Does my baby need to burp?

Newborns may have wind if they swallow air when they feed or cry.  Babies will deal with their wind by burping. 

If your breastfed baby feeds calmly and quietly then they may not need to burp. Generally breastfed babies co-ordinate breathing and swallowing well.  This means that not as much air is swallowed when feeding and therefore they may not need to burp. 

Air can be swallowed while the baby is feeding in the following situations

·     you have a very strong or fast flow of milk

·     your baby may be a speedy feeder who gulps a lot when feeding

·     your baby may choke and splutter when feeding

·     your baby isn’t well attached to the breast

In these situations you may notice your baby does need to burp.  Babies can be unsettled during and after a feed until they have been burped.

Babies have a valve at the top of the stomach, that is inefficient in the early days and they will easily release the air behind it solely by a change in their position – lying down to sitting up, sitting up to being stretched out over your shoulder. 

There is no need to vigorously pat a baby on the back, gentle rubbing is all that is needed.  

It is also very normal for your baby to bring up a little milk when they burp.  Keep in mind that a little liquid goes a long way. Bringing up this milk after a feed is called possetting.

                                                                                                                            Here are some good positions to try.  You can also easily sit down and put the baby up over your shoulder rather than standing up.

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