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B is for Burping: The Myths and Truths About Relieving Baby’s Discomfort

When it comes to soothing a baby with reflux, burping is often at the top of every parent’s list of remedies. Many believe that burping can be a quick fix for discomfort, helping to release trapped air and alleviate pressure in the stomach. However, the truth about burping is more nuanced. While it can play a role in supporting digestion, it’s not the universal solution many parents expect it to be.

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of burping in reflux, debunk common myths, and reveal what burping can (and cannot) do to help relieve your baby’s discomfort.

Why Do Babies Need to Burp?

Burping is a natural process that releases air swallowed during feeding or crying. In babies, this swallowed air often accumulates in the stomach, creating discomfort, bloating, and pressure. Burping helps release this air, providing some relief.

However, not all babies swallow the same amount of air, and not all need to burp as frequently. For babies with reflux, burping becomes more complex because it can temporarily increase abdominal pressure, sometimes worsening symptoms if not done thoughtfully.

The Burping-Reflux Connection

In babies with reflux, the process of burping can have mixed effects. On one hand, relieving trapped air can reduce stomach pressure, which may help prevent the regurgitation of stomach contents. On the other hand, the act of burping itself can sometimes exacerbate reflux by causing more regurgitation of stomach contents and acid into the oesophagus, which in turn causes discomfort for baby.

Myths About Burping

Let’s address some of the most common myths about burping and clarify what’s fact and what’s fiction:

Myth 1: Every Baby Must Burp After Every Feed

While many parents diligently burp their babies after every feed, not all babies need it. Some babies naturally swallow less air due to their feeding style or latch. Forcing a baby to burp when they don’t need to can cause unnecessary stress and discomfort.

Myth 2: Burping Prevents All Reflux

While burping may help reduce gas-related discomfort, it does not address the underlying causes of reflux, such as structural issues, allergies, or feeding mechanics. Burping is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Myth 3: Babies Who Don’t Burp Will Always Have Gas Pain

While burping can help release swallowed air, not every baby who doesn’t burp will experience gas pain. Some babies naturally swallow less air during feeds, and their bodies may efficiently pass any trapped air without needing to burp. Forcing a burp in these cases can cause unnecessary stress for both baby and parent.

When Burping Helps

For babies with reflux, burping may provide temporary relief in certain situations, such as:

• Excessive air intake during feeding due to a fast letdown or bottle nipple flow.
• Mid-feed relief to prevent air accumulation.
• After prolonged crying to alleviate discomfort caused by swallowed air.

When Burping Doesn’t Help (or Makes Things Worse)

There are situations where burping may not provide relief and could even worsen symptoms:

• Overfeeding: If a baby has been overfed, burping won’t resolve the underlying issue and may increase regurgitation.
• Tension: Babies who are stressed or tense while burping are more difficult to burp, and it can cause regurgitation of more than air, leading to more crying and discomfort.
• Improper burping techniques: Applying too much pressure or force when trying to burp a baby can cause discomfort and exacerbate reflux symptoms.

Understanding Your Baby’s Unique Needs

The key to knowing whether burping will help your baby lies in understanding their unique feeding habits, behaviors, and symptoms. Observing your baby’s cues can provide valuable insights into whether burping is beneficial for them.

For example, does your baby seem uncomfortable or fussy after feeds? Do they spit up frequently, even after being burped? Are they gulping milk quickly or swallowing air during feeds? Answering these questions can help you determine whether burping is effective or if there may be other underlying causes to address.

A Holistic Approach to Reflux Relief

Burping is just one aspect of supporting a baby with reflux. To achieve lasting relief, it’s essential to take a holistic approach that considers all potential factors contributing to your baby’s discomfort, such as feeding techniques, oral functionality, and underlying health issues.

What’s Next?

If burping doesn’t seem to alleviate your baby’s reflux symptoms, it may be time to dig deeper. The patterns of your baby’s behaviors, feeding habits, and symptoms hold the key to understanding their unique needs. Learn more through the Reflux-Free Framework.

• A is for Aerophagia: The Hidden Cause of Reflux Pain
• C is for Causes: How to Identify What’s Triggering Your Baby’s Reflux
• E is for Erosive Esophagitis: Recognizing and Preventing Damage

Understanding burping’s role in reflux is just one step. By focusing on the root cause of your baby’s discomfort, you can help them find lasting relief and support their overall well-being.