When should a breastfeeding infant be burped?

Burping a breastfeeding infant after feeding from each breast is essential for several reasons. During breastfeeding, infants can swallow air along with their mother’s milk, which can lead to discomfort and fussiness. By burping the infant after each breast, parents and caregivers can help expel this swallowed air, significantly reducing the likelihood of gas and potential spit-up.

Additionally, burping after switching breasts can also aid in digestion, as it allows the infant to settle their stomach before continuing to feed. This practice promotes a more comfortable feeding experience and may help the baby to eat more efficiently.

The other options do not align with the best practices for infant care. For instance, burping before feeding is not necessary since the infant's stomach is generally empty. Burping only when the infant appears fussy may not prevent discomfort proactively. Furthermore, burping every 10 minutes during feeding could disrupt the feeding process and may be impractical, potentially leading to frustration for both the baby and the caregiver. Therefore, burping after each breast is a widely recommended practice for maintaining comfort and ensuring a pleasant feeding experience for the infant.