You probably have been told to burp your baby after a feed or have done it before by placing your baby on your shoulder desperately trying to evoke one burp, often to no avail. But what if we told you that - hold your breath - you don't actually have to burp your baby after their feed?
Yes, you read that right! Why? According to a pediatrician, Clay Jones, this is because the gas that you try to smack out of your baby may not even be there. And there is no biological reason why babies would need assistance to burp as they should be able to burp unaided as adults do.
There is also no solid proof that reflux or fussiness in otherwise healthy babies is related to gas. Hence, what we are actually doing is possibly making them spit up more and treating ourselves to unnecessary outfit changes and loads of laundry! It is only right when you pat your baby with a full stomach on the back it will cause them to vomit.
However, we understand that everyone has a different approach to parenting and every mom and baby is different. If you believe that burping your baby is helpful, there's no need to stop. Do what feels right for you and your baby!
How to burp a baby
There are three common burping positions: over your shoulder, sitting on your lap, and face-down on your lap. Choose the one that is the most comfortable position and always have a burp cloth on standby by your baby's mouth to catch any spit-up!
- Over your shoulder - Stand or sit comfortably, slightly lean back, and hold your baby under the bottom for support. Ensure your baby is facing behind you, looking over your shoulder, with their chin resting on a burp cloth. Tap or rub the fingertips of your free hand across your baby's shoulder blades.
- Sitting on your lap - Place your baby sideways on your lap with their chest leaning slightly forward. Position your hand under their chin (not the throat) to support their chest and head. Pat their back across the shoulder to burp them.
- Face-down on your lap - Lay your baby across your knees on their belly, with their head slightly higher than their body, and firmly rub and pat their back.
