Your baby’s arrival brings a whole lot of new and exciting responsibilities! While some tasks are more exciting than others, one very important one is burping. Because babies swallow air when they are feeding and crying, it is crucial to help them release it to prevent uncomfortable gas. But, there’s a bit more to it than a simple pat on the back. That’s why we have put together a quick FAQ-style guide to help you understand the ins and outs of getting the air out. Keep reading for all you need to know about how to burp a baby.
What happens if you don’t burp a baby?
If a baby swallows too much air, they become gassy and uncomfortable. That means they are likely to become cranky, and even spit up. If this happens often, it becomes difficult to understand how much your baby is eating and whether or not they are keeping down the proper nutrition. So, in order to preserve your little one’s best nutrition, make burping your baby a key part of your feeding routine.
How do you know when to burp a baby?
In general, always burp your baby after each feeding or, better yet, at least every ten minutes while feeding. It’s a great idea to stop midway through a feeding to burp your baby if they seem fussy — especially if your baby is on the gassier side. Another helpful rule of thumb is to burp them when switching sides if you’re breastfeeding or every 2-3 ounces if you are bottle feeding. If your baby wakes up at night cranky, they might have a gassy tummy. Burping can be a helpful tool to relieve that discomfort and get them back to sleep. Don’t be afraid to burp your baby if they fall asleep while feeding to avoid a spit up or prevent them from waking up an hour or two later.
How exactly do you burp a baby?
The key to burping your baby is gently and repeatedly patting them on the back with a cupped hand. This technique makes the experience more gentle as opposed to a flat palm which can be too rough for your baby. As you do this, feel free to try different positions to see what works for your little one. You can…
- Sit in a chair and rest your baby’s chin on your shoulder and their body against your chest while supporting them with your hand.
- Support your baby with one hand by gently resting their chin in the palm of your hand and wrist up against their chest while holding them upright, facing away from you and leaning slightly forward in a sitting position in your lap.
- Support your baby’s head and place them on their belly over your lap using your knees at different heights to keep their head higher than their chest.
Keep in mind, spit up or milk can sometimes come up with the air and is bound to make a mess. So, don’t forget your burp cloth!
How long do you have to burp a baby?
While burping is important, there is no need to spend your whole day doing it! Try for a few minutes while listening for the burps. If they don’t burp, don’t worry. Try switching positions. If nothing seems to be working and it’s been five minutes, feel free to stop for now and try again later.
What age do you stop burping?
As your child gets older, they may not burp after every feeding. That’s ok! Luckily, it means they are learning to eat without swallowing so much air. This usually happens around four to nine months old. A good way to judge when they are ready to stop is when they can do a good job sitting up on their own. If your baby still seems fussy after a feeding, go ahead and try burping them to help them feel better. If you are unsure, talk to your pediatrician about whether or not your baby is ready to handle burping on their own.
At Ocean Pediatrics, we are dedicated to helping you give your baby the healthiest, most enjoyable life possible. We hope these tips on how to burp a baby make you feel more confident about your ability to keep your little one comfortable. To learn more about burping techniques, or ask specific questions about your baby’s needs, please connect with our passionate team. To make an appointment, visit us at ocean-pediatrics.com.
