Babies can get trapped air bubbles when they're feeding, so winding helps to release them.
Watch our video below for information and advice about baby winding from highly experienced health visitor, Rachel Costis.
Babies benefit from winding, which releases trapped air
Rachel Costis, health visitor:
Babies can sometimes have difficulty bringing up their trapped wind during, or after, a feed. This is completely normal for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. However, there are some techniques that you can try at home. There's no right or wrong way of doing it. It's what works for you and your baby.
Person demonstrates techniques:
The first one is the over the shoulder one. So you want baby up on your shoulder, nice and straight, and you want to give some good, firm rubs to the back. And then if you cup your hand - give some nice, firm taps on the back.
(Second) So you want the baby set up nice and straight. You want to support the head, the neck, and avoid the throat. Lean baby forward. And then you want some nice,firm taps on the back or some nice, firm rubs on the back.
(Third) So winding baby across your lap. So support their head. Lay baby down on your lap.Turn baby's head so the head's free, and you want some nice rubs on the back - and some nice taps on the back.
(Fourth) So sometimes you find that your baby's not brought up all their wins, they might still be in quite a bit of discomfort. You can lay baby down on their back and you can try some tummy massage with a nice firm hand in a clockwise direction, on their tummy.
(Fifth) So the other technique is the bicycle legs. So you want to take your baby's legs and you want to move them into a circular motion, like riding a bicycle, and you want to make sure that you don't extend their hips.
We spoke to Rachel for some additional advice…
What is winding?
Winding is how we refer to helping babies release trapped air from their tummy. It can happen during, or after, a feed.
"It's common for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies to get trapped wind whilst feeding," says Rachel.
"It can make them uncomfortable and unsettled. They'll bring their knees up to their tummies, and maybe not want to sleep after a feed or want to carry on with the feed.
"Winding helps bring trapped air up to relieve some of that pressure."
Winding your baby can also be referred to as burping your baby.
How to wind a baby
Some babies are really good at bringing wind up, others not so much.
Winding involves supporting your baby's head and neck, making sure back and tummy are straight, and rubbing or patting their back gently.
"It's just practising and getting to know your baby," Rachel says.
"I wouldn't spend hours trying to get a burp out. If it doesn't happen after a few minutes, you're not doing anything wrong. Go with what works for your baby."
Our video shows different winding positions you can try. See which works best for you and your baby.
- Over shoulder
Position baby over your shoulder, with their head looking over your shoulder and their back straight. Give nice, firm rubs to the back, then cup your hand and give firm but gentle taps to the back.
- Sitting on lap
Position baby on your lap, supporting their head and neck (avoiding their throat). Lean them forward and give some nice firm taps or rubs to the back.
- Laying across lap
Supporting baby's head, lay them on your lap chest down. Turn their head so they have free breathing space. Give nice firm rubs and taps to the back.
- Tummy massage
Lay baby down on their back on a mat on the floor. Massage their tummy with a firm hand in a clockwise circular motion.
- Bicycle legs
Lay baby down on their back on a mat on the floor. Take your baby's legs and move them in a circular motion, as if they were riding a bike, making sure you don't extend their hips.
"Winding is a nice bonding exercise, even if they don't bring anything up", says Rachel.
Seek advice if you're not sure about anything
Rachel recommends speaking to your health visitor if you have any questions or concerns.
"We [health visitors] want parents to feel confident, but we're here to offer support if it's needed", she says.
"If your baby has a complex medical condition, was born very prematurely, or has reflux, it's worth asking a health professional about winding.
"And if you're unsure on anything, do ask the health professionals. There's no such thing as a silly question."
Check out this article about coping with a baby who won't sleep.
CBeebies Parenting has lots of tips and advice for new parents.
