20 B U R P I N G the Baby What is the purpose of burping? Most babies swallow some air while feeding. This air tends to get trapped in the baby's tiny stomach. This air fills up the baby's stomach and produces gas. As a result, babies can develop colic, making them cranky and restless. Burping the baby after feeds helps to expel this gas and keep the baby comfortable after feeding. What happens if the baby does not burp? Sometimes, the baby does not burp after a feed or may just fall asleep during a feed. However, the baby may wake up later due to discomfort caused by gas in the stomach. Sometimes, just picking up the baby may provide comfort. The baby may also burp immediately on being picked up and feel comfortable and relieved. Till what age should the baby be burped? Usually, the baby needs to be burped during the first few months of life. During this period, the baby mostly sleeps and is in a flat and reclined position. Once the baby can roll over and sit up, the baby
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