Burping Baby can be a pretty adorable way to release gas from their stomach, but it can also be an important tool for making them feel more comfortable as they digest. Baby can get gas pain from air trapped in their digestive system, just like adults do! But babies can’t move and control their muscles to release gas quite yet. That is where burping comes in.
How to effectively burp your newborn
Burping is often helpful for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, though many breastfed newborns need less burping than bottle-fed infants. There are four common positions that many parents use to burp, but every baby is different. Some may burp easily, while others almost never seem to give up a burp! See if a different approach improves burping or your baby’s overall comfort.
1) On the chest
This tried and true position begins by holding Baby against your chest so that their chin rests on your right shoulder while their body stays centered. As you support their head with one hand, rub or pat their back with the other hand. This position takes into consideration the unique shape of the stomach to help any air come up and out.
2) Sitting on your lap
Begin this position by sitting Baby on your lap facing to the side or away from you. Use one hand to gently support their chin while being careful not to strain their neck, and use the other hand to rub their back. Encourage Baby to lean forward while you pat their back until they burp. This may lead to some spit up, so be prepared!
3) Face down across your lap
One of the easiest burping positions involves laying Baby face down across your legs so that they are lying across your knees. Make sure to support their head and gently rub or pat their back to release the air bubble. You can also gently place your baby on their side on a firm surface after feeds to help them burp.
4) The wiggle
For newborns and smaller babies, a gentle rotation of their tush can sometimes release gas! Hold your baby by the shoulders and the hips, and gently rotate their hips in a circular position.
Remember that every baby is unique. Burping can sometimes lead to more upset, especially when it’s done as Baby has already started to drift off. A full stomach of milk may feel uncomfortable if their position is changed suddenly and there is a lot of jostling and patting. It’s always okay to experiment with what works best for your baby. Although burping can commonly make babies feel more comfortable, it’s not a must-do for everyone!
Sources
- “Baby Basics: Burping Your Baby.” KidsHealth. The Nemours Foundation, July 2016. Web.
- “Burping, Hiccups, and Spitting Up.” HealthyChildren. American Academy of Pediatrics. November 21 2015. Web.
