Burping and wind in babies

Burping is a normal way to release air from the upper digestive system via the mouth. Another name for burping is belching or 'bringing up wind'.

Burping is generally caused by swallowing excess air when eating or drinking.

Most of the air released when burping comes up from the oesophagus (tube between your mouth and stomach) before the air reaches your stomach.

Air that isn't released from your mouth passes through your digestive system and is released via your bottom as wind.

Gas is also produced by the breakdown of milk in a baby's gut.

There is no evidence to say whether you should burp your baby.

As adults, many of us link burping with discomfort and relief. The uncomfortable, full feeling we have just before burping is eased once we burp.

Babies can take in more air when they are feeding or may have trouble burping or passing wind. They might make a face that looks like they are uncomfortable.

It's fair then to link the same sense of discomfort to babies when they're feeding. However, there is no real evidence to prove that burping helps to lower colic or regurgitation rates in babies.

Although parents and caregivers may change their baby's position to burp them during and after feeding, there is no proof that it's helpful. It's also fair to say that burping does no harm.

Parents feel they've done something to soothe their baby when their baby makes a loud belching sound.

It's up to you if you want to burp your baby. If burping your baby is causing you or your baby stress, you don't have to do it.

There are no strict rules when it comes to burping. Some babies will burp on their own without any help, or even burp while they are feeding.

It doesn't make a difference whether a baby is breast or bottle fed. All babies can benefit from having a pause during their feeds and being burped.

You could see if your baby wants to burp:

• when their sucking slows down during feeds
• if they start fussing when feeding and stop sucking
• between sides when breastfeeding
• halfway through a feed
• at the end of a feed

You will work out what works best for you and your baby after trying a few burping positions. Most babies burp more easily if they're held upright, though they don't need to be.

It's common and normal for babies to spit up a little milk when they burp. Keep a cloth handy to mop up any spills.

• Hold your baby up over your shoulder, supporting them with your hand on the same side. When they're upright, gently pat or rub their back with your other hand.
• Sit your baby up on your lap and lean them forward slightly with their tummy against your hand. This gentle pressure may help your baby to bring up their wind. Rub or pat their back with your other hand.
• Place your baby face down on your lap or your forearm so they're looking outwards. Rub their back gently with your other hand.

Young babies can get wind if they swallow air when they're crying or feeding. Some babies feed very quickly and swallow a lot of air when they're sucking.

Young babies might not always close their mouth tightly when they're sucking on the breast or bottle, which can cause them to swallow more air.

If your baby is breastfeeding

Be mindful of your 'let-down' and how quickly your breast milk is flowing. Some mothers have a fast milk flow and newborns can struggle a little until they get better at their suck-and-swallow pattern.

If your baby is breastfeeding and you feel they have colic, it may help to try using drops containing the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. This is a type of probiotic which has been shown to help breastfeeding babies cry less. Speak with your GP or a lactation consultant first.

If your baby is bottle feeding

Here are some suggestions for easing wind during bottle feeds.

• Time your baby's feeds. If you feel they're drinking too quickly, try using a slower teat.
• Tighten the screw lid on the top of the bottle to slow down the milk flow.
• Hold your baby on a slight incline in your arms so any air bubbles rise to the top — this can make burping easier.
• Give your baby more frequent pauses when they're feeding. Sit them up and see if they want to burp.

There's not much you can do to control how much air your baby is swallowing when they feed.

When babies have flatulence or wind, they can have stomach discomfort and bloating. This is caused by a buildup of gas in their intestines (stomach and gut) which your baby can't release.

If your baby is unsettled, it may help to give them a warm bath and a tummy massage.

Always follow your instincts and have your baby checked by a doctor if you're worried.

It's also important to have them checked if:

• they are vomiting large amounts of milk or food
• they vomit with force, or are 'projectile vomiting', especially after every feed
• they seem unwell, have a high temperature
• you need to make sure that there is no medical cause for your baby's crying
• your baby is refusing feeds or is having less than half their normal feeds
• your baby does not seem to settle or continues to cry for long periods, no matter what you try

You should also check with the doctor if:

• you feel you are not coping
• you feel the crying is affecting your relationship with your baby or you are having trouble feeling happy about being with them
• your mental health or your relationship with your partner is being affected
• you are worried for any other reason

For help and support you can:

• Ask your GP or maternal health nurse for advice.
• Visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association for more information about burping your baby and why they are bringing up milk.
• Call one of these support services:
  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306
  • ForWhen — 1300 24 23 22 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm)
  • Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636