Can burping a baby help?

By not burping a baby, the air that is swallowed during feeding can get trapped and lead to spitting up or gas pains. This irritability from mild gas should NOT be confused with colic, which causes are unknown by doctors and symptoms include crying more than 3 hours per day.

When it comes to regular gas, there are conflicting theories in whether infant gas drops help or not. In my experience, gas drops such as Mylicon, have always helped my children.

Listed here are the three most popular methods to relieving the gas pain and you should try each one to see what works best and is the most comfortable for you and your baby.

*On their belly: Place the baby on their belly across your lap. Then, while supporting their head, gently pat their back until it comes out. Once again, listen closely and use protection for "spit-up".

* Sitting up, on your lap: Place the baby sitting on your lap while supporting their chin with one hand (be careful not to choke the baby by holding their throat). Use your other hand to gently pat or rub your baby's back.

If you are unsure of the signs for burping a baby, one may include them getting fussy in the middle of a feeding. Try using one of the methods above and hopefully you will have success and then continue with the feeding.

Don't stress if it refuses to come out. All three of my kids weren't good burpers. I tried after every feeding with no luck and finally started using gas drops to help ease any gas pain. I have to admit, I was very lucky that this worked for me and none of them had severe pains.

It's also helpful to keep your baby upright for 15 minutes or more after their feeding to aid with digestion and help prevent milk or formula from coming back up. Don't worry if your baby spits up a little every time. It's very common for them to spit up and drool for the first few months.

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