Newborn Guide: How to Burp Your Baby

How can I get my newborn to burp faster? How long do you burp a newborn for? What is the best position to burp a baby? What if my newborn doesn’t burp? Is it okay to put baby to sleep without burping? Is it okay to burp a sleeping baby?

As most veteran parents know, one of the first things that you need to learn when your baby comes, aside from carrying him and changing diapers is how to burp your baby.

Do I Really Have to Burp My Baby?

But why is it essential to learn how to burp a newborn? Well, for starters, your baby needs your help in this arena right now.

Their digestive tract isn’t fully developed yet and they are still learning how to breastfeed properly, and how to get the right latch. In this process, there are a lot of air bubbles that enter your child’s mouth going to his tummy. These air bubbles are the usual cause of colic which may explain why your baby gets so fussy after feeding.

Bigger kids and grown-ups can release their own gas, but babies need help because they still have so little control over how their bodies are positioned.

If you’ve done your research on breastfeeding, you might have come across the fact that your newborn’s stomach is still very small and could not handle too much food or fluid, which is why they often have spit-ups. Acid reflux is also common in the first six months of your baby’s life.

Burping helps ease discomfort by allowing excess air to escape from your baby’s tummy, usually during or after a feeding. By releasing air, burping allows your baby to feed longer because there is more space in their tummies.

While studies show that burping does not help prevent colic, it’s still a way of relieving the symptoms.

What Age Do Babies Need Burping?

Babies typically need burping from birth until around six months of age. As they become more mobile and their digestive system matures, the need for burping decreases. However, individual babies may vary, so it’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and burp them as needed.

Image Source: iStock

When Should I Make Baby Burp?

Before learning how to burp a newborn, you need to be able to tell first when they need to be burped. If you notice them squirming, pulling away, or crying, that might be your cue.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends burping the baby after each feeding, even if they don’t show any sign of distress or colic.

When you notice that your baby is crying and fussy, one of the things you should do is try to burp him. It’s also good practice to give the baby a break after each feeding and let him burp first.

Research shows that the kind of milk your baby consumes is related to how often he hiccups or spits up. Experts believe that breastfed babies don’t need to be burped as much as formula-fed ones because there are fewer air bubbles that can enter a baby’s mouth when he is (properly) latched on his mother’s breast compared to sucking from a nipple on a baby bottle.

But again, each baby’s burping needs vary, so watch your baby closely to determine this.

Of course, you also need to factor in if the baby has a good latch and if he is fussy whenever he is breastfeeding.

Signs That You Need to Burp Your Baby

As earlier mentioned, one of the first signs that you need to burp your baby is when he is crying, fussy, pulling away and won’t breastfeed or take his bottle. If his diaper is not wet or dirty, and he’s resisting your breast, it could be that he is experiencing colic.

How to Burp a Newborn: Patience is Key

How Long Do You Burp a Newborn For?

According to Healthline, burping your baby usually only takes a minute or two. Sometimes a burp will come up as soon as you carry your baby upright, but sometimes you have to wait for a little while and help things with a gentle tap on the back or some pressure on his tummy.

According to Dr Gellina Maala, a paediatrician from the Philippines, it’s important to let the baby burp before putting him to sleep and to hear a loud burping sound to make sure your baby will have a restful sleep.

“Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, if there is too much air in your baby’s tummy, you have to make sure you burp him. Do it after every feeding and make sure you hear a loud burp. 

Because if you’re not satisfied with the burp or you’re not sure that he did it if you put him down to sleep, he will still be restless and irritable and this can wake him up from his sleep,” she explained.

Another useful strategy is to get your baby in the habit of falling asleep in their crib rather than while feeding. How? When you notice them getting sleepy while at the breast or their bottle, stop the feeding, burp them for a minute or so, and then put them down to sleep. You can go back to feeding the baby if he asks for more, and do the same thing after.

Not only will this ensure that your baby can sleep peacefully without the colicky feeling, but you can also start sleep-training him, and it will be easier to do it in the long run.

How to Burp Your Baby the Right Way

Now that we’ve established the importance of burping your baby, we can now learn how to burp a newborn the right way. Here are 5 baby burping tricks every parent should be equipped with:

1. Upright burping

This method is one of the most common ways babies are burped. It’s done by holding your baby in an upright position with their head supported by one hand, as your baby rests on your shoulder and chin.

2. Upright on lap

Another way to burp your baby is to hold them upright sitting on your lap while leaning them slightly forward. Pat them lightly on their back while stroking them using circular motions.

3. Belly burping on lap

Some tummy time can also do the trick! Another way to burp your baby is to place them on their belly on your lap with one hand under their chest for support. With one hand, stroke them circularly alternating with light pats to encourage burping.

4. Bending legs towards chest

If none of the aforementioned baby burping tricks works, try burping your baby with his legs slightly bent towards his chest to stimulate burping.

5. Do it during and after feeding

Another method to make burping easier is to burp during and after the feed. Burping before feeding can also help put your baby at ease and make them less fussy.

What Is the Best Position to Burp a Baby?

The best position for burping a baby varies from child to child. Common positions include holding the baby against your shoulder, sitting them on your lap while supporting their chest and chin, or laying them on your lap with their head slightly elevated. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for your baby.

How Can I Get My Newborn to Burp Faster?

To help your newborn burp more quickly, try gentle and consistent patting or rubbing on their back, making sure to support their head and neck. Experiment with different positions, like holding them upright or laying them on your lap with their head slightly elevated.

What If My Newborn Doesn’t Burp?

If your newborn doesn’t burp after a feeding, there’s no need to panic. Not all babies will burp every time, and some may release gas naturally without assistance.

If your baby appears comfortable and content, it’s perfectly fine to let them rest. However, if your baby seems fussy or uncomfortable due to trapped gas, you can try burping them again using gentle and consistent techniques.

Additionally, you may explore different burping positions and provide a soothing tummy massage. Remember that each baby is unique, and what works best for one may not apply to another. The key is to observe your baby’s cues and respond accordingly to ensure their comfort.

Burping Baby and Sleeping

Is It Okay to Put Baby to Sleep Without Burping?

It’s generally safe to put a baby to sleep without burping, as long as they are comfortable and show no signs of discomfort. Babies often fall asleep without burping, but it’s essential to ensure they’re in a safe sleep environment, such as on their back in a crib with no loose bedding.

How to Burp a Sleeping Baby

This is one of the questions that puzzle new parents when it comes to burping. Should you still burp your baby when he’s already fast asleep? Dr Maala says, yes, you can still burp your baby when they fall asleep after feeding, to make sure the gas or air bubbles are not trapped inside her tummy.

Burping a sleeping baby can be a gentle process to avoid waking them. Start by holding your baby against your chest, supporting their head, and gently patting or rubbing their back in a rhythmic motion. You may also try placing your baby over your shoulder while you walk around. The key is to be patient and use soft, soothing strokes to help release any trapped air.

So even when they fall asleep, do as you normally would. Carry your baby upright and wait for a loud burp before you put her in her crib to sleep.

When to Stop Burping Baby

Knowing when to stop burping your baby is an important part of their development. Generally, most babies will naturally phase out the need for burping around six months of age or when they can sit up and feed themselves more independently. As they become more mobile and their digestive system matures, they may swallow less air during feedings.

However, keep in mind that individual babies vary, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your baby’s cues and stop burping when you notice they no longer need it. Always prioritise your baby’s comfort and well-being in this transition.

Burping a baby may seem like rocket science to you at the start, but with a few nights of practice, you and your partner will definitely be pros at it. For any questions about burping, colic and baby’s sleep, don’t hesitate to consult your child’s paediatrician.

Updates from theAsianparent Philippines. 

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