Burping, a characteristic little noise made by babies, is something to which parents pay close attention after every feeding. But is it really necessary, and if so, how can we encourage it? What to do if baby doesn't burp, and above all, should you be worried? These are questions that every parent asks at least once. So, to better understand this physiological phenomenon and gauge its implications for your child's well-being, Team Élhée has put together a few questions for you.
CONTENTS :
- From a physiological point of view, what is burping?
- How to prevent baby swallowing too much air when drinking?
- Why burp your baby after every milk-based meal?
- How can you tell if your baby is bothered by a stuck burp?
- What's the best position for burping a baby?
- Is burping also for breastfed babies?
- And if there's no burping after the bottle, is it serious?
- Is it a problem if baby falls asleep without burping?
- What about reflux?
From a physiological point of view, what is burping?
Specialists also speak of belching. Burping, whether in babies or adults, is a natural mechanism used by the human body to evacuate the air absorbed at the same time as a meal. This air, accumulated in the stomach, creates an unpleasant pressure that must be released. The esophageal sphincter in the throat opens, allowing the air to rise and escape through the mouth. It's a common phenomenon that creates a sound that's just as common, and often makes children laugh.
How to prevent baby swallowing too much air when drinking?
Burping after a bottle happens because baby has swallowed air while drinking, and his body needs to evacuate it. If the problem isn't serious, it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place, and for that, here are our top tips.
- Choose a physiological teat adapted to the size and shape of your baby's lips, so that it fits perfectly.
- Make sure the teat is always full of milk by tilting the bottle sufficiently.
- Avoid shaking the milk too much during preparation(this creates bubbles), or let it rest for a few minutes before giving it to your baby.
- If you find that baby is drinking quickly, take breaks during his milk feed to encourage him to breathe properly (if he tolerates them).
- Discover the anti-colic bottle designed to limit air absorption during feeding.
At Élhée, we've designed a 100% healthy anti-colic feeding bottle made entirely in France. Its soft medical silicone bottle and the anti-colic valve added to its physiological teat make it twice as effective against infant colic as the usual rigid models.
Why burp your baby after every milk-based meal?
Burping your baby helps to evacuate the air swallowed when drinking, and reduces the risk of bloating, abdominal pain and colic. Encouraging burping therefore contributes to your little one's well-being and digestive comfort.
How can you tell if your baby is bothered by a stuck burp?
After his bottle, if your child needs to burp and can't, you'll notice it quickly and more and more easily with each meal.
- To express his discomfort, he twists, arches his back and looks uncomfortable.
- Even if his bottle isn't finished, he refuses to continue feeding.
- As if to indicate where the problem lies, baby grimaces or makes forward mouth movements.
- He folds his legs towards his belly, a typical position for abdominal pain.
- To the touch, you can feel her slightly taut belly under your fingers.
- Crying may occur.
- Baby may also regurgitate some milk.
If nothing else is bothering him, if he hasn't filled his diaper while eating, or if some other pain (such as teething) isn't disrupting his meal, it's because a little stuck burp is asking to be relieved.
What's the best position for burping a baby?
While older children enjoy it and find it funny, babies may need to burp but not be able to.
During or after feeding, place your baby in an upright position, facing you. Hold him with his tummy against your chest and his head resting on your shoulder. Gently pat his back until he burps.
You can also put your baby on his side, sitting on your lap, with one hand on his torso to support him under the chin, and the other to pat his back with your fingers. You can also test your baby sitting facing you, with your hands under his armpits. Let's go for the little jumps that make him laugh and burp.
These tips are among the most effective, but if that doesn't help, here's one more. Lay baby face down on your lap and, as always, gently rub his back to help him. If he can't hold his head on his own yet, use one of your thighs to put it down.
💡 In all cases, make sure you always keep your child's hand steady, and keep the tapping hand ready to react to catch him if necessary.
Is burping also for breastfed babies?
It's true, burping is more frequent in bottle-fed babies. For breast-fed babies, the mother's nipple and the child's mouth harmonize more easily, to the point of being almost hermetic and preventing the passage of air. Nevertheless, breast-fed babies who suckle hard or fast, or who are poorly positioned, may also swallow excess air and need to burp from time to time.
And if there's no burping after the bottle, is it serious?
No, not all babies burp systematically.
For some, it's a natural part of life, while others have little or no need for it. If you feel your baby is uncomfortable after feeding, if he looks bloated or if he squirms and becomes grumpy, try to help him burp, but don't worry if he doesn't succeed.
Is it a problem if baby falls asleep without burping?
If possible, try to burp your baby before bedtime, but if nothing comes out and your child doesn't seem disturbed, the absence of a burp after a bottle or feed is not normally a problem. The accumulated air may come out during sleep when he changes position, or not at all when he wakes up.
What about reflux?
Reflux is the discharge of a small quantity of milk through the mouth or nose after feeding. It's a common phenomenon in babies, especially in the first few months, and is generally nothing to worry about. If reflux is abundant or accompanied by other symptoms (crying, weight loss), then take the time to consult a doctor.
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