How to wind your baby after a feed

Your little one has just finished their feed and it's time to wind them. Why is this so important? It helps them to expel swallowed air during feeding, preventing posseting and supporting better digestion. Here are some practical tips for winding your baby easily and effectively.

When and why to wind your baby

During and after every feed — whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding — your baby can swallow air. This trapped air can cause discomfort such as wind or posseting. Winding your baby helps to release this air and can also help to prevent colic. This pause in feeding is crucial for their wellbeing.

It is recommended to pause and try to wind them after around 5 to 10 minutes of feeding, and again once they have finished eating. If your baby seems uncomfortable or becomes restless during a feed, this is often a sign that they need to be winded before continuing.

Different positions for winding your baby

There are several effective positions for helping your baby to bring up wind. Choose whichever feels most comfortable for both of you. Trying different positions can also help if you find that your baby struggles to wind in a particular one.

Upright position: hold your baby upright against your chest, their tummy against yours. Support their head and neck with one hand, and use the other hand to gently pat their back until they bring up wind.

Over the shoulder: place your baby upright on your shoulder so that their tummy rests against you. Hold them firmly and gently rub their back whilst you wait.

Sitting on your lap: sit your baby on your lap, leaning slightly forward with your hand supporting their chest whilst their arms rest over each of your hands. Gently pat their back with the other hand.

Practical tips for successfully winding your baby

If you're finding it hard to wind your baby, don't worry — it gets easier with time and practice. Here are some tips to give yourself the best chance of success.

The importance of patience and calm

Staying calm and patient is essential. Some babies will bring up wind quickly, whilst others take a little longer. Try to stay relaxed and make sure your baby feels comfortable. A calm atmosphere can make a real difference.

If after a few minutes your baby still hasn't brought up wind, try changing position. Sometimes a simple change — such as moving from the upright position to sitting on your lap — can make all the difference.

Using the right teat flow rate

For bottle-fed babies, the choice of teat flow rate can also influence how much air they swallow. A flow that is too fast can cause the baby to feed too quickly and swallow more air. It is therefore important to choose a teat that is suited to your baby's age and pace.

What to do about frequent posseting

Some babies may be prone to frequent posseting, despite your best efforts to wind them correctly. This can be messy, but is generally not serious and tends to resolve itself in time. Here are a few additional recommendations to help manage the issue.

Adjusting the frequency and length of pauses

Increasing the frequency of pauses during a feed can help. Rather than waiting until your baby has finished their bottle or breastfeeding session, take more regular breaks to try to wind them. For some babies, pausing every few minutes can help to minimise posseting.

Equally, after a feed, keep your baby in an upright position for around 15 minutes. Keeping them upright allows air to rise more easily and reduces the chances of posseting.

Consult a healthcare professional if needed

If posseting is very frequent or copious, or if you have concerns about your baby's weight gain, do not hesitate to consult a paediatrician. They will be able to assess whether there are any underlying causes that require specific treatment.

Signs that your baby needs to be winded

It can sometimes be difficult to know exactly when to stop and wind your baby, especially at the beginning.

Here are some signs that may indicate your baby needs winding:

Restlessness or crying during a feed

Pulling away from the breast or bottle for no apparent reason

Signs of discomfort or leg pulling

Sudden movements during the feed (for example, when the baby abruptly pulls their head back)

Excessive posseting (in rare cases where air is already present in the stomach).

Being attentive to these signs will help you to respond quickly to your baby's needs.

Additional tips for easier winding

Creating a calm, relaxed feeding environment

Finding a calm, peaceful environment in which to feed your baby can reduce agitation and help to minimise the amount of air swallowed. Avoid feeding your baby when they are already unsettled or wriggling constantly.

Good head support is also essential, particularly for newborns whose head control is not yet developed. Properly supporting the head position allows for better swallowing and reduces the chance of air being swallowed.

Gentle stimulation

Sometimes gentle stimulation through rubbing the back can bring up wind. You can combine this with a gentle rocking motion or circular rubbing of the back. This combination of movements can enhance the effect and help your baby to release trapped air.

Adapting to your baby's rhythm and needs

Every baby is different and will have their own preferences when it comes to being winded. Over time, you will learn what works specifically for your baby. Be flexible and ready to adjust your technique according to their reactions.

By observing, trying different methods, and maintaining a relaxed and patient attitude, you will succeed in soothing your baby and build a calming routine around winding after feeds.

In short, winding your baby requires patience and gentleness. With these tips and a little practice, you will quickly see positive results, giving your baby the best possible comfort after every meal.