Why do I need to burp my baby? How long do I have to burp my baby?

All these questions might be lingering in your mind especially if you’re a new parent. When I gave birth to my first child a decade ago, I was totally clueless about many things. Luckily, for most Asians, their mothers are their Superheroes. I’m not kidding, really, it’s true (well, at least in my life).

I was so fortunate as my mother was there to teach me on what-to-do and not-to-do. She even bathed my baby, cooked healthy meal for me, and took care of me and my baby – she was there the entire time.

But, things have changed now. Many new parents are spending their confinement period at a confinement centre. They are getting all the help from confinement ladies. But do bear in mind, after a month or two, you ‘ll be back home and it’ll be just you and the baby- that’s where questions like these will pop up.

Burping your baby is one of the many tasks you have until your child grows into being more self-sufficient. Understanding the burp  and learning the proper way to burp is essential.

Is Burping Necessary?

The answer is YES! Kids and adults can easily release their own gas, but your infant needs help because he/she has so little control over how their bodies are positioned. You’ll figure out pretty quickly if your baby is the type who can eat without burping or if they need to be burped every single time. If your baby has a lot of gas or spit-up, you should talk to your doctor about reflux.

If you do have a colicky baby but can’t seem to get them to burp, focus on any comfort measures that work and don’t worry too much about getting burps out.

How Long Should I Burp My Baby?

Burping usually takes a minute or two. Sometimes a burp will come up as soon as you move your baby upright, and sometimes you have to wait a little while and help things with a gentle pat or tummy pressure.

Another helpful strategy is to get your baby in the habit of falling asleep in their crib rather than while feeding. When you notice them getting sleepy at the breast or bottle, stop the feeding, burp them for a minute or so, and then put them down to sleep. The younger you start this, the easier it is to do.

Even if your baby is asleep, burping may be helpful to allow them to relieve gas so they don’t get uncomfortable or wake up too soon.

3 Ways to Burp Your Baby

There are lots of ways and different positions to burp our baby. It’s important to find one that both you and your baby are comfortable with. So try these different positions and see which fits you best.

1. Over the shoulder burp; Sit upright and hold your baby against your chest. With the other hand, gently pat your baby’s back until he burps.
2. Hold your baby sitting up, in your lap or across your knee; Support your baby’s chest and head with one hand by cradling your baby’s chin in the palm of your hand. Rest the heel of your hand on your baby’s chest, but be careful to grip your baby’s chin, not the throat. Use the other hand to pat your baby’s back.
3. Lay your baby on your lap on his or her belly; Support your baby’s head and make sure it’s higher than his or her chest. Gently pat your baby’s back.