Baby Fell Asleep Before Burping: What To Do?

Introduction

As a new parent, one of the many challenges that you will face is burping your baby. Burping is important because it helps to release trapped air in your baby’s stomach, preventing discomfort and colic. However, sometimes your baby may fall asleep before you have a chance to burp them. This can be frustrating, but it is also a common occurrence. In this article, we will explore what you can do when your baby falls asleep before burping.

Why Burping is Important?

Before we discuss what to do when your baby falls asleep before burping, let’s first understand why burping is important. When your baby drinks milk, they swallow air along with it. This air can get trapped in your baby’s stomach, causing discomfort and bloating. Burping helps to release this trapped air, making your baby more comfortable and reducing the risk of colic.

What to Do When Your Baby Falls Asleep Before Burping?

If your baby falls asleep before you have a chance to burp them, don’t worry. Here are a few things you can do:

1. Wait it Out

Sometimes, your baby may burp on their own while they are sleeping. If your baby is sleeping peacefully, you may want to wait it out and see if they burp on their own. If your baby wakes up and seems uncomfortable, you can try to burp them again.

2. Gently Move Your Baby

If waiting it out doesn’t work, you can try to gently move your baby to see if it will stimulate a burp. You can try moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion or gently rubbing their back. Be careful not to wake your baby up in the process.

3. Carry Your Baby Upright

If your baby is still asleep and hasn’t burped, you can try carrying them upright. This position can help to release trapped air and stimulate a burp. Make sure to support your baby’s head and neck while carrying them.

4. Change Your Baby’s Position

Sometimes, changing your baby’s position can help to stimulate a burp. You can try laying your baby on their side or stomach to see if it helps. Make sure to always supervise your baby when they are in these positions.

Preventing the Problem

While it’s common for babies to fall asleep before burping, there are a few things you can do to prevent the problem:

1. Take Frequent Breaks During Feeding

Taking frequent breaks during feeding can help to prevent your baby from swallowing too much air. You can also try to burp your baby after every ounce of milk.

2. Keep Your Baby Upright During Feeding

Keeping your baby upright during feeding can also help to prevent them from swallowing too much air. You can try using a nursing pillow to help support your baby during feeding.

3. Burp Your Baby Before Putting Them to Sleep

If your baby is prone to falling asleep during feeding, try to burp them before putting them to sleep. This can help to prevent discomfort and colic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s common for babies to fall asleep before burping. If this happens, don’t worry. You can try waiting it out, gently moving your baby, carrying them upright, or changing their position. To prevent the problem, try taking frequent breaks during feeding, keeping your baby upright, and burping them before putting them to sleep. Remember, burping is important for your baby’s comfort and well-being.