5 Ways to burp your baby
Baby burps are the holy grail of feeding time, easing belly pain and making room for more milky goodness. Helping little ones to burp isn’t one-size-fits-all – what works for one tot may not work for another so it’s handy to have a whole bunch of winding techniques in your burping arsenal!
Some bubs prefer the tried and true over-the-shoulder technique, others get rid of their belly bubbles laying face-down. And some days all the usual tricks just won’t work – that’s when it’s time to try something different.
Why do I need to burp baby?
When babies drink, they also swallow air – this is whether they bottle or breastfeed. The trapped bubbles can give them a bit of a belly ache and give them the feeling that they’re full. So getting that air out with a burp not only helps tots feel more comfortable, they’ll also finish their feed properly.
When should I burp my baby?
Give breastfeeding bubs a chance to bring up wind as you’re switching breasts. If they’re only feeding from one breast at each feed, go for a mid-feed burp. If baby is squirming or uncomfortable, try burping before offering more milk.
Formula fed bubs can be burped every 60 to 90mls, or when they seem to be uncomfortable. If bub falls asleep happily at the end of a feed, there’s no need to wake and burp.
We’ve gathered the best baby burping techniques, including tips and tricks from other mums to give you the best chance of getting rid of bub’s wind.
Here are the top five ways to help baby burp.
1. Pressure point
This handy burping tip comes from Mum’s Grapevine Group member Elise:
“We had our six-week checkup yesterday and I mentioned to my doctor that my boy generally has a lot of spit up and can have wind pain. He said it’s all based around the air not coming out quick enough and of course their weak oesophagus. He said when burping to hold bubs upright with his/her back to your chest, hold under the chin for head support and gently apply pressure on their tummy with your hand. It works wonders! We have done this every feed since and there has been very little to no spit up and no discomfort. Most times you can feel the burp on your hand when it’s about to come up. It may not help all or all the time but hopefully a few get lucky!”
2. Over the shoulder
The most ‘traditional’ burping position, this is the one your mum probably taught you. Just support bub’s bottom with one hand, and pop them against your shoulder. Then either pat their back. Handy hint: pop a cloth over your shoulder just in case it’s a wet burp!
3. Sitting up
Pop baby on your lap in a sitting position, leaning forward just a little. Use one hand to support baby’s head and chest and the other to gently rub or pat their back. Again, a burp cloth tossed over your legs is a good idea.
4. Belly down
Put bub on their belly across your lap, with their tummy on one of your legs and their head on the other. Slightly turn bub’s head to the side, then while one hand holds bub, pat or rub their back with your free hand.
5. Walking
Bub will need to have some control over their head to use this technique. Hold your tot on your front, facing outwards while you walk. Put one hand under baby’s bottom and your other arm across their belly for some gentle pressure and fingers cross you should get a walking burp!
