How to Burp a Newborn

Bringing a newborn baby into the world is a joyous and exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents. Along with feeding, changing diapers, and adjusting to a new sleep schedule, burping is another important task to add to the list. While it may seem like a simple task, many parents struggle with how to properly burp their newborns. In this blog post, we will discuss various techniques for burping a newborn, tips for success, common mistakes to avoid, and when to seek help from a healthcare provider.

Why Do Newborns Need Help Burping?

Burping is the process of expelling air that gets trapped in a baby’s stomach during feeding. As newborns have underdeveloped digestive systems, they tend to swallow more air while eating compared to older babies and adults. This excess air can cause discomfort and even lead to colic, which is excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby.

In addition to expelling air, burping also helps prevent spit-up and gas in newborns. When a baby swallows air, it can cause pressure on their tiny stomach, leading to stomach pain and spitting up. By burping them, you can release the trapped air and relieve any discomfort they may be feeling.

Different Techniques for Burping a Newborn

There is no one-size-fits-all technique for burping a newborn, as every baby is different. It may take some trial and error to find the best method that works for your little one. Here are some popular techniques to try:

Over-the-Shoulder Method

The over-the-shoulder method is perhaps the most commonly used technique for burping a newborn. To perform this method, follow these steps:

1. Hold your baby upright against your shoulder, with their chin resting on your shoulder.
2. Use one hand to support your baby’s bottom and the other to gently pat or rub their back.
3. Continue this motion until your baby releases a burp.

Some parents find it helpful to place a bib or cloth over their shoulder to catch any spit-up during burping. This method is especially useful when your baby is already in an upright position, such as after a feeding.

Sitting on Lap Method

The sitting on lap method is best for babies who can support their heads and necks on their own. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sit your baby on your lap facing away from you.
2. Use one hand to support their chest and head and the other to gently pat or rub their back.
3. If your baby has good head control, you can also try lightly bouncing them on your lap to help release the burp.

This technique is ideal for babies who have difficulty staying in an upright position.

Face-Down on Lap Method

The face-down on lap method is similar to the sitting on lap method but involves placing your baby face-down across your lap instead of facing away from you. Follow these steps:

1. Lay your baby face-down on your lap with their head slightly elevated.
2. Use one hand to support their head and the other to gently pat or rub their back.
3. Make sure to keep their head higher than their stomach to prevent any spit-up.

This method is great for babies who have trouble staying upright or need extra support.

Laid Back Method

The laid back method is also known as the “tiger in the tree” position and is inspired by the natural way newborns are held by their mothers while breastfeeding. It involves reclining comfortably and placing your baby on your chest, tummy-to-tummy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lean back comfortably and place your baby on your chest, with their head resting on your shoulder.
2. Use one hand to support your baby’s bottom and the other to lightly rub or pat their back.
3. As your baby relaxes, they may release a burp.

This method is ideal for babies who have trouble staying in an upright position or are fussy during burping.

Tips for Successful Burping

Burping a newborn may take some practice and patience, but here are some tips to make it a successful experience:

• Always try to burp your baby after feedings, even if they fall asleep during feeding.
• Be gentle when patting or rubbing your baby’s back to avoid discomfort.
• If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, try changing the position or taking a break and trying again later.
• Use a burp cloth or bib to catch any spit-up.
• Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your baby.
• Trust your instincts and follow your baby’s cues – if they seem uncomfortable or have trouble burping, try something different.
• Be patient and don’t get frustrated if your baby doesn’t burp right away. It can take time for them to learn how to burp on their own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While burping may seem like a simple task, there are some common mistakes that new parents make. Here are a few things to avoid while burping your newborn:

Not Supporting Their Head and Neck

Newborns have weak neck muscles and need proper support until they develop these muscles. When burping, always make sure to support their head and neck to avoid any injury.

Being Too Forceful

It’s natural to want to help your baby burp by patting or rubbing their backs harder, but this can actually cause more harm than good. Be gentle and let gravity do its job instead of using too much force.

Not Taking Breaks During Feeding

Some parents may try to burp their baby multiple times during a feeding, but this can be overwhelming for the baby and may cause them to become fussy. Instead, take breaks during feeding and try to burp your baby once or twice per feeding.

Skipping Burping Altogether

Some parents may think that their baby doesn’t need to be burped, especially if they don’t spit up often. However, it’s essential to release any trapped air in their stomach to avoid discomfort and potential issues like colic.

When to Seek Help From a Healthcare Provider

While burping is a normal and necessary part of caring for a newborn, there are some instances where you should seek help from a healthcare provider:

• If your baby seems extremely uncomfortable during or after feedings
• If they are not gaining weight or are losing weight consistently
• If they are spitting up a lot or vomiting forcefully
• If they have not burped at all within 20 minutes after feeding
• If they are excessively fussy and crying for long periods

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult with your child’s pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Conclusion

Burping a newborn may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tips, it can become a routine part of caring for your little one. Remember to always support their head and neck, be gentle, and take breaks during feeding to help them release any trapped air. Finding the right method and being patient will make the process more manageable, and before you know it, you’ll be a pro at burping your newborn.