Mealtimes are extremely important for babies' growth and development.
Here on the blog, food and mealtimes are one of the most frequently discussed topics. We think they play a big part in how children develop and are a major influence on their future.
Today we want to talk about a topic that is associated with mealtimes. Better still, it's a moment that should be taken after a meal - the moment dedicated to burping.
We went to find out more about this action. It's often not talked about, or not often enough, and it's something that's necessary for babies to digest properly.
We know how important this moment is for the baby's development and growth, but we don't always know the best way to get our little one to burp. That's why we wanted to find out if there are any tips we can give you so that this action can be carried out in the best and most efficient way possible.
One thing we know for sure is that it should be done after a meal. Now how, let's take a closer look.
According to our research, for babies it is allowed and should be encouraged, as it is a sign that the baby is evacuating the air inhaled during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Burping prevents the little one from getting those frequent tummy aches as they grow and develop.
The best time for a burp is at the end or even in the middle of a meal. But how do we get our babies to burp and expel the air inhaled during a meal?
We believe that the first time we try to get our baby to burp is extremely difficult, because we don't have the ideal way to make it happen. So it's all a matter of getting the hang of it. One idea we have to bear in mind is that burping babies won't hurt them or cost them anything. On the contrary, it will be a relief and perfect during and at the end of a meal.
One technique that we've found to be the simplest is to place a towel over mum or dad's shoulder, just in case any stains appear from regurgitation; we should hold the baby in a very upright position and we can gently pat the little one's back. Something to be aware of - it can take a minute or ten minutes for the baby to burp for the first time.
Another technique that is more often used by midwives and nurses can be a great alternative if you're not succeeding with the first technique we've mentioned. Place the baby on their knees, as upright as possible, holding their head and raising their arms with the other hand to allow the small rib cage to open, which will facilitate the expulsion of air.
The burping process for your baby should be encouraged, but not forced. So if there are times when your baby doesn't burp, don't worry - they will later. A good example is when a baby falls asleep straight after a meal - we should let them rest, as they will burp in their sleep.
An equally frequent question relates to the number of burps. The answer is simple - there is no ideal or recommended number. We just need to let the little one release all the air and at the end they should be satisfied and relieved, burping once or as many times as necessary.
One tip that we also think is important is the short breaks we should give between feeds so that the baby can burp. It's an option that may or may not work best, depending on the baby's preference. A burp in the middle of a feed may be ideal for some babies, but others only burp after they have finished the feed or bottle. Don't worry, the little one will show you what they prefer best.
So far we've understood why burping is so important and how we should help our little ones to do it. Now we want to know how long babies have to burp. Well, according to our research, more or less until the age of 6 months is the limit. So it will be during the time that breast milk or formula is our little one's main food.
We're talking about a process that will gradually cease to be important, due to the maturing of the digestive system and the fact that the baby will gradually begin to be weaned. In this way, it will disappear.
In today's post, we've decided to tackle a topic that may be difficult at first, but we're sure that with time and habit you'll get your baby burping in the middle or at the end of a meal. However, we mustn't forget - let your baby have their time, let them burp as many times as they need to and let them feel the best time to do so. Parents will be there to support and see their babies relieved and happy.
What about you? How was this stage for your little ones? The first time you burped your baby, did you have any difficulties or did it go smoothly? Parents who are going through this phase, what's your best technique? We want to know your experience. We want to know your opinion.
