By Gabi Falanga 

If your baby is cranky or fussy during or after a feed it could be that they need to be burped. Babies often swallow air with their milk making the feel crampy or uncomfortable. Because new babies are not in control of what position they’re in, they’re unable to burp themselves. Both bottle and breastfed babies need to be burped. It’s a good idea to burp a bottle fed baby half way through their feed and again afterwards. A breastfed baby can be burped when you change breasts, and after the feed. Have a burp towel handy for if your baby spits up when you burp them. Here are some techniques you can use to burp your baby: 

Against your chest: The easiest way to burp a baby is to hold them upright against your chest. Cup your hand and pat them firmly on the back. If your baby doesn’t burp easily, you might have to try other positions. 

Sitting on your lap: Hold your baby in a sitting position on your lap. Lean them slightly forwards and support their chin, by cupping it with your thumb and forefinger. Cup your other hand and pat them firmly on their lower back. Instead of patting, you can also rub you baby’s back firmly, starting from the top of their nappy and moving upwards to the middle of their backs. 

On your shoulder: Hold your baby facing you, with their head on your shoulder. Pat or rub their back using the above techniques. Be firm, as the pressure of their body pressing against yours will help to release the trapped gas. 

Lying on your lap: Put your baby tummy-down across your lap. Your baby’s head will be on your one leg and stomach on the other. Make sure your baby’s head is turned sideways to be able to breath. Pat or rub its back. 

Lying across your arm: Let your baby lie tummy-down across your forearm. Their head will be supported in the crook of your elbow and their legs will dangle on either side of you arm. Pat or rub their back. Walking around while holding your baby like this is also a good idea, as the extra movement will help release those winds. 

Exercise ball: Bouncing on an exercise ball is a great way to burp a baby. Hold your baby upright firmly against your chest, facing you. Make sure their head and bum are well supported before you start bouncing. 

Bicycle legs: If your baby is really struggling to burp, you can do the bicycle technique. Lie your baby on their back on a firm surface. Move their legs toward their chest as though pedalling a bicycle. 

Baby-wearing: If your baby frequently has stubborn winds, consider wearing them in an upright position in a baby carrier. If you walk around and go about your daily activities while you wear your baby, the movement will help bring release the gas.