Winding Babies

[NoMercy]

Does anyone know why they tell you not to wind babies anymore?

Baby G is the windiest baby you could imagine. He farts like a trooper and if I put him over my shoulder after a feed, within a minute or so he's belching for England.

I cannot understand the mindset now that babies don't need to be winded.

[Neveracrossword]

I didn't wind any of my children (now in their 30s). I read a French babycare book which mentioned, in passing, that the British were strangely obsessed about winding.

[Cloverjo]

People used to spend ages winding babies thinking it was essential, probably causing more distress to the baby and mother. Yours burps easily, so fine. Not all babies do or need to.

[jim360]

OK so obviously I haven't the foggiest what I'm talking about, but still, I can't find any advice on *not* winding babies after a few minutes' searching. Lots of useful tips on how best to do it, etc., nothing about "no don't!". So IDK. Where'd you get that advice?

(For the record, I'm hoping to learn something rather than teach it here, I initially was only curious because I thought that "winding babies? Didn't realise they were *that* elastic...")

[NoMercy]

NACW - I appreciate that, but what is the reason that winding is deemed unnecessary when some babies - mine in particular - suffer so badly when they're not winded?

I don't wind him everytime he feeds, but find I need to during the latter half of the day.

[Jackdaw33]

I think that putting the key into their backs and turning it clockwise until the spring is tightly shut may be detrimental to their well-being. Or am I getting confused with the two pronunciations of the word.

[Neveracrossword]

NoMercy, I couldn't understand the need to wind in the first place - I just assumed that any wind would find its way out itself!

[NoMercy]

Clo-Jo, I only prop him up so his belly is positioned between the top of my breast and my clavicle. I tend to gently stroke his back in a circular motion but nothing more aggressive, and he tends to bring up one almighty belch.

[NoMercy]

NACW - have you ever had a baby with trapped wind? Good lord!

The gurning goo-gooer in my avatar expels the majority of his wind first thing in the morning, probably in readiness for his next feeding frenzy.

He was worse on the breast, strangely.

[marval]

Many years ago when I looked after children, the babies were always winded. Some needed it more than others, but most people did.

[Patsy33]

I always wind my baby grandson. He gets a bit of trapped wind at times and is in pain. When he's belches it definitely settles down. My daughter puts him over her shoulder. I wouldn't take any notice.....

[whiskeryron]

The one thing you don't get with a new baby is a set of instructions. Do what your mother taught you, use your natural motherly feeling & enjoy your new little one. If he requires winding then wind him . Forget what you are reading elsewhere.

[Patsy33]

By the way NoM he's adorable! Lovely smile.

[Neveracrossword]

Yes, I have had a baby with trapped wind - occasionally - but that wasn't enough to make me want to 'wind' a baby after every feed. I thought that was a bit pointless then - some babies might need it, many don't.

[NoMercy]

Thanks for your post, Ron, but my mother was hardly an exemplary role model. She'd put me over her knee and spank my backside with a wooden spoon, spatula, slipper ... you name it ... as soon as look at me. One 'little smack' would typically last a good couple of minutes (of constant thrashing, during which I would be told, or screamed at, to "lie still") Then she'd apologise an hour or so later and and me not to tell anyone we'd "fell out"

If its all the same, I won't be using anything my mother taught me.

[chrissa1]

I wouldn’t say I winded both of mine but always put them on my shoulder and patted and stroked their backs after a feed.

It’s comforting for them and you. They are 38 and 34 now.

[chrissa1]

That’s awful NoM. :(

[NoMercy]

Thank you, Patsy, he's a little sweetie. However, lately, there's been some diurnal variation in his mood. He's consuming less throughout the day and is generally happy and giggly throughout, yet grouchy and moody during the evening. He threw a screaming fit tonight and wouldn't allow me to give him his last feed but when my OH gave it to him, he took it without any objection.

[Mamyalynne]

You know your own Baby, do what feels right for you both.

[Patsy33]

My grandson is like that lately. He has his moments! Generally, he a sweetheart. Might be the warm weather making them grouchy.

[andy-hughes]

We wind babies because their digestive systems are still developing at birth and after, so they need a little help.

How you wind depends on the baby - some respond to a simple cuddle and a back-rub, others need more patience and technique, but the mother usually knows best.

I would be wary of reading too many books - new mums are best getting advice from their mums and other experienced people in the family, and chatting to their health visitor.