How to Burp a Baby 101
Babies are happy beings, well, most of the times at least. But have you ever noticed your little munchkin getting cranky or fussy during or after a feeding? Chances are they swallowed a bit of air during the feeding, making them feel uncomfortable and gassy. That’s where burping comes to the rescue!
Why Do I Need To Burp My Baby?
Burping is a very important part of feeding sessions. But, just why do we burp a baby? Babies can’t help but swallow a little bit of air along with their breastmilk or formula. Having these air bubbles trapped in their tummy can make them feel uncomfortable or full before they’ve really finished eating.
Now a fussy, gassy baby only swallows even more air – leading to more fussiness and possibly spitting up. So, burping your baby can keep everyone cleaner and happier.
A well-burped baby also sleeps soundly, giving both you and your baby the rest you need. Now, you might ask, “Is it ok to put baby to sleep without burping?” Observe your baby’s cues and adjust as needed. If your little one doesn’t show signs of gas discomfort, there may be no need for additional burping session before sleep. But if your baby tends to be gassy or fussy after feedings, burping before sleep can prevent them waking up from discomfort or pain.
Sometimes, your baby may wake up from an uncomfortable or wet diaper. If you often find yourself soothing an irritated, wet baby at night, switch to Snuggy Baby Diapers. One of the best diapers for sensitive skin in India, Snuggy Diapers keep baby away from irritation, rashes, leaks and wetness!
What Are The Best Positions For Burping Baby?
Now that you know why burping is important, let’s explore how to burp a newborn with some adorable burping positions!
The over-the-shoulder hold
This classic move involves holding your baby over your shoulder, supporting their bottom with one hand and gently patting or rubbing their back with the other.
The lap lean
Sit your baby on your lap, facing to one side, and provide support by holding their chest. Gently lean them forward, giving gravity a hand in getting out those annoying bubbles.
The face-down lay
Placing your baby on their belly across your lap, use your forearm to support their chest and your hand to pat their back. This position mimics tummy time (laying babies on their stomachs for brief periods while they’re awake to help strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and improve motor skills) while helping with burping.
The sitting burp
As your baby grows and gains more neck control, you can sit them on your lap and support their upper body with one hand while burping with the other.
Remember, every baby is unique. Try different positions to find the one that works best for your little one.
Our Products
Our Products
What Should I Do If My Baby Doesn’t Burp?
Sometimes, your baby might be a little stubborn when it comes to burping. Don’t worry; it happens. Here are some tips for those moments when you just can’t get a burp out of your baby:
Gentle rubs
Instead of patting, try rubbing your baby’s back in an upward motion. This can help release trapped air more effectively.
Burp mid-feeding
Pause during feedings to burp your baby. This can prevent too much air from accumulating.
Patience is key
Keep trying different burping positions for a few minutes. Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer for the burps to make their grand entrance.
In some cases, the baby themselves may not be big burpers since they do not swallow much air to begin with. So, if your little one doesn’t seem fussy or concerned about gas bubbles in their tummy, it’s nothing to be concerned about for you either. Happy burping, feeding and bonding with your little one and here’s to many more adorable baby smiles in your future!
The fastest way to burp a baby varies from baby to baby. However, a good technique to try is gentle patting or rubbing on the baby’s back while holding them in an upright position. This can often help release trapped air quickly. Remember, patience is key, and it might take a few minutes to get that satisfying burp.
If your baby doesn’t burp, don’t worry too much. It’s not uncommon for some babies to skip burping occasionally. However, if they seem uncomfortable or gassy, you can try different burping positions or take short breaks during feeding to give them more opportunities to burp. If your baby consistently has trouble burping and seems uncomfortable, consult your paediatrician for advice.
The best burping position can vary depending on your baby’s preferences. Common positions include the over-the-shoulder hold, the lap lean, the face-down lay, and the upright pose. Experiment with these positions to find the one that works best for your baby. As they grow, their preferences may change, so be flexible.
To help release a trapped burp, try gently patting or rubbing your baby’s back in an upward motion while holding them in one of the many burping positions. You can also change their position or give them short breaks during feeding to encourage the release of trapped air. Remember to be gentle and patient.
A well-burped baby sleeps soundly. So, even if your baby falls asleep, try burping them so that they do not wake up in pain or discomfort from trapped gas.
