Burping your baby

Why do I need to burp my baby?

When babies are very young they often have problems bringing up wind so they need your help; burping them helps to get rid of the air that they swallow while they are feeding; if they don’t bring this up they are likely to have tummy ache.

Do babies get wind when they are breastfed?

Babies that are breastfed are less likely to suffer from wind but they do sometimes get wind, as they can swallow quite a lot of air while they are feeding. Babies that are bottle fed tend to drink their milk faster and consequently have a lot of air in their tummies after they have finished; breastfeeding tends to be a slower process and the baby is usually slightly more upright, which can reduce the likelihood of the baby having trapped wind.

How do I know if my baby has got wind?

There are some signs to look out for if you think your baby has got wind; these include:

  • Your baby may stop feeding if they have wind, as wind makes them feel like they are full
  • Your baby may make funny faces and grimace if they have wind
  • Your baby may cry if they have wind; trapped wind in their tummy can be very uncomfortable
  • If you are breastfeeding, you may find that your baby doesn’t show interest in feeding from the other breast; this is probably because the wind in their tummy is making them feel full

How do I burp my baby?

Patting and rubbing your baby’s back is the best way to bring up wind but you should take care to protect yourself with a cloth or an old towel, as babies often bring up a little bit of milk or some food when they burp. How you choose to sit with your baby is up to you but most people tend to go for one of these three positions:

  • Sitting up: sit your baby on your knee facing away from you or to one side; then lean them forward slightly, supporting them with your hand and arm. Gently rub their back. If the baby is still very small, you will need to support their head by placing your hand under their chin.
  • Over your shoulder: this is often the most effective position because the baby is upright. Place your baby over your shoulder and support their back and head with your arm and hand and rub their back gently.
  • On your lap: place your baby face down on their tummy over your lap, support them with your free arm or hand and then rub their back.

During the first few months, it is beneficial to keep your baby is a more upright position while you are winding them, as it is more comfortable for them and you can give them greater support; it is important to support their head when they are still very young.

When should I wind my baby?

During the first few months, you may find it beneficial to burp your baby quite often, as their tummies are very small. If they are suffering from bad wind and they seem distressed, wind them after every ounce of milk; if they are feeding well and seem to be happy, wind them every 2-3 ounces. If your baby doesn’t want to feed, try burping them first, as their tummy may be full of air.

As your baby grows up, you may notice that they produce wind after you feed them; this is completely normal and shows that they have learnt to feed without swallowing lots of air. You may also notice that they start to bring up air independently; as their digestive system matures, they will become better equipped to deal with swallowing air.

How long should I burp my baby for?

You should wind your baby as necessary; some babies have trouble with wind, while others are absolutely fine. As a general guide, during the first few months you should try to wind your baby for between 10 and 15 minutes in an upright position; if they have wind during a feed, stop and wind them.

Why is my baby having trouble bringing up wind?

Your baby’s digestive system is not fully developed and they may have trouble processing and breaking down their food or milk; they may also not be able to prevent air getting into their stomachs and in some cases, the air may sink deeper into the system, making it more difficult to bring up. If a baby has trapped air, it can be very uncomfortable for them; try to rectify this by winding them and changing their body position to encourage the air to come out.

If your baby has colic, they may be more likely to have wind, which will cause them more stress. Colic is a condition which affects lots of babies; it is characterised by prolonged periods of uncontrollable crying.

What should I do if my baby is having trouble with wind?

If your baby regularly has problem with wind and it is causing them distress, talk to your health visitor or arrange to see your GP. In severe cases, they may suggest giving your baby a medicine such as Infacol, which helps to prevent the bubbles of gas getting stuck inside your baby’s stomach.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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