Baby Basics: Why is it Important to Burp Your Newborn?

Burping Newborn Dr. Cindy Gellner Dr. Eboni Hollier GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Nov 02, 10:23 am

There are numerous reasons why babies cry. Although it's a normal and natural communication method, crying is one of the ways babies tell you they need certain comfort and care. One of the most important things when feeding a baby is burping as it helps to get rid of some of the air that babies tend to swallow especially during feeding. Not being burped often and swallowing too much air can actually make a baby spit up or seem gassy or cranky.

The air bubbles can become trapped in the stomach and cause discomfort. This allows the baby to remove some of that gassiness to ease the pain and also prevents the baby from spitting up. Whether your newborn is breastfed or bottle-fed, it's unavoidable that they'll swallow some air along with their milk. Discomfort can happen when too much air becomes trapped in the newborn's stomach. Burping helps the baby release air that's trapped in their tiny stomach and makes them more comfortable during and after feeding.

However, Dr. Cindy Gellner reminds parents not to worry when their newborns don't burp as burping may not make those any better or may probably make it worse. Adding that, pediatricians are the best resource for any concern parents have regarding their baby's digestive system.

What is the correct way of burping babies?

Nevertheless, burping your baby several times while they are feeding is helpful. You might begin by burping them every time they consume a couple of ounces or approximately every five minutes. By burping them periodically, there will be less air trapped in their small tummies, and releasing smaller amounts of air won't actually be as uncomfortable as releasing a larger amount.

When burping a newborn, repeated gentle patting on the back should do the trick. You can also cup your hand while patting as this is gentler on the baby than a flat palm. Moreover, to avoid messy cleanups when the baby spits up or has something called a "wet burp," you might want to consider placing a towel or bib under the baby's chin or on your shoulder.

Furthermore, Dr. Eboni Hollier, a board certified in both developmental and behavioral pediatrics and general pediatrics, told Romper to correctly burp newborns as you can potentially burp them too hard. Reminding parents to ensure that they're not patting the baby too hard while trying to make them burp. She also recommends gently burping the baby and ensuring that there should be no residual redness in the area you are patting, and if there is, that is the primary indication that you're burping the baby too hard which in response, will make them cry.

How often should you burp your baby?

If the newborn seems fussy while feeding, stop the session, burp the baby, and then start feeding again. Try doing the same thing every 2 two ounces or 60-90 milliliters if you bottle-feed and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed.

After the feeding is over, keep the newborn in an upright position for about 10 t 15 minutes as this can help prevent him from spitting up. You also may need to burp him longer if he spits up or has been diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Fortunately, your baby will soon be able to release trapped air without actually much help from you. By the age of six months, most babies do not need any help burping. In the meantime, if the baby continues to show symptoms of discomfort after eating, per Parents.