How to Burp a Baby

How to Burp a Baby: A New Parent's Guide

Burping your baby – it's a must-do for new parents. Think of it as helping your little one release trapped air. Babies swallow air while feeding, leading to fussiness, spitting up, and general discomfort. Some babies need burping often, others rarely. Learning a few tricks is super helpful!

Why Burp? It's Important!

During feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, babies gulp air along with the milk. This air gets stuck, causing discomfort. It can lead to:

• Gas and bloating: Think a really unhappy tummy. Lots of crying ensues.
• Spitting up or vomiting: That milk comes right back up.
• Refusal to feed: A gassy baby is a cranky baby, and cranky babies don't always want to eat.
• Colic (maybe): Gas can make colic worse.

Burping helps release that trapped air. A happy baby is a burped baby!

When Should You Burp?

Burp your baby during and after feedings. Here's when to do it:

• During feedings: Pause every ounce or so (for bottles) or if your baby seems fussy. Prevents too much air from getting in.
• After feedings: Always burp at the end of a feeding.
• If they're fussy: Even if not done feeding, a fussy baby might need a burp.
• Lots of spitting up: More burping might be needed if your baby spits up a lot.

Burping Techniques: Find What Works!

There are several ways to burp. Experiment! Find what your baby likes best.

1. The Over-the-Shoulder Burp

1. Support your baby's head and shoulders. Think gentle cradling.
2. Baby's tummy rests against your shoulder.
3. Gently pat or rub their back.
4. Walk around or rock gently. It helps!
5. You'll probably hear or feel a burp.

2. Across-the-Lap Burp

1. Baby lies face down on your lap. Support their head and neck.
2. Support their chin and chest with your other hand.
3. Gently pat or rub their back.
4. Listen for that burp!

3. The Kneeling Burp

1. Kneel and lay baby face down across your thighs.
2. Support their head and neck and chest.
3. Gently pat or rub their back.
4. This gives good support for a strong burp.

4. The 'Airplane' Position

1. Baby face down on your forearm, head and neck supported.
2. Support their chin and chest.
3. Pat or rub their back gently.
4. Gravity helps!

Tips for Burping Success

• Patience is key: It takes time to find what works.
• Gentle is better: No harsh pats!
• Try different positions: If one doesn't work, try another.
• Keep them upright: Helps the air escape.
• Check for other issues: Is it hunger? A diaper rash?
• Proper latch: Make sure the baby is latched on correctly during breastfeeding or that the bottle nipple isn't letting in too much air.

When to See the Doctor

Burping is normal, but call your pediatrician if:

• Your baby is always fussy and hard to burp.
• Lots of vomiting.
• Excessive gas or tummy pain.
• You have concerns about their feeding or digestion.

Burping is a valuable skill. Be patient, try different things, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice. You'll become a burping expert in no time!

More Help?

For more info, talk to your pediatrician or check out the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website.