How Patting Aids Digestion
Infants frequently swallow air during feeding or crying. This ingested air can become trapped in the stomach and esophagus, forming bubbles that create discomfort and a sensation of fullness. A baby’s digestive system is still developing, making it harder for them to expel these air bubbles independently. The air needs to be released to prevent it from moving further into the digestive tract, where it could contribute to gas and bloating.
The gentle, rhythmic pressure and vibration from patting a baby’s back provide external stimulation that helps dislodge these trapped air bubbles. When combined with gravity, especially when the baby is held in an upright position, this action encourages the air to rise to the top of the stomach. The physical manipulation helps consolidate smaller air pockets into larger bubbles, which are then more easily expelled through the esophagus as a burp. This process essentially aids the baby’s developing digestive system.
The act of patting can also create a slight compression on the baby’s stomach against the caregiver’s shoulder or lap, further facilitating the upward movement of air. While the digestive system itself, including peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract), functions internally, external actions like patting provide mechanical assistance. This external aid helps overcome the challenges posed by a developing digestive tract, where the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve at the top of the stomach, may not be fully mature to prevent air from escaping easily or to keep contents down.
Practical Burping Approaches
Burping a baby involves various positions and techniques designed to help release swallowed air. One common method is holding the baby upright against your shoulder, allowing their chin to rest on your shoulder while supporting their head and back with one hand. With the other hand, you can gently pat or rub their back. Some parents find walking around while doing this can also be helpful.
Another effective approach involves sitting the baby on your lap, facing away from you. Support their chest and head by placing the palm of your hand flat against their chest and cradling their chin and jaw, avoiding pressure on the throat. Lean the baby slightly forward, then use your free hand to gently pat or rub their back. A third position involves laying the baby face down across your lap, ensuring their head is slightly higher than their chest, and then gently patting or rubbing their back.
The timing of burping can vary for each infant; some babies need to be burped during a feeding, while others may only need it afterward. For bottle-fed infants, burping every 2 to 3 ounces of milk is often suggested, and for breastfed babies, burping when switching breasts can be beneficial. Signs that a baby needs to burp include fussiness during feeding, arching their back, drawing their legs into their tummy, or clenching their fists. If a baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, changing their position and trying again can be effective.
The Role of Burping in Infant Comfort
Burping plays a role in enhancing an infant’s comfort by releasing swallowed air that can lead to various forms of distress. Trapped air in a baby’s stomach can cause uncomfortable pressure, leading to symptoms like fussiness, crying, and a bloated sensation. Expelling this air helps alleviate these symptoms, which can make babies feel more content and less irritable.
Releasing trapped air also helps reduce the likelihood of spitting up, which is common in infants due to their developing digestive systems. When air is expelled, it prevents it from pushing milk back up the esophagus, thus reducing regurgitation. While burping is commonly practiced for preventing issues like colic, some research suggests it may not significantly reduce colic episodes, though it generally causes no harm and can provide immediate relief from gas-related discomfort.
Effective burping can promote better digestion overall by creating space in the stomach for more milk or formula, allowing for more comfortable feeding sessions. Additionally, a baby who is free from the discomfort of trapped gas is more likely to sleep soundly. When babies are restless due to gas, releasing it through burping can help them settle and return to sleep.