Do you Need to burp a breastfed baby?
The short answer to this question is no. But, at some point you will probably want to try burping your baby so its good to know how to do it.
Generally a breastfed baby will not require burping but there are a number of reasons why you might need to burp your baby.
Your baby likes it – just like adults some babies are gassy and others are less so. Even an exclusively breastfed baby without any breastfeeding problems may like to be winded or burped. If that is your baby then include burping with your feeds.
Fast let down – Some mothers milk can come out with quite some force. Your baby is then more likely to gulp and may take in air whilst feeding. There are also other techniques you can use to manage this like upright or laid back feeding positions.
Posseting / Vomiting / Reflux – If your baby regularly brings up milk after a feed then it can be worthwhile offering your baby the chance to burp after a feed. This may help them clear any air without causing milk to be brought up.
Fussy during a feed – If your baby starts to fuss midway through or towards the end of the feed it may be that they are uncomfortable and need to be winded. There are many other reasons why your baby may fuss at your breast but burping is an easy first step.
Arching their back during a feed – Just like fussing during a feed a baby who pulls away from your breast or arches their back may be experiencing the discomfort of gas and may need a break to be burped.
Crying prior to a feed – If your baby becomes very agitated or upset prior to a feed then they may feed more frantically or perhaps not optimally. This can cause them to take in air and potentially be uncomfortable. If your baby is upset when you are latching them and can’t be settled then I would generally recommend feeding your baby for a minute or two and then breaking the latch and relatching your baby when they are calmer. You will hopefully be able to achieve a more suitable latch and avoid your baby taking in air whilst feeding.
When your baby is around 4 to 6 months old they will be more physically able to move themselves and will not require as much support from you in order to help them relieve any wind that they have.
Will my baby always bring up a burp?
Again its a no here. What you are doing when you are winding your baby is giving your baby the opportunity to burp. If after a few minutes of winding they have not provided you with a satisfying burp then there is generally no need to continue to wind your baby.
Its likely that you will quickly become attuned to the needs of your baby and what they are communicating to you so you will likely know if more time spent burping is necessary for your baby.
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Positions for burping your baby
There are a number of positions that you can use to help your baby burp. Most of them are combined with either patting or stroking your baby’s back in an upward direction. The pressure for this should always be appropriate for the age of the baby you are supporting. I generally suggest choosing a position that the parent feels comfortable and confident using. Parents will usually find their own position variation that works well for them and their baby. I usually advise against anything that involves too much movement such as fast circling of the torso or positions where the baby becomes slumped over as this can make burping difficult for a baby.
Burping your Baby Over your shoulder
Over your shoulder is a fairly classic position for burping a baby. Parents often like it as they feel secure holding their baby. It usually works best when the baby is held high on your shoulder as this allows some gentle pressure on their tummy. A gentle pat on their back or some upwards stroking can also be of benefit. Occasionally a baby may bring up a small amount of milk with a burp so you may want to place a muslin on your shoulder.
Burping your Baby On your knee
Done right this position can work really well for a newborn baby. Sit them on your knee and position them with a straight back and a slight forward lean. You can use one hand to support them under their jaw and the other to gently pat or stroke their back. Some parents will also circle their baby’s torso in this position, rotating from their hips. This can be beneficial but be mindful of not moving them too quickly.
Ensure that your baby’s back remains straight in this burping position. Try not allow them to slump forwards.
Burping your Baby On you arm
When I’m working with parents with brand new babies they often look at me in alarm when I show them this position. But its a great one and babies seam to enjoy it too. I recommend keeping your baby close to you in this position so you have the support of your tummy should they wriggle.
In this position you will lay your baby across your forearm and hold them between their legs. You then use your other hand to rub their back.
Burping your Baby On their tummy
In this position you can combine winding with some tummy time. You can use a tummy time roll, a rolled up towel or even just a kitchen roll to lift them and provide some gentle pressure on their abdomen. Again you should be stroking or gently patting their back to aid them.
As I have said there are many reasons why you might need to wind a breastfed baby but if your baby is happy and comfortable after their feeds then it is probably unnecessary. If you are bottle or cup feeding your baby milk then you should actively burp your baby both during and after the feed. You can use the same positions for burping a bottle or cup fed baby.
