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Every parent knows that burping a baby is crucial after a feed. Not only does it help your baby digest milk faster, but it also ensures that they get rid of trapped air bubbles that the baby might sometimes swallow while being fed. However, sometimes new parents get lenient when it comes to burping because their baby feeds so many times, and this can lead to a cranky, gassy baby. So, if you’ve got a baby who is particularly hard to burp, then we’ve got a few solutions for you. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be burping your little baby in no time at all!
Why Are Some Babies More Difficult To Burp Than Others?
Burping is a necessary step that you have to do in order for the air trapped inside the baby while feeding is released. Some babies burp on their own with little to no assistance from a caregiver, whereas others take forever to burp. If your baby doesn’t burp for a long time, they could get cranky due to the discomfort in the bellies. They could also spit up if they fall asleep before being burped. If you’re looking for a way to prevent this from happening, we’ve got a few tips and tricks for you.
What To Do With A Baby That Doesn’t Want To Be Burped?
1. Bounce Or Pat Your Baby
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If your baby hasn’t burped before bedtime, there’s a useful technique that many parents swear by. Often, parents may be hesitant to do more than gently tap their baby, but burping requires firmer patting with your entire palm. Some parents even combine this with a gentle bouncing motion and pat their baby’s back to facilitate burping. However, it’s important to ensure that these movements are gentle and not too vigorous to avoid making the baby spit up milk. It’s a good idea to keep a towel or burping cloth handy just in case.
2. Use Many Burping Positions
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There are several effective ways to burp a baby. Many parents opt for the over-the-shoulder position, but it’s essential to ensure your baby is in a gentle incline, not leaning too far back. If this position doesn’t work, there are other alternatives to try. You can attempt the football hold, with your baby’s face toward your elbow and their tummy resting on your forearm. Another option is placing your baby across your lap, positioning their stomach to the side while they lie on your legs. If these methods aren’t successful, you can have your baby sit upright with your hand supporting their chest and gently leaning them forward.
3. Change Positions Often
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If you’ve been at it trying to burp your baby for a while, change positions instead of sticking to just one. Going back to the same burping position over and over again could also be the reason why your baby refuses to burp. Remember, if the position hasn’t worked for you yet, it isn’t magically going to.
4. Opt For Burping Exercises
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Going for different burping exercises can make a world of difference when there are too many air bubbles, or if it is too stubborn to come out. But no matter what, your baby does have to be burped after every feeding. You could rotate your baby’s upper body clockwise or move their body forwards and backwards slowly to initiate the burping process. Once you’ve gone over the exercises for a couple of minutes, start to pat and bounce them.
5. Stretch Their Bodies
Sometimes all your baby needs is to stretch it out. Take hold of your baby’s right elbow in one hand and the left knee in another. Then slowly and gently move them towards each other. This stretch will help them release any air bubbles they have trapped inside them.
6. Don’t Give Up
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It’s easy to get frustrated when you try everything in the book to get your baby to burp and it doesn’t work. But don’t lose hope. Give them a break and try again in a bit. With some exercising, stretches and pats, your baby will eventually burp. Just because they are having a hard time of it today doesn’t mean it will always be this difficult. So, take it in stride.
Making sure that your baby is happy and healthy is a parent’s top priority. And burping their baby so that they aren’t gassy, uncomfortable and cranky is part of it. So, take the time to burp your baby after each feed and use your tips to make this process easier for you.
