Burping is a critical part of the feeding process regardless of whether your baby is bottle-fed or breast-fed. Burping releases the air passing into your baby's digestive system, minimizing intestinal gas and its effects in the intestine and bowel. If your three-week-old is having problems with burping, try a few techniques to get the bubble out.
Time Frame
Burp a baby as you switch breasts, if you are breast-feeding, especially for three-week-old infants who are struggling with burping. You may not get a burp, but the more you offer the chance to burp, the better the chances of a gas release. In addition, burp at the end of the feeding, once your baby has finished on both breasts.
For bottle-fed infants, burp a three-week-old every 3 to 6 oz., recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is the equivalent of 60 to 90 mL.
Positions
The classic burping position is to hold your infant against your shoulder and gently pat or rub her back. Support her head, as her neck may not yet be strong enough to keep her stable. If this position doesn't work, sit her on your knee, supporting her back, and hold her under her chin as you rub her back. Last, lie your baby across your knee and pat her back to help get the burp out.
Considerations
Dr. William Sears, a noted pediatrician, states that burping is a Western cultural practice introduced by formula feeding. Babies in other cultures who are exclusively breast-fed aren't burped as a standard practice. Formula feeding, he suggests, introduces more air into the swallowing process, creating the need for burping.
When to Burp
Your three-week-old has few communication skills, but read his signs carefully. If he's exceptionally fussy, stop the feeding and give him a chance to burp, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's better to try multiple positions to get out one burp than try to continue a feeding that your three-week-old is resisting. Remember to keep your baby's head supported throughout the burping process.
