Should you Burp (wind) your Baby?
Burping or winding your baby has been parental practice probably since human beings were first around.
Burp (wind) your Baby?
Why is it done, and should you do it?
Babies feeding
Younger babies still have an undeveloped digestive system and haven’t fully mastered the art of controlling their feeding. So, when they’re taking milk, it is very common for them to also gulp air, which then travels down into their tummies.
Problems
Air in their stomach can make them gassy and lead to stomach and abdominal pain. As a result, it’s a good idea to help them get rid of it sooner rather than later.
The baby may do so spontaneously via a healthy burp but sometimes they may need some help to generate that burp.
The process of helping them is called ‘burping’ or perhaps in very polite circles, “winding”!
Symptoms
Babies suffering from wind will usually let you know very quickly by some very marked crying but you might also notice that they’re:
- arching their backs;
- clenching their fists constantly;
- pulling their legs up towards their stomach.
Reflux
A partly related condition is called baby reflux or “posseting”.
This involves a small amount of milk being regurgitated by the baby shortly after feeding. The cause is due to the connection between the baby’s esophagus and stomach not being fully developed but it can also be caused by wind.
About 50% of babies experience this, usually under 6 months old and it is harmless.
Burping your baby may held reduce it but it might also cause a little reflux too.
Should you burp your baby?
Most experts say that this ancient practice is sometimes necessary and beneficial, assuming it is carried our correctly.
Not all babies necessarily need it. As you get to know your baby and its feeding habits, you’ll develop your own awareness as to when it’s necessary.
Method
There are three main methods practised by parents:
- over the shoulder
The baby is held with their back facing outwards from you and their head on your shoulder or upper chest. Simply pat their back very gently with your free hand; - baby on the lap
just let your baby sit your lap, making sure that they’re fully supported. Once again, just gently pat or rub their back: - across the lap
let the baby lay across and face-down on your lap then yet again, tap or rub the baby’s back. Don’t let your baby go to sleep in this position though.
Frequency
There is no right or wrong here. You may find that your baby will benefit from a little burping before the feed, during it or perhaps most commonly, afterwards.
You and your baby will learn together on this one!
