Breastfed babies typically need less burping than formula-fed babies. In fact, some breastfed babies don't need burping at all. That's because when a baby drinks milk from their mother's breast, they can control the flow of milk and won't swallow as much air as a baby who is drinking out of a bottle.
However, in some cases, breastfed babies may still need to be burped often, especially if they are fast feeders or if their mother's milk flows very quickly.
Why do babies need to be burped after feeding?
When a baby eats, it's common for them to swallow a significant amount of air. The air then travels to the stomach where it creates air bubbles, filling the baby's abdomen. These air bubbles are likely to make the little one uncomfortable and give a feeling of fullness even if they haven't finished their meal.
As your baby remains hungry but feels uncomfortably full, they can become fussy and irritable. Burping your baby to release air is therefore a regular part of mealtime and an essential job in early parenthood. Since your baby doesn't have much control over their bodies, they may need your help releasing gas.
Each baby is different, however, and some babies may not need frequent burping. Others may need it during and after each meal, while others may need it during just feeding. Over time, you should be able to tune into your baby's signals and figure out what's best for your baby.
How do I burp my baby?
When you feed your baby, make sure they are in an upright position, which can help reduce the amount of gas.
Burping a fragile infant can be scary for any first-time parent. It's important to not only position your baby correctly so that her head is supported but also to know where to pat your baby to release the air. Hold the baby gently by using one of these positions to safely encourage burping:
- Hold your baby, abdomen down, against your chest, or over your shoulder, and pat or rub their back.
- Prop your baby into a seated position on your lap. Support your baby's back with one other hand and just wait (babies will sometimes burp on their own) or go ahead and rub or pat their back.
- Lie your baby, abdomen down, over your lap. Support their head with one hand and pat or rub their back with the other.
Generally, babies need to be burped until they are around 2-3 months old. After that, they should be able to burp on their own when they become more adept at keeping upright and holding their head up.
What should I do if my baby doesn’t burp?
If your baby isn't burping but doesn't appear to be uncomfortable, they most likely don't need to burp. However, if they aren't burping and start fussing or crying, or if they frequently spit up, they most likely are taking in too much air while feeding.
Spitting up is normal, particularly in the first 8 weeks. While it may cause panic in new parents, vomiting is common in both breastfed and bottle-fed babies and is just one of the messy stages that eventually will pass once the baby's stomach strengthens.
If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, try changing their position. One technique may be more effective than another. A helpful tip if none of these positions are working is to pull your baby's knees up to their chest or gently massage their abdomen.
Sometimes your baby may get gassy even when they are not feeding, usually when they are laying down or asleep. Simply picking them up and burping them before putting them back to bed will help them get to sleep.
QUESTION
Newborn babies don't sleep very much. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
"Burping Your Baby." Kids Health. <https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/burping.html>.
Top Do I Need to Burp My Baby After Breastfeeding? Related Articles
7 Signs It's Time To Wean Your Baby from Breast or Bottle Feeding
When is it time to wean your baby from the breast or bottle to solid foods? Learn how and when to wean your child from breastmilk to formula, and from formula to solid food.
Babies Quiz
Take the Babies Quiz to learn what milestones and developments you can expect from your baby’s first year.
Baby's First Year: Milestones Month by Month
When do babies learn to crawl? Start teething? Learn about major milestones in your baby's first months. Get tips on how to help baby learn, grow, and develop into a healthy toddler.
Baby's 1st Yr Slideshow
What developmental milestones can you expect to see during baby's first year? Find out when babies learn to smile, laugh, crawl, and talk.
Breastfeeding (and Formula Feeding)
It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
Common Infant Illnesses
Watch this slideshow to see common symptoms and home treatment for infant and childhood illnesses including fever, nausea, constipation and more.
How Can I Relieve My Baby's Gas?
Many newborns, particularly between the ages of 1-4 months, suffer from gas. The taking in of air while feeding, allergies to food given, and/or improper burping practices may all cause the baby to be gassy and irritable.
How Long Do Babies Have Their Mother’s Immune System?
Babies can enjoy extended protection from their mother's immune systems for a great deal longer if they are breastfed.
New Parents Mistakes
Parenting a child isn't easy. Explore the top 10 mistakes that new parents make. Discover newborn parenting tips for breastfeeding, learn to deal with crying babies, child's fevers, and more.
Newborn Infant Hearing Screening
A newborn infant hearing screening is performed before a child is discharged from the hospital. If an infant doesn't pass the test, a rescreen is performed. Detecting hearing loss at an early age increases a child's chance of having a healthy and more productive life. There are two methods of testing hearing in infants: auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emission (OAE). Both tests are accurate, automated, and don't require a visible response from the infant.
Pregnancy: Birthing, Breastfeeding, and Parenting Classes
Preparing for a baby is an important step in parents' lives. Choosing the right birthing class and method (Lamaze, Bradley, etc.) is important for the mother, baby, and father or support giver. Parenting classes are also information for first time parents. Information is provided about diapering, feeding, and bathing your baby as well as the different stages of child development.
What Are the 3 Types of Baby Cries?
Babies cry to tell you their needs. They usually cry for 2-3 hours a day. Sometimes, a bawling baby can be distressing to the anxious parents. Babies may wail for no obvious reason.
What Can a Baby Do at 3 Months?
Your three-month-old baby has made tremendous development since birth. Babies who are three months of age have achieved developmental milestones in moving, speaking, interacting, thinking, sensing and sleeping.What Happens If You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding inhibits ovulation to some extent. However, it is still possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding.
What Should I Do If My Baby Doesn't Want to Eat?
A baby not wanting to eat is typical behavior. If your baby doesn't want to eat, try different feeding positions, wear clothing that allows for easy access to the breasts, maintain your milk supply and offer the breast often.