Becoming a parent involves learning many new skills and techniques; one of these being burping your baby. This is an important part of feeding your baby as it helps to remove trapped air, which will relieve them from discomfort.
Generally, it is recommended that you burp your baby every 2 to 3 ounces if you are bottle-feeding or each time you alternate breasts if you are breastfeeding.
Whilst some babies are easy to burp, with others, it can be a more challenging and time-consuming task. Remember that each baby is different and some will require a little more assistance.
If you are a first-time parent, you may be curious as to when you can stop burping your baby.
We have provided you with some answers in our guide below, but ultimately, you should be guided by your baby’s behavior.
There isn’t a set age at which you should stop burping your baby.
Whilst some babies may be able to stop at around 4 to 5 months, other babies may need to be burped until they are a year old.
It is important to base your judgment on how your baby is developing rather than its age.
As your baby grows and becomes more confident in sitting up, you may find that they start burping themselves and no longer require as much help from you.
There are a few other signs that may indicate that your little one no longer needs to be burped. They are as follows:
Burping Is No Longer Effective
You can stop burping your baby if it no longer seems to be having any effect on them.
Although this is something that is programmed in many parents as it is done so regularly, one day you may notice that it is not bringing up as much as it once would.
There may even be occasions where you spend several minutes trying to burp your baby only to be greeted with little success.
If your baby does not appear to be in any sort of discomfort, this is a sign that burping them manually is no longer necessary.
They Have Started Eating Solids
A baby’s digestive system matures as they develop.
As this happens you will likely notice that their needs change, especially as they make the transition onto solid foods and they no longer depend on you to wind them.
Remember to evaluate how your baby acts.
Some babies that eat solid foods may still need a little assistance with bringing up their wind.
Your Baby Is No Longer Fussy During Feeding
If your baby is no longer fussing during or after a feed this is a telling sign that they no longer need you to burp them.
Regardless of whether your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed, it is likely that they will swallow some air during feeding.
This can be rather uncomfortable and may cause your baby to cry and fuss. If your baby no longer cries or fusses and can drink continuously without showing signs that they need to be winded, you can stop burping them as much.
Eventually, if they continue to act this way, you can stop burping them completely.
Why Doesn’t My Baby Need To Be Burped Anymore?
Now you may be wondering how your baby goes from needing to be burped at regular intervals to not needing to be burped at all. There are two main reasons for this.
As previously stated, your baby’s digestive system matures as they get older and becomes less sensitive. During the early stages of your baby’s life, its stomach cannot handle anything other than formula or breastmilk.
This changes as they get older because their tummies become more receptive to new, solid foods.
As they make the transition, they are less likely to be affected by the discomfort caused by gassiness.
Another reason why your baby no longer needs to be burped is due to increased movement. Your baby will reach an age where it will be able to sit independently.
As such, they will have the ability to move to a comfortable position after feeding and this will allow them to relieve their wind. A baby that cannot sit unassisted or move its own body, needs you to pack its back. Doing so is going to bring up the wind.
What To Do If Your Baby Isn’t Burping
Some babies will struggle to bring up any wind and others will only bring up a small amount. Depending on the age of your baby you may need to take them to a doctor who will be able to provide you with advice.
You should also consult a professional if your baby seems to be spitting up an abnormal mom or projectile vomiting. For slightly older babies, there are a few things that you can try besides holding them straight and patting their back.
First and foremost, if your baby is bottle-fed, we would advise you to try using different bottles. Certain types are praised for their effectiveness in reducing air intake, meaning that they inflict less discomfort on your little one’s tummy.
If this doesn’t seem to work, it may be worth trying teats of a different size.
If burping your baby has proved unsuccessful, why not try giving them a little massage. Not only will this encourage them to release their gas but it can also be very calming for them.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to this question as it can differ between babies.
Whilst some little ones will bring up their own wind from the time that they sit up and transition to solid foods, others may require your assistance for some time longer.
As the parent, you are going to be the best judge as to whether or not you think your baby is ready for you to stop burping them.
If your baby appears to be distressed or in a lot of discomfort following a feed, you may wish to consult a professional.
