By Jan Murray

A relaxed baby will expel wind easier than one who is tired, jiggled constantly
or kept awake too long after they should have been asleep.

Physical tiredness and stress will tense the tummy rather than relax it, making it difficult to expel air.

Keep baby’s back vertical or horizontal rather than curved. If they have not burped but are ready for sleep, put them to bed anyway even if it means getting them up to burp when they cry in 30 minutes time. They will have relaxed during this time making it easier to burp.

Some anti-colic or wind mixtures work well if there is no other problem. Check with a health professional to determine other causes before giving baby these mixtures.

'mum & baby together we learn' (paperback) for parents with babies and toddlers