The burp, a little noise so characteristic in babies, draws lots of attention from parents after every bottle feeding. But is it really necessary, and if so, how can you encourage it? What should you do if your baby doesn’t burp, and above all, should you be worried? These are questions every parent wonders at least once. To better understand this physiological phenomenon and its impact on your child’s well-being, the Élhée team looked into it for you.
CONTENTS:
- From a physiological perspective, what is a burp?
- How can you prevent your baby from swallowing too much air while feeding?
- Why should you make your baby burp after every milk feeding?
- How can you tell if your baby is bothered by a trapped burp?
- What is the best position to help a baby burp?
- Is burping necessary for breastfed babies too?
- And if there's no burp after the bottle, is it a problem?
- Is it a problem if baby falls asleep without burping?
- What about reflux?
From a physiological perspective, what is a burp?
Specialists also refer to it as eructation. A burp—whether in babies or adults—is a natural mechanism the human body uses to expel air swallowed during a meal. This air, which accumulates in the stomach, creates unpleasant pressure that needs to be released. The esophageal sphincter located at the throat opens, allowing the air to rise up and exit through the mouth. It’s a common phenomenon, resulting in a familiar sound that often makes children laugh.
How can you prevent your baby from swallowing too much air while feeding?
A burp after the bottle happens because your baby has swallowed air while feeding, and needs to let it out. While it's not a serious issue, preventing it is more comfortable, so here are our best tips.
- Choose a physiological nipple suitable for your baby's lip size and shape so that it fits perfectly.
- Make sure the nipple is always filled with milk by tilting the bottle sufficiently.
- Avoid shaking the milk too much during preparation (it creates bubbles) or let it rest for a few minutes before giving it to your baby.
- If you notice your baby drinks quickly, pause during their milk feeding to encourage breathing breaks (if your child tolerates them).
- Discover the anti-colic bottle designed to limit air intake during feeding.
At Élhée, we have designed a 100% safe, anti-colic bottle, fully made in France. Its flexible medical-grade silicone bottle and the anti-colic valve added to its physiological nipple make this bottle twice as effective against infant colic compared to regular rigid bottles.
Why should you make your baby burp after every milk feeding?
Helping your baby burp allows the air swallowed while feeding to escape, and reduces the risk of bloating, abdominal pain, and colic. Encouraging burping therefore contributes to your little one's digestive comfort and well-being.
How can you tell if your baby is bothered by a trapped burp?
After a bottle, if your child needs to burp and can’t, you’ll notice it quickly—and more easily with every feeding.
- To show their discomfort, the baby squirms, arches back, and appears uncomfortable.
- Even if the bottle isn’t finished, your baby refuses to keep sucking.
- Almost as if to let you know the problem, baby makes grimaces or mouth movements forward.
- They pull their legs up toward the belly, a position often seen with abdominal pain.
- When you touch, you may feel beneath your fingers that their belly is a bit tense.
- Crying may occur.
- Baby may also regurgitate a little milk.
If nothing else is bothering them, if their diaper is clean during feeding, or if no other pain (such as teething pain) is disturbing their meal, it’s most likely a trapped burp that needs helping out.
What is the best position to help a baby burp?
While older children burp easily—and often find it funny—babies may need help to do it.
During or after feeding, hold your baby upright, facing you. Keep your baby’s belly against your chest and rest their head on your shoulder. Then gently pat their back until the burp comes out.
You can also position your newborn sideways, in a seated position on your knees, with one hand on the chest supporting beneath the chin, and the other hand used to gently pat their back. Also try baby sitting facing you, your hands under their armpits, and off you go! Little bounces that make them giggle often help the burp come out.
These techniques are among the most effective, but if nothing works, here’s one last idea. Lay baby facedown across your knees and, as always, gently rub their back to help. If your baby can’t hold their head up yet, use one of your thighs as a support for their head.
💡 In any case, make sure to always securely support your baby with one hand, and keep the patting hand ready to react and catch them if necessary.
Is burping necessary for breastfed babies too?
It’s true, burping is more common in bottle-fed babies. For breastfed babies, mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth fit more easily—almost tightly—helping to prevent air from passing through. Nevertheless, breastfed babies who suck hard, fast, or are poorly positioned can also swallow too much air and may need to burp from time to time.
And if there's no burp after the bottle, is it a problem?
No, not all babies always burp.
For some, it’s natural, while others barely need to. If your baby seems uncomfortable after a meal, appears bloated, squirms, or gets cranky, try to help them burp—but don’t worry if they aren’t able to.
Is it a problem if baby falls asleep without burping?
If possible, try to have your baby burp before laying them down, but if nothing comes out and your child doesn’t seem uncomfortable, then the absence of a burp after the bottle or nursing is usually not a problem. The accumulated air may be released during sleep as your baby changes position, upon waking, or not at all.
What about reflux?
Reflux is when a small amount of milk is regurgitated through the mouth or nose after a feeding. It’s a common phenomenon in babies, especially in the early months, and is generally not a cause for concern. If reflux is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms (crying, weight loss), then take the time to consult a doctor.
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