion
Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and gentle with your little one as you try these burping techniques. If your baby seems to be experiencing excessive fussiness, gas pain, or signs of colic or reflux, consider consulting a pediatrician or a lactation consultant for additional support. And if nothing works maybe it is time to let go and let your baby sleep without burping.
I hope these tips help you burp your baby with ease and bring comfort to your little one after feedings. If you found this article helpful, feel free to explore our website for more related articles on, newborn care, and parenting tips. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, and your baby is lucky to have you as their loving caregiver!
