Baby Basic 101: How To Burp Your Baby

Although some newborns are gassier than others, most babies will require burping at some time. Burping is required far more frequently by babies than by older children and adults. They consume all of their calories through drinking, which allows them to swallow a lot of air.

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Burping a baby is necessary at all times of the day and night. When babies fall asleep while feeding, you'll have to figure out how to burp them while they're still sleeping. It's amazing how much sleep a newborn can get. Want to know how the job can be done? Read our whole article Baby basic 101: How to burp your baby to know more!

Why do you need to burp your baby?

When babies take in air while feeding, they often need to burp, which makes them feel full too quickly. This is more common in bottle-fed newborns, who swallow faster. Breastfed newborns, on the other hand, may swallow some air, particularly if the mother has a lot of milk or a quick letdown, or if the baby is really hungry and wants to eat quickly.

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Even if she's napping, it's critical to burp the baby after each feeding. Your baby can't help but absorb a little air alongside her breast milk or formula when she sips. However, having air bubbles trapped in her stomach can make her feel uneasy and bloated before she's through eating. Burping the baby to expel any excess air is an important aspect of the feeding process for this reason.

If she fusses during feeding because she's uncomfortable, she'll swallow more air, making her irritable and even spitting up. Whether she starts to fuss during feeding, burp her immediately away to discover if it's an air bubble in her stomach that's bothering her.

How often you should burp your baby?

The regularity with which you burp baby is dependent on how you feed her: 

When bottle-feed: Burp baby at least once during bottle feeding, about midway through or after every 2 or 3 ounces, or more frequently if she looks fussy or is taking too long.

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When breastfeeding: When switching from one breast to the other to make way for more milk, you should make your baby burp. Remember that a baby who has swallowed air may quit consuming and refuse to swap breasts because she is uncomfortable. Is your baby only able to latch on to one breast at a time? Burp on the same breast in the middle of a feeding.

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How long does it take the baby to burp?

Burping normally takes no more than a minute or two. Sometimes a burp will appear as soon as you lift your baby up, and other times you'll have to wait a few moments and assist with a little pat or tummy pressure.

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Another useful method is to get your baby to fall asleep in his or her crib instead of when she is being fed. Stop feeding them at the breast or bottle when you observe them feeling sleepy, burp them for a minute or two, and then put them down to sleep. The earlier you begin, the easier it will be.

If your newborn is uncomfy all of the time, ask to their doctor about getting more treatment with gas relief. Some newborns with severe reflux may need to be kept upright for 30 minutes after eating, regardless of the time of day or night.

How to burp your newborn baby?

Burping a baby can be done in three ways: on your shoulder, face-down on your lap, or sitting up. It's a good idea to give all three a shot to discover which one works best for your child.

#1 On your shoulder

Step 1- Place your baby beneath their bottom for support as you stand or sit comfortably, gently leaning. Step 2- Make sure they're faced behind you, peering over your shoulder, and resting their chin on a soft towel to absorb any burp spit.
Step 3- Hold the baby with one hand while burping with the other.

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#2 Sitting on your lap

Step 1- Put your child on your lap sideways, with their chest facing forward.
Step 2- To support their chest and head, place your hand beneath their chin (not their throat).
Step 3- Burp them by patting their backs across their shoulder blades.

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#3 Face-down on your lap

Step 1- Place your child on his or her belly across.
Step 2- Your lap (her stomach will be on one of your legs, her head on the other, turned sideways, with her head supported and slightly higher than her chest).
Step 3- Pat or stroke the back of the infant with one hand while holding her securely.

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#4 Walking

Step 1- You can try keeping your baby upright in front of you, facing out, as you stand and walk after she has good head control.
Step 2- Apply mild pressure with one hand beneath her bottom and the other across her tummy.
Step 3- The movement may aid in the discharge of any trapped air bubbles.

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What to do if your baby doesn’t burp?

Some babies don't swallow a lot of air, therefore they don't burp very often. Other newborns pass gas at a level that prevents them from needing to burp as frequently as a typical infant. It's nothing to be concerned about if your child isn't a big burper and doesn't seem to be affected by gas discomfort.

Burping is a simple yet crucial way to care for and keep your child comfortable. Even if your baby is sleeping, burping can help them relieve gas and avoid being uncomfortable or waking up too soon. However, not all newborns burp, whether on their own or with your assistance. If your infant needs to be burped, we hope our article Baby basic 101: How to burp your baby will be helpful for you.

Have you read other articles by HappyPregie? If not do visit our website and you will be amazed to see we have lots of articles from Pregnancy and Parenting to Health & Wellness and Childcare. You can give a read- Top 10 Home Remedies To Help Your Teething Baby or you can also read First Aid For Children: What You Need To Know.