Signs a Baby Needs Burping

Babies drink milk or formula, and then they burp. It seems simple enough. Yet, for new moms who question and worry about everything, don't worry. That's natural. How and when to burp their baby is a question worth pondering. Babies don't move around like kids and adults do. When they swallow air during feedings, it stays trapped in their tummies. Burping gets rid of this air, so it doesn't end up in the intestines, causing gas pains for the baby. Most babies swallow air while eating, and then they often show signs that let their mothers know it's time to burp them.

Signs That Baby Needs to Burp

When a baby has air in her tummy, it should not cause pain, but it may create a feeling of fullness, just enough that she will offer her mom some signs that she needs to burp. If she stops eating or begins to fidget, squirm or fuss while she is still feeding, she may have some trapped air that needs to come out. Sometimes, she will bring her legs up to her chest to signal distress, but this does not mean she is in pain. If the baby gulps her feedings or spits up a lot after eating, this may also be a sign that she needs to be burped more often.

How to Burp Baby

You'll need a cloth diaper or a small clean rag, as burping babies often spit up a bit. Try one of the burping techniques for three to four minutes. If he hasn't burped by then, stop. Popular positions for baby include holding him over your shoulder while you pat his back, placing him on his tummy on your lap while you rub or pat his back or holding him in a sitting position while you support his head with one hand and pat his back with the other. You'll get to know your baby and which position works best after a little trial and error.

Breastfeeding and Burping

If your baby is breastfed, she will give the same signs as a bottle-fed baby when she needs to burp. Babies might swallow air during the beginning of a feeding, while the mother's milk is letting down. If your baby doesn't latch on well or gulps her milk while breastfeeding, she may need to be burped as well. If a breastfed baby doesn't bring up air after trying to burp her, she may not need burping. Breastfed babies tend to eat more often and in slightly more upright positions than bottle-fed babies, reducing their air intake during feeding.

According to by Debbi Donovan, a lactation consultant, if a breastfed baby seems overly gassy and burps a lot after feedings, the mother can try altering her diet. For instance, she may try cutting down on--or eliminating--dairy if there is a family history of allergies.