How do I stop my breastfed baby from swallowing air?

Understanding Air Swallowing in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful bonding experience, but it can sometimes lead to challenges, such as babies swallowing air during feeds. This can result in discomfort, gas, and colic, making it essential for parents to adopt strategies to minimize air intake.
Causes of Air Swallowing
Air swallowing often occurs when a baby is not latched properly or when they are feeding too quickly. Babies may gulp air if they are anxious or if the flow of milk is too fast. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the issue effectively.
Tips to Minimize Air Swallowing
1. Ensure a Proper Latch: A good latch is fundamental. When your baby latches onto the breast correctly, they are less likely to swallow air. The baby’s mouth should cover not just the nipple but also a good portion of the areola. If you’re unsure about the latch, consulting a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance.
2. Adjust Feeding Positions: The position in which you hold your baby during breastfeeding can significantly impact air swallowing. Try different positions, such as the football hold or side-lying position, to see which one allows your baby to feed comfortably without gulping air.
3. Pace the Feeding: Allow your baby to feed at their own pace. If they seem to be gulping or pulling away frequently, it may be beneficial to take breaks during feeding. This can help them manage their intake and reduce the likelihood of swallowing air.
4. Burp Regularly: Burping your baby during and after feeds can help release any trapped air. Aim to burp your baby after every few minutes of feeding, or whenever they seem to pause or pull away from the breast.
5. Monitor Milk Flow: If your milk flow is particularly fast, your baby may struggle to keep up, leading to air swallowing. You can try expressing a little milk before feeding to slow the flow, allowing your baby to latch more comfortably.
6. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Babies can pick up on their parents’ stress. Creating a calm feeding environment can help your baby relax, which may reduce the tendency to gulp air.
Conclusion
While gas and air swallowing are common issues for breastfed babies, they can often be managed with a few thoughtful adjustments to feeding techniques. By ensuring a proper latch, adjusting feeding positions, pacing the feed, and incorporating regular burping, parents can help their little ones enjoy a more comfortable feeding experience. If problems persist, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide additional support tailored to your specific situation.

How can I get my breastfed baby to swallow less air?

Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.

What foods make reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

Why is my breast milk making my baby gassy?

Causes of baby gas
Your baby’s tummy is still developing and learning to digest, so food doesn’t break down completely yet. Swallowing air. Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple.

What positions reduce air breastfeeding?

Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.

How to prevent aspiration while breastfeeding?

Elevation of the head of the bed approximately 30° may help, although young infants may slide down the bed during the night. Dietary modifications include thickening feeds for infants; breastfeeding; decreasing volume of feeds (10-20 mL/kg per feeding); and feeding small, frequent meals.

How do I make sure my baby doesn’t swallow air while breastfeeding?

Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.

How do I stop my baby from gulping air when I feed?

* Breastfeeding mothers can avoid their babies from swallowing air by keeping them in an upright position (45 degree angle). * Flexing baby’s knees up against baby’s chest will help relieve burps and also helps for relieving flatulence. After about the age of 5 months, most babies do not need to be burped anymore.

Why is my baby swallowing air while breastfeeding?

If your little one is not latching deep enough, they may be swallowing more air. A painful latch or a ‘clicking’ sound made while baby is feeding may indicate their latch needs adjusting. Shallow latches are often remedied with a new breastfeeding position along with some minor latch corrections.

What breastfeeding position reduces air intake?

Breastfeeding position to reduce gas
“This air has to be released in one direction or another. If baby doesn’t burp, they’ll likely become gassy,” Long says. Good news: This can be remedied with the proper breastfeeding positions, including upright or semi-upright positions, like the laid-back breastfeeding position.

Do I always have to hold my breasts while breastfeeding?

First of all, because it is not needed. You also “lose” a useful hand by trying to keep your breast away from the baby’s nose. Furthermore, holding the breast during the feed could unintentionally cause the baby to latch on poorly (more on how to achieve a good latch here).