Most new parents spend a lot of time and effort burping their baby during and after a feed. And they do this because that’s what their parents did, or they’re being told, “You just need to do it.” But is burping a baby really needed? Does it provide them with any benefit? The answer to those questions might actually surprise you. Before we answer those questions, make sure you click on that free PDF document to get the developmental checklist for your baby’s first year of life. So let’s talk about why parents burp their baby. The idea behind burping is that when babies are nursing, so they might be bottle feeding or breastfeeding, they are inhaling air, and this air becomes trapped in their stomach. And unless you help the little one burp that air out of their stomach, then they are going to be in pain and become more fussy and irritable. And they are also at higher risk of spitting up the milk. I mean,…
Belief #1 – Babies Don’t Know How to Burp
Babies automatically burp when their position changes. Contrary to popular belief, babies do know how to burp on their own. When you change a baby’s position, the air inside their stomach is able to escape naturally, without the need for forceful burping. This means that you don’t have to worry about making your baby burp loudly, as air will naturally escape as they move around.
Additionally, the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach in babies is quite weak and floppy. This allows air to escape from the stomach easily throughout the day. The constant opening and closing of this weak sphincter means that air can escape without the need for burping. Therefore, you can rest assured that your baby will burp on their own without any external intervention.
Belief #2 – Spitting Up is Painful
Babies often regurgitate milk due to their anatomy. It is a common occurrence for babies to spit up or regurgitate milk after feeding. This happens because the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus in infants is underdeveloped, making it difficult to keep milk in the stomach. As a result, milk can easily flow back into the esophagus and come out of the baby’s mouth.
However, it is important to note that regurgitation does not cause discomfort for babies. Contrary to popular belief, the act of spitting up milk is not painful for infants. In fact, most babies do not exhibit any signs of discomfort when they regurgitate milk. Therefore, there is no need to worry about your baby experiencing pain when they spit up.
Belief #3 – Burping Reduces the Incidence of Babies Spitting Up
A study showed babies not burped were less likely to spit up. Despite the common belief that burping reduces the likelihood of babies spitting up, research indicates otherwise. In a study conducted with 71 mothers and babies over three months in India, it was found that babies who were not burped were less likely to spit up their milk. On the contrary, babies who were burped more frequently were two times more likely to spit up.
Therefore, the practice of burping does not necessarily diminish the occurrence of babies spitting up. In fact, it may even increase the chances of milk reflux in infants. This challenges the traditional notion that burping is essential for preventing infant regurgitation.
Belief #4 – Burping will Reduce the Crying and Fussiness of a Baby
A study showed no difference in fussiness or crying intensity. While it is commonly believed that burping can reduce a baby’s fussiness and crying, studies have shown otherwise. Research conducted with mothers and newborns in India revealed that there was no significant difference in the level of fussiness or intensity of crying between babies who were burped and those who were not.
This suggests that burping may not have a significant impact on the overall temperament and comfort of a baby. In fact, the pressure to burp a baby may disrupt their natural sleep patterns, leading to increased wakefulness and potential discomfort. Therefore, it is important to reconsider whether burping is necessary for soothing a fussy baby.
Belief #5 – Babies Must be Burped During and After a Feed
Burping pressure leads to unnecessary waking of the baby. Despite the common practice of burping babies during and after a feed, it may not always be beneficial. The pressure to ensure that a baby is burped can result in unnecessary disruptions to their sleep patterns. When babies feed, their bodies naturally produce hormones that induce a sense of fullness, causing them to become sleepy and fall asleep.
However, if parents feel compelled to wake their baby to burp them, it can prolong the baby’s wakefulness and disrupt their natural sleep progression. This may lead to difficulties in settling the baby back to sleep and interfere with their overall sleep quality. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the need to burp a baby outweighs the potential disruption it may cause.
Arguments Against Burping
Potential disruption of baby’s sleep patterns. The act of burping a baby can potentially disrupt their natural sleep patterns by interfering with their feeding cues and hormone production. This disruption may lead to increased wakefulness and difficulties in settling the baby back to sleep, ultimately impacting their overall sleep quality.
Unnecessary pressure on parents to burp the baby. The societal expectation for parents to burp their baby during and after feeds may create unnecessary pressure and stress. Parents may feel obligated to follow this practice without considering the individual needs and comfort of their baby, leading to unnecessary interventions that may not be beneficial.
Assessment of Baby’s Fussiness
Consider other factors contributing to baby’s fussiness. Instead of solely focusing on burping as a solution to a baby’s fussiness, it is important to consider other potential factors that may be contributing to their discomfort. Babies may exhibit fussiness due to hunger, fatigue, overstimulation, or digestive issues, among other reasons. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of a baby’s fussiness, parents can implement more effective strategies to help soothe their baby.
Explore strategies to help baby through fussy periods. If a baby is experiencing periods of fussiness, parents can explore alternative strategies to help alleviate their discomfort. These strategies may include offering comfort, providing a soothing environment, adjusting feeding routines, and promoting relaxation techniques. By adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing a baby’s fussiness, parents can better understand and meet their baby’s needs.
Conclusion
Reconsider the necessity of burping your baby. After examining the common beliefs surrounding burping and its potential impact on infants, it is crucial to reconsider the necessity of burping your baby. Contrary to popular belief, babies have natural mechanisms to burp on their own, and the act of burping may not always be beneficial or necessary. By exploring alternative ways to address a baby’s needs and discomfort, parents can make more informed decisions regarding burping practices and prioritize their baby’s comfort and well-being.