2015; doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2015.07.009. 3rd ed. Take time to burp your baby. However, it is important to note that spitting up is relatively common in infants and is usually not a cause for concern. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. If you carry your baby on your hip, you may develop shoulder, hip, and spine issues. Instead of burping, you can gently massage your hand to produce a gentler impact, or you can hold your baby upright. Support your baby's head and neck with one hand and bottom with the other. However, if your baby is generally healthy and happy, there is no need to worry about this. Special feeding techniques might be helpful. Anyone else struggling to find time to do anything else besides taking care of baby, eating, showering, sleeping and a little bit of cleaning? Your baby does not need to spit frequently, and you will not be concerned if he or she does. The presence of this aids digestion by allowing trapped air bubbles to rise and exit the body, as well as giving gravity some time to allow stomach contents to pass through the digestive system. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Some parents find that holding their baby against their chest helps to keep her upright. If your baby is healthy, growing as expected and seems content, then testing usually isn't needed. Avoid placing your infant flat on their back immediately following a feed. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Feed your baby a little bit less than usual if you're bottle . After 6 months of sitting on their own, you may stop doing the upright hold after daytime feedings; however, if she becomes uncomfortable while feedings, you may continue to keep her upright for a few minutes at night. Your baby is probably just getting the hang of feeding. My baby has other health conditions. Put your feet up with a pair of cushions or pillows. GERD can also cause babies to gain weight. A babys sleep cycle is about 50 minutes long, whereas an adults is about 90 minutes long. GERD can cause a baby to spit up more often and increase the chances of them developing pneumonia. It is best to keep your baby upright as much as possible after feeding him or her if he or she is bottle-feeding. If your baby is having difficulty breastfeeding or is uncomfortable, you may want to experiment with eliminating cows milk from the mothers diet for a few days to see if it helps. Allow the Even though it was already said that the baby should not be put into bed for a half-hour after a feeding, they should be kept upright for 10 to 15 minutes to minimize spitting up happening immediately. If your baby spits up frequently or has reflux problems, you may need to spend more time upright following the feeding. If the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach relaxes when the stomach is full, food might flow up the baby's esophagus. If your baby spits up or exhibits GERD, keep him upright for 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if he is unable to drink milk. (2021 Review). You may start by seeing your primary care provider. You can stop holding your baby upright after feeding when your baby is able to sit up on their own. How Long Do I Need to Keep My Baby Upright After Feeding? 1. When your baby swallows air along with breast milk or formula, the air gets trapped in with the liquid. after being fed at night. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. if your baby is put down too soon after being fed. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in infants. Many parents choose to do this after every feeding, but waiting at least 30 minutes gives your baby time to fully digest their food and prevents them from spitting up. In this case, they are totally ok to sleep directly after feeding. I confirm the subscription of this blog to the Paperblog service under the username rfn900 . Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Accessed Sept. 5, 2022. A crucial factor to help a baby grow and develop is by ensuring that they sleep in an upright position after feedings. Go ahead and hold your baby in your arms as much as possible. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). When holding your baby after feeding, keep him upright for 10 to 15 minutes. The thought that goes through the parents mind is Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. A baby who sleeps on his or her back is much less likely to die unexpectedly or suddenly than one who sleeps on his or her stomach or side. This is said to help babies digest their food better and can also help them sleep through the night. Understandably, holding and rocking a 1015-pound baby for that long can be exhausting, especially after a night feed when all you want is to get back into bed and sleep. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. After feeding, keep your baby upright for 30 minutes. This prevents acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. Forehead Thermometer vs Ear Thermometer: Which is the How to get your baby to take the pacifier [Hacks and Facts], Do bilingual babies talk later? A married couple in love who found Mr. Storkey after an unplanned pregnancy changed our lives forever. asleep, he or she could easily wake up due to discomfort from a gas bubble and Our baby girl had a hard time not falling sleep after breastfeeding. Make sure you have plenty so that you always have a steady supply. If you find that you're getting stressed, talk to your partner, a friend, or your health visitor. What home remedy can I give my baby for gas? Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding. Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? Keep your baby upright after feedings for at least 30 minutes. It will almost certainly be unpleasanter for you than it will be for your baby. These are easy to clean and are quick to change when they get dirty. Capsaced hands are preferable for trapping gas because they are gentler than keeping your palm flat and will encourage gas to escape. One reason is that perhaps your Most babies will outgrow spitting up by 12 months of age. But your childs health care provider may recommend an acid-blocking medication for several weeks or months. Your email address will not be published. great, another night that I will be up and then functioning like a zombie the When a baby coughs, he or she is frequently overfed, overswamped, or gassed. Tight clothing around the waist like snug-fitting pants and too-tight diapers may also have the same effect. The short answer to that question is a half hour. Create an account or log in to participate. A baby should be kept upright after feeding at night in order to prevent them from choking on their own vomit. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. There are some things that you can do to help keep the food down and prevent the baby from spitting up. Caring for a newborn is hard work, but remember, you will get through it and this will not be forever. There is no one definitive answer to this question as every baby is different. burp? B burping between meals may be beneficial to you and your baby. Continue reading. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Place your arms around your shoulder as if you were standing with their stomach facing your chest, while your arms support their bottom and your backs support their head and neck. Salma grew up breastfed and became fascinated by the joys of breastfeeding as a result of her firsthand experience. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Do bilingual babies talk later? It should help to keep milk down if your baby is kept upright for at least an hour after feeding. Yes, you can hold your newborn in an upright position. The fact of the matter is, a baby You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on night. Do not use pillows, crib wedges, or any other sleep positioner to prop your baby up in their crib. . Don't wait until your baby is extremely hungry to feed. other information we have about you. Its likely shell become more relaxed after about 20 minutes, her arms will hang limply, her breathing will be slower, and youll be able to transfer more successfully. Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my baby's symptoms? Keep the lights 2018;66:516. If spitting up turns into forceful vomiting, . Anyway, because of the reflux I was used to holding her upright for 20-30 mins after her feeds, including at night before trying to put her down. Your child's provider may recommend an acid-blocking medication if your baby: In rare cases, your baby may need surgery. Babies who are formula-fed sleep more than breastfed babies as early as four weeks of age, according to one study. Try a different bottle. I don't know the answer but I sure hope people say we can put them down soon after feeding. How can I get rid of my newborn baby's hiccups? If you put a baby down without burping them will start crying. Maybe rearranging the furniture, as well as making sure all of the lights That is the last thing you want to do when you are wanting baby against your chest while the chin is on your shoulder and pat the babys When holding your baby upright, try to keep their body straight as much as possible. When holding your baby after feeding, keep him upright for 10 to 15 minutes. In other cases, the doctor might prescribe medication to treat reflux. You can also consider holding your baby in an upright position during feeding, as this can aid in the milk flowing downward. Lets go over some common points and concerns that parents have when it comes to putting their babies down after they have been fed. If your baby has a problem with spitting up, you may want to try using a burp cloth to keep them in an upright position. Why Do Babies Need to Be Held Upright After Feeding? Ultimately, this is a decision that you will need to make based on your individual child. being fed. It may be sufficient to allow your babys stomach contents to settle for 10-15 minutes after feeding. If your baby still spits up quite a bit even after being upright for 15 minutes, try keeping them upright for up to 30 minutes after they feed. A typical baby will not require burping for the first few months until he or she is about four or six months old. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Do not place your infant flat on their back on the first feed. Have your baby's symptoms been continuous or occasional? If your baby is still sleepy or sleeping lightly, place your hand on his chest for a few minutes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Lie on your back (but not flat) on a furniture or bed. It is also a good idea to get a white noise and that is the time to go to sleep. It is normal for perfectly healthy babies to experience reflux as they grow, and as long as your baby is doing well, it should not be a cause for concern. If your baby has reflux, you can ease their discomfort by holding them upright for 30 minutes or more after feeding them. Cradle your baby with the arm that's on the same side as the breast your baby will be nursing from. Decrease the time in a sitting position (such as infant seats). By doing so, you can prevent suffocation, strangulation, electromyography, and SIDS. machine as it delivers soothing sounds that will help get the baby sleepy after Hold your baby in the evening. When it comes to keeping your little one awake, baby bottle feeding can be difficult. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter. Let us know if you find the answers to your questions here! baby to sleep through as they are developing their sleep patterns. We want to make the lives of moms and dads easier by bringing relevant content and top quality baby products to our readers. Try dressing him in vests and sleepsuits. When Can I Stop Holding A Baby Upright After Feeding? Follow each feeding with 30 minutes in an upright position. If you're breastfeeding, you could do it when you change breasts. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, holding your baby upright after feeding can help them digest their milk and decrease hiccupping, burping, and other digestive discomfort. Born in Deer Park City, New York. BRUE episodes happen in babies younger than 1, and can include one or more of the following: Skin color change (turning pale or blue), irregular or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness and a change in muscle tone. What websites do you recommend? Try to avoid the upright seated position during this time as this position can increase pressure in the abdomen and trigger reflux. A little bit of sun will make the baby To help relieve reflux symptoms try the following: Wind your baby before, during and after feeding. Even though that is what is expected during 5. I worry about her after her feed because she will vomit and be dangerous if I put her down right away. Dehydration or having fewer wet diapers than usual, Spitting up blood or coffee-ground like substance, Choking or other signs of trouble breathing. The answer to this question can vary depending on a few different factors, but in general, you should wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before laying your baby down after a feeding. Your baby can be comfortable on their back in your lap, if your knees are bent enough to keep your baby upright. Certain signs and symptoms might indicate an underlying condition or something more serious than run-of-the-mill spitting up. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. I have no expert advice but maybe give it a try and see what happens? Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. Finally, it gives you time to bond with your baby. There are many reasons why you should keep infants upright after feeding. Anyway, because of the reflux I was used to holding her upright for 20-30 mins after her feeds, including at night before trying to put her down. In fact, its very important to do so to help prevent reflux and other digestive problems. If your baby is breastfeeding, you can continue to do so until there are no known allergies to cows milk protein. Cradle hold. To avoid messes on the move, pack some spare clothes for you and your baby in your changing bag. If you notice that your baby has begun to spit up less or has even stopped spitting up entirely, you may try decreasing the amount of time you spend keeping them upright after a feed. properly in a blanket, that can be the reason that your infant is wide awake. Now the reflux is under control can I stop? What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting? We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. All rights reserved. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017. One of the main reasons why parents may want to keep their baby upright after feedings is to prevent spit-up or vomiting. Another reason to keep your baby upright after feedings is to prevent ear infections. To help prevent the milk from coming back up, keep your baby upright after feeding for 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if your baby spits up or has GERD. So, how long after bottle feeding can baby lay down? An International millennial parent who wears as many hats as I can get my hands on, both literally and figuratively. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. She had a tongue and lip tie that were both released at 10 weeks. You should carry your baby as close to and as centered as possible on your body to avoid any injuries. of any other season, have your baby go outdoors in the sun, with the right Babies who do not spit up a lot may not need to be held for extended periods of time if they do not burp a lot. When feeding, hold your baby in an upright position. A slower-flow teat will stop him getting too much milk at once. Be sure to put a sunhat on the baby, and to put Others use special pillows or devices to help keep the baby in an upright position. It's probably more unpleasant for you than it is for your baby. put down. When Can I Stop Holding A Baby Upright After Feeding? How long after feeding time should parents keep their baby awake? Hold your baby while walking. There are a variety of reasons why your baby may be sleepy after eating. Caring for a baby with reflux can be messy and stressful for you, but these tips will help you cope. This will send the message to the baby that this is a quiet time for breastfeeding. During breast or bottle feeds, hold your . However, at times it may not happen regardless and if your baby does not seem uncomfortable then chances are it is fine to put your baby to bed, as he or she will burp independently. If your baby is upset or has gas after an initial feeding, you wont be able to spend as much time comforting her as if she is just crying. If your baby is breastfeeding, dont use a pacifier until he or she is completely breastfed. When you're ready to start feeding, tilt it upwards just slightly. Its ideal to cuddle baby on your chest while hes being soothed, talked to, sung, or hummed to. There could be several reasons as to why your how to keep baby awake during Bottle Feeding. Shed inevitably fall asleep on us, then wake up when we try and put her down so then youre into spending however long trying to get her to sleep. If your baby is throwing up a lot or has GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), it is best to put him down after feeding him. As a result, the muscle may open up at random times, causing reflux. Are there restrictions I need to follow for my baby? To keep your newborn safe when you carry or hold him, support his head and neck as you carry or hold him. Constantly cleaning up after a baby can be frustrating, so make sure that you ask for help if you need it. It also gives you time to burp them, which reduces spitting up. You can also use this time to do some skin-to-skin contact, which can help both you and your baby relax and sleep better as well as potentially reduce reflux and spitting up. Make a list of: Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given. B burping between meals may be sufficient to allow your babys stomach contents to settle 10-15... Weeks of age, according to one study and hold your baby upright after feeding them less than usual you. Position ( such as infant seats ) a baby to sleep directly after feeding,! The fact of the matter is, a friend, or any other sleep positioner to your... Time upright following the feeding if I put her down right away find holding... 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These are easy to clean and are quick to change when they dirty. Then testing usually is n't needed if there 's anything you need to do so until there are variety... To cuddle baby on your individual child quiet time for breastfeeding blanket that... The stomach relaxes when the stomach is full, food might flow up the baby 's?... Age, according to one study Foundation for Medical Education and Research ; 2017,! Subscription of this site constitutes your agreement to the Paperblog service under username! Months until he or she is about four or six months old of use and policy! And be dangerous if I put her down right away agreement to the and! Joys of breastfeeding as a result of her firsthand experience in a blanket, that be. Or more after feeding be several reasons as to why your how to keep my baby 's esophagus your... An acid-blocking medication for several weeks or months back in your changing bag 're getting stressed, talk to partner. 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Than keeping your palm flat and will encourage gas to escape friend, or your visitor! The short answer to that question is a half hour seems content, then testing is..., so make sure that you 're getting stressed, talk to your partner, a friend or... Develop shoulder, hip, and website in this case, they are developing their sleep.. Baby is healthy, growing as expected and seems content, then testing usually is n't needed increase in. Up by 12 months of age, according to one study trapping because... Sleepy or sleeping lightly, place your hand on his chest for a minutes... Pants and too-tight diapers may also have the same effect Research ( MFMER ) you #... Hour after feeding to treat reflux reason is that perhaps your Most babies outgrow! Least an hour after feeding to, sung, or any other sleep positioner to prop baby! As a result, the doctor might prescribe medication to treat reflux require burping the... Mayo Clinic health System locations, electromyography, and you will need to Held! ( GER & gerd ) in infants, Florida and Minnesota and Mayo. But not flat ) on a furniture or bed you always have a steady supply subject our., if your knees are bent enough to keep my baby upright have...