How to burp an infant: what you should know

Burp is a physiological mechanism that allows toddlers to evacuate excess air swallowed at the same time as milk.

​Whether they are breastfed or bottlefed , almost all babies burp immediately after feeding or after a few minutes. Sometimes the burping is necessary in the middle of the feeding: you can know it by the fact that, while it sucks, your baby moves and seems uncomfortable. Burping allows him to evacuate the air swallowed and continue to drink with greater ease.

How to help him to burp?

Remember to put a cloth under his chin so that his referrals do not stain your clothes.

Several techniques are possible, you will find the one that is best for your child.

Standing. The most common is to hold baby standing, against your shoulder, with your head and arms leaning against you. Holding it with one arm, you gently tap his back or you go back and forth along his column.

Laying down. It is also possible to put baby flat on the stomach, while patting his back or by massaging it slightly along the column.

Sitting. The important thing is that her esophagus is well cleared, sitting is not recommended unless you hold her face to clear her airways. In this case, the same tapping technique applies.

Moving . Several parents move during the burp. A little walk, knees bending, a slight hopping, you'll know quickly if you have to move too.

What if baby doesn't burp and falls asleep?

• Burp may occur immediately after drinking, but also later or not at all. If your baby has not burped after 10 minutes, do not wait: rot is not mandatory! Some babies, especially those who are breastfed, almost never do, because they swallow less air.
• Did your baby fall asleep on your shoulder without burping? Lay him down. If he needs to make one, he will shake after a few minutes. If so, take him in your arms: he will burp!

Regurgitation

Regurgitation of the baby is frequent and safe. They are mixed with milk and saliva. They usually occur just after feedings, when the contents of the stomach move up towards the esophagus . Indeed, in the baby, the ring (the cardia) that prevents food from going up from the stomach to the mouth is still immature. This is why regurgitations are also called simple gastroesophageal reflux. They are painless and do not affect the growth of the baby.

The maximum frequency of regurgitation is usually reached around 4 months. However, as soon as the child stands up more often, around the age of 9 months to 1 year, he should stop regurgitating.

Some babies regurgitate much more than others, which often worries their parents. But if the child is in a good mood and continues to gain weight, there is no reason to worry.

Care and Practical Advice

If your child regurgitates a lot, some of these tips might be helpful:Care and practical advice

• Split his meals by making him take 3 or 4 breaks to allow him to burp and evacuate the air. Then keep your baby upright for a few minutes after drinking.
• After the feeds, place it in a reclining seat or in a high chair, if it is old enough to sit, for about 30 minutes. Baby carriers can also be a good way to keep your baby upright.
• Avoid putting pressure on your belly. Do not tie his diaper too tight.
• If your child is old enough to eat, try solid foods .

See our factsheet on gastroesophageal reflux if your baby has pain or irritability at or after the baby's feeding, sleep problems, breathing problems (cough, choking, pneumonia or repeated bronchospasm) or Insufficient weight gain.

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