Burp, Wiggle, Repeat

(Because happy tummies mean happy babies, which mean well-rested mamies... well, kind of.)

Welcome to the Tummy Troubles Club

There are snuggles. There are yawns. And then… there’s the spit-up on your shoulder.

Newborn digestion is a world of its own, filled with those adorable gurgles, little burps, heart-melting wiggles, and (let’s be real) the noiseless little farts. It’s completely normal to feel a little confused when your baby seems full one moment and fussy the next. But amidst all this, we have good news for you: you’re not alone. It all gets easier with a bit of knowledge (and a steadily available stack of burp cloths).

Let’s decode what’s happening in that tiny tummy, and how you can help your little one digest all that love (and the milk) with ease.

The Newborn Tummy: Small but Mighty

In the early weeks, your baby’s digestive system is still getting used to the world. Everything is brand new for their little body: the milk they’re drinking, the air they’re breathing, their pooping schedules, and even the simple act of swallowing. It’s a massive adjustment that their little body is making, even while you may not realize that it’s happening.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Their tummy is really tiny—about the size of a cherry in week one.
• They digest food very quickly, which is why they need to be fed so frequently.
• Gassiness, spit-up, and the occasional grumpy grunts are all par for the course.

The Basics of Burping: And Why it Matters

Every time your baby feeds, they swallow a bit of air, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If that air doesn’t come up, it can cause a lot of discomfort and fussiness for your little one.

How to burp like a pro:

• Over-the-shoulder: This one’s a classic burping position. Baby's chin rests on your shoulder while you gently pat or rub their back.
• Sitting position: Hold baby upright, supporting their head and neck, and rub gently in circles until your baby feels relieved.
• Lying on tummy across your lap: This may seem like a slightly more complex maneuver as compared to the two we just discussed, but a gentle back pat in this position often gets a stubborn burp out!

Mamy tip: Burp mid-feed and after feeding to avoid the accumulation of excessive gas. Not all babies burp every time, and that’s okay too.

Spit-Up vs. Vomit: What’s the Difference Between the Two?

Spit-up is like a gentle milk fountain. It’s common and usually harmless. Vomiting is more forceful and may be a sign of something else.

Spit-up tends to happen:

• When the baby eats too quickly.
• If the baby is moved or laid down immediately after a feed.
• Sometimes, it happens during a burp attempt, too.

When to call the doctor: If your baby seems to be in pain, is losing weight, or is vomiting forcefully between feeds (projectile-style), check in with your pediatrician at the soonest.

Gassy Grumbles: Wiggle Them Out of It.

Gassy tummies are super common in newborns. You’ll notice your baby scrunching up, wiggling, grunting, or turning red when passing gas.

Here’s how you can help:

• Bicycle kicks: Gently move their legs in a pedaling motion.
• Tummy massage: Light clockwise strokes around the belly can work wonders to relieve gassiness, too.
• Tummy time: Laying your baby on their tummy (under supervision) relieves some of the pressure due to gassiness.

Mamy mantra: A little wiggle, a little patience, a lot of love.

Reflux: What’s Normal? What’s Not?

Mild reflux (also called GER or spit-up reflux) happens when milk flows back from the baby's tummy into the esophagus. It usually improves as the digestive system matures.

Things to try:

• Hold your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding
• Feed smaller amounts to your baby, more frequently
• Tilt baby’s mattress slightly (with doctor’s guidance only)

If your baby isn’t gaining weight, seems to be in pain during or after feeding, or refuses to eat, bring it up with your doctor. They may check for GERD (a more serious form of reflux).

Feeding Cues vs. Tummy Trouble Cues

These are the cues that your baby is hungry:

• Rooting (turning head looking for nipple)
• Hand to mouth
• Soft whimpering

And these are your cues that your baby is gassy:

• Kicking legs, arching back
• Straining or grunting
• Fussy right after or during feed

You’ll soon start reading these signs like a pro. Trust yourself, Mamy, you’re more in tune than you think.

Here’s Some Real Talk: You’ll Get Spit-Up on Everything

Your clothes, your bedsheets, the baby’s favorite swaddle… it’s all fair game.

Keep a few things handy:

• Clean burp cloths (everywhere)
• A change of clothes for baby and you when heading out
• Mild detergent for clothes that doesn’t affect your baby’s delicate skin
• And… a good sense of humor ;)

This too shall pass. But you’ll never forget the milk moustaches. You might as well have a little laugh about it while you can.

Dear Mamy, You're Doing Great

Feeding, burping, wiggling your baby: it’s a full-time job, and it doesn’t come with a manual. But whenever you pat them on the back, hum a soothing lullaby, change their diaper, it all becomes a part of the love you’re pouring in.

Newborn digestion may be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes loud but it’s also just a sign that your little one is growing. One burp at a time.