Newborns generally cannot eat efficiently and swallow a lot of air while feeding. Although giving breast milk directly to babies can reduce the need to burp, many babies still need help expelling excess gas after eating. To help your baby feel more comfortable, you need to know when to burp your baby, the various techniques for doing it, and how to help your baby's digestion work.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Baby Burping Position
Step 1. Carry baby on your chest or shoulder
Let the baby's chin rest on your shoulder. Hold the baby in one hand and burp with the other. Pat or gently rub the baby's back in this position.
- You should sit or stand up straight while burping your baby in this position. You can also try it while swinging in a rocking chair.
- Be sure to put a protective cloth over your shoulders and back to avoid getting baby vomit.
Step 2. Let your shoulders gently press the baby's tummy
Position your baby high enough on your chest and shoulders so that your tummy is slightly pressed against your shoulder. This pressure will help expel gas from the baby's stomach. Gently rub the baby's back with one hand while holding him with the other.
- Check the baby's position to make sure he isn't pushed too far and is still breathing smoothly.
- This position may be more suitable for babies aged at least four months who are already more able to control their head and neck.
- Place a protective cloth over your shoulders and back to prevent baby vomit.
Step 3. Burp baby in a standing position
Sit the baby on your lap or on your knees with your back to you. Support the baby's chin with one hand while resting the end of the same palm on the baby's chest. Use your other hand to gently pat the baby's back until he burps.
- Pay attention to the position of your hands. Make sure you don't press on the baby's throat which will make it difficult to breathe.
- This position may be more appropriate after the baby is about four months old and is better able to control his head and neck.
- Place the cloth on the baby's body and on your lap to prevent the vomit from getting all over the body.
Step 4. Turn the baby over
Place the baby in a prone position on your lap and make sure his body is perpendicular to your body. Support his chin with one hand and gently pat his back with the other.
Keep the baby's head higher than the rest of the body so that blood doesn't rush to his head
Step 5. Bend baby's knees toward his chest
When your baby is fussy, you may need to help him fart. To help her, lay the baby on his back and slowly bend his knees up toward his chest. This will help your baby burp and fart, especially farts.
Step 6. Try different ways
If you can't burp your baby in one position, try another. The baby's anatomy makes it possible to respond to one position better than another. Also, as your baby grows, his body will change so that his usual position may no longer work for him to burp. So try a new position. Fortunately, most babies no longer need to be burped after 4-6 months of age.
Method 2 of 3: Knowing When to Burp Your Baby
Step 1. Pat baby during feeding
Babies swallow a lot during feedings, so it's best to burp your baby between feedings as he feeds. This step will help the baby expel the gas buildup in his esophagus. Also, burping your baby between feedings will help him latch on more smoothly and prevent him from fussing afterwards. However, if the baby seems comfortable and happy, continue breastfeeding.
- For bottle-fed babies, burp every time he finishes 60-90 ml of milk.
- Burp a breastfed baby directly each time you change sides of the breast.
- In general, try to burp your baby every 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2. Stop breastfeeding and burp baby when he is fussy
If your baby starts crying or refuses to feed, he may need to be burped. Burping your baby regularly while feeding should prevent him from fussing, but each baby's rate of feeding is different and you may need to wait for your baby to signal that he needs to be burped.
If your baby cries when you stop feeding him, you should start again. A crying baby will swallow air, making it even more uncomfortable
Step 3. Burp the newborn right after feeding it
Most babies need a little patting after they've finished feeding, usually after they've had about 180 ml of formula or breast milk with air. You should burp your baby after feeding him even if he doesn't seem fussy. This will help remove any gas that may have accumulated later.
- If your baby hasn't burped four minutes after feeding, you may need to burp him.
- Babies should no longer need to be burped after they are 4 to 6 months old.
Step 4. Burp a fussy baby at night
If your baby is fussy at night but won't suckle, his tummy may be bloated. Lifting him out of bed and burping him might make him feel better.
Step 5. Help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
This disease occurs when the baby's esophageal sphincter is weak or does not function normally so stomach acid flows back into his mouth. This will be painful and uncomfortable for the baby, making him fussy. Burping your baby regularly can help reduce GERD symptoms.
- If your baby has GERD, try burping him every time he is fussy.
- Consult the baby's symptoms to the doctor if they cause him to feel uncomfortable, do not want to drink milk, or often vomit.
Method 3 of 3: Aids Baby's Digestion
Step 1. Position the baby correctly
One of the keys to preventing your baby from swallowing too much air while feeding is to position him properly so that his latch is perfect. Try to seat the baby in an upright position at an angle of about 45 degrees or more. You should also support the weight of the breast and allow the baby to cling to you, not just clinging to the breast. This position will help with a perfect latch and minimize the air swallowed by the baby.
Step 2. Breastfeed the baby directly if possible
Babies who feed directly from the breast will have to burp less often. This is mainly because babies are better able to control the flow of milk so that they can better synchronize their breathing and swallowing movements. On the other hand, the bottle has a faster flow of milk so it cannot be controlled by the baby which ends up making the baby swallow the air between milks.
Try different bottles and teats if possible. Some bottles have an angular shape or an inner pocket to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows. Different shapes of teats can also reduce the amount of air your baby swallows. You can try using a nipple with a smaller opening to slow the flow of milk if your baby seems to be drinking too fast
Step 3. Stop feeding the baby if he seems fussy
If your baby is fussy while feeding, you may be better off stopping than continuing. Letting your baby fuss and continuing to feed will only make him swallow more air and make him more uncomfortable.
Your baby may vomit if he swallows too much air
Step 4. Listen to the baby's voice
No matter what you do, some babies may still need to be burped. Maybe he is drinking milk quickly and swallowing a lot of air, or the flow of milk is too fast for the baby to control. Thus, paying attention to the baby's response is important. Stop breastfeeding and burp your baby if he is fussy. However, if the baby is not fussy, you can continue breastfeeding.
- If your baby is fussy a lot, he may have GERD or colic. Be sure to consult your pediatrician if you believe your baby has any of these problems.
- Vomiting is normal for most babies and is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you believe your baby is vomiting more often than normal, seems uncomfortable or is drinking less milk, be sure to call your pediatrician.
