After we breastfeed the baby, we expect him to "respond" with a burp. As if it were a symbol of gratitude or a way of knowing that you have eaten well and digested the milk. That the little burp gives us that tranquility that we do not quite understand, but it makes us stop worrying, or on the contrary, if it does not, we already put our hands in the head thinking that something is wrong. Let's see when it is really necessary to stimulate it and how to burp a newborn.
Is it necessary for a baby to always burp after eating?
Many new mothers think that burping is the only way to make sure the baby has digested milk well after breastfeeding. But is it really essential that the baby burps after taking the milk? And if he doesn't do it spontaneously, is it necessary to help him burp? In this article I will try to answer these questions and others about burps and babies.
Si the baby is calm and does not have colic or pain, we can be calm. Even if you haven't burped. The only thing we must remember is to try keep it upright for at least 10/15 minutes after feeding to help digest and prevent excessive spitting up.
There are babies who burp after each feed and others who never burp. During the first months we can also find differences between breastfed babies and those who drink the bottle, later we will see why.
Just because a baby doesn't burp after eating doesn't mean anything bad happens to him. If the baby latches on well, it will be difficult for him to swallow air, so he does not have to burp, he does not need to expel any air.
There is no absolute rule about burping babies when eating. We have already seen that there are children who do not need it. So let's try to understand who needs to burp and how to get them to burp if it doesn't come out on its own.
What if a baby does not burp when he has swallowed air?
Si the baby latches on to the breast incorrectly or sucks too fast is when you swallow air, other than milk. In this case, you should burp. If you don't expel the air, it will stay in your stomach. This can cause pain, minor cramps and / or regurgitation. Therefore, in this case, it is important that the baby burps.
When should the baby burp?
Babies can swallow air while eating, especially if they drink too fast because they are hungry. It usually happens with more often if bottle is used because milk flows more easily through the nipple and the baby must swallow faster. Although it can also happen to the baby who is breastfed, especially if he has not eaten for a long time or if the mother's breast is very full.
"Burping should be done at the end of the meal to expel excess air."
Be careful that this is not a golden rule either. Sometimes you better burp at half of the takes because if you have swallowed a lot of air it can make you feel a momentary feeling of fullness. In no time you will be hungry again.
How do you know if you need to burp?
If during feeding the baby begins to arch his back and turn his head, rejecting the milk, he will probably need to burp. Give him a break from feeding and place him in an upright position to stimulate burping.
How to get the baby to burp?
There are babies who burp as soon as they finish eating. And others that need to be stimulated. Yes baby does not burp spontaneously we can try some simple ways to help you.
If we try to stimulate it and after a few minutes it still has not done so, there is no need to press it. He may have done it without our realizing it or he didn't need to burp. Many babies, in addition to burping, also spit up or spit some milk. This is usually normal and there is no need to worry.
To help the baby to burp there are 3 positions that we can test:
Positions for the baby to burp
- First, we must holding the baby upright, with the head resting on the shoulder. With one hand you can hold the child and with the other give it a little pat on the back. It is best not to stand still if not to do it by walking around the room. The rocking that is generated by moving and tapping helps the baby to expel the air.
- Another method to burp your baby is being sitting. This is usually the most common. We must sit in a chair and place the baby on the lap, sideways. With one hand you have to hold his chest and head so that he stays upright and with the other give him a few taps on the back.
- El third method consists of keeping the baby on your lap, lying face down. With one hand you have to hold the head, so that it is higher than the legs, and with the other massage the back.
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