Do Babies Burp After Every Feed?

More often than not, babies burp after every feed. Burping helps in getting rid of gas in your baby’s tiny stomach. Therefore, burping makes babies more comfortable in their sleep. Additionally, burping creates more room for feeding in babies.

Nonetheless, note that some babies don’t burp often. This is because they don’t swallow a lot of air while feeding. But do babies burp after every feed?

Child experts report that babies don’t need to burp after every feed. In fact, some babies do not burp at all. But typically, babies who feed on bottles tend to burp more frequently compared to babies who breastfeed.

This is because breastfed babies don’t swallow a lot of air while feeding. Note that babies are different. So, monitor your baby before, during, and after feeding to identify when they need to burp.

When do babies need to be burped?

How do you know your baby wants to burp? Babies who need burping are always fussy and irritable. The gas in their stomachs always causes some discomfort that makes them cry. So, consider taking burping breaks when feeding your baby.

The best time to burp your baby is when exchanging breasts when nursing. Also, once you finish feeding your baby, take time to burp them. Doing this releases all the gas present in their stomachs. Even when your baby falls asleep when feeding, don’t forget to burp them. But if they seem comfortable while sleeping, you might as well leave them.

As your baby grows, there won’t be any need to burp them. Babies who are six months won’t need frequent burping because they don’t swallow a lot of air while feeding.

How do you burp a baby?

There are many techniques used to burp a baby. Remember, babies are different. So, you have to find the best position for your baby. It is essential to identify what’s comfortable with your baby. From there, you can incorporate this position.

Some of the most common burping positions

Placing them on your chest or shoulder

In this position, hold your baby upright and place their head on your shoulders or chest. Support them by wrapping your arm around their bottom. Then, use the other hand to pat your baby gently on the back.

The pressure applied on their stomachs will promote burping. Most babies love this position since they find it comfortable and easy to sleep.

Sitting on your lap

Another way to burp your baby is by placing them on your lap or across your knees. Lay your baby on their stomach across your lap. Then, use your hand to pat their back gently and encourage burping. The pressure applied to their stomach will force them to burp.

Note that your baby may burp more than usual while in this position. So, ensure you cover your lap with a towel or bib to prevent messiness.

If you can’t get your baby to burp after trying one position, use a different position. If your baby is not burping at all, you can put them down to sleep. However, if your baby continues to be fussy or cries inconsolably, they could be having colic. So, ensure you monitor your baby from time to time.

At what age should you stop burping?

Newborns and small babies usually need burping. Younger babies tend to swallow air when feeding. Thus, they need frequent burping. As babies grow, they learn how to feed accurately. Hence, they won’t need to burp as often. But when can you stop burping your baby?

Babies are different. Some babies will need burping even when they are a little older, while others won’t need burping after six months. But generally, you can stop burping your baby when they reach four to six months.

At this time, babies know how to feed properly. Thus, you won’t have to burp them often. Nevertheless, you have to keep monitoring your baby. If your baby still looks uncomfortable and fussy in feeding even after six months, you need to burp them.

Burping is usually common in smaller babies since they can’t release gas on their own. You have to help them release the gas. There are many techniques you can use to encourage burping in babies. So, don’t get tired of burping your baby. Before you realize it, they’ll be all grown up and won’t need any burping.

Is your baby not burping as you want them to?

Suppose your baby is not burping after trying several positions; it would be best to allow them to rest and try some other time again. The chances are that your baby does not need any burping. But you have to stay alert for any signs of discomfort.

If you notice your baby is fussy after feeding or is pulling away from the bottle or breast, try another position to burp them. If your baby is crying non-stop for hours, it could be that they have colic. In such instances, it would be best to see a medical professional.

Are there alternatives to burping? 4 Explained

In some instances, burping may not be enough to ease the discomfort your baby is experiencing. If you’ve tried to burp your baby, but they are still uncomfortable, try other alternatives. They include:

Cycle their legs

Placing your baby on their back and trying to bicycle their legs helps in reducing gassiness. Use your hands to hold their tiny legs and move them in a cycling motion. Doing this not only improves physical development but can encourage burping. This technique can also encourage a release of gas through poop.

Massage your baby

Massaging your baby’s tummy can also help in reducing gas. However, very few studies support this claim. Use your hand to massage your little one’s tummy gently. Doing this not only encourages burping but is calming for your baby. Moreover, it helps you bond with your baby.

Change the nipple flow on their bottle

When bottle-feeding your baby, use the right nipple size. At times, the bottle nipple could be too small and large for your baby. Hence, causing your baby to swallow a lot of air. A bottle nipple that’s producing milk too quickly will make your baby gulp for air.

As a result, this can lead to gassiness. So, always try to use a right-sized nipple bottle.

Use premixed formula

Experts always advise using premixed formulas. When mixing formula, you will have to shake it. This can lead to the formation of air in the formula. So, when you give your baby such a formula, they will swallow in a lot of air. Subsequently, you will have to burp your baby more frequently.

With premixed formula, you won’t have to shake the mixture. Thus, you reduce the risk of gassiness in your baby.

Can you use over-the-counter treatments in place of burping?

At times, parents prefer using over-the-counter treatments to ease gassiness in their baby. Although these treatments can be helpful, you need to consult a medical professional before using them. Note that some medications may be too strong for your child. Hence, they can lead to many side effects.

Consult your pediatrician on the best treatment to use for your baby. Also, note that some medications are not helpful. You would instead burp your baby to reduce gassiness. Moreover, babies are different. So, some babies are allergic to certain medicines.

Ultimately, burping is expected after every feed. But this does not necessarily mean that your baby has to burp after every feed. Some babies don’t even need to bur since they don’t swallow much air while feeding. The best thing to do is to monitor your baby before, during, and after every feed.

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