How to Burp a Newborn: Understanding the Essential Practice

Published on 2023-09-01 by y2mango

When feeding your newborn, you'll notice they often swallow air alongside their milk or formula. This air accumulates in their tiny digestive system, much like a balloon filling up. Burping helps release this trapped air, which is crucial because newborns haven't yet developed the muscle control to easily release it themselves. Think of burping as giving your baby a gentle assist with their digestive comfort.

Signs that your baby may need to be burped include fussiness, hiccups, arching their back, drawing legs into the tummy, and clenching the fists.

Here are a few different positions many parents use:

1. Place your baby on your shoulder with their chin resting on your shoulder. As you support the baby with one hand, gently pat your baby's back with the other hand.
2. Hold your baby in an upright position. Use one hand to support their head and neck, and rub or pat your baby's back with your other hand.
3. Lay your baby on their belly across your lap. Make sure to support your baby's head, and gently pat your baby's back.

If your first attempts at burping aren't successful, remember that finding the right technique is a process of discovery between you and your baby. Each baby has unique comfort preferences and digestive patterns, so what works for one might not work for another. The key is to remain patient and observant as you learn what helps your particular baby feel their best.

When to burp your baby depends. Some babies need to be burped during the feeding while others can be burped after.

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. So don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time.

P.S. Want more parenting tips? Look here.