One of the biggest bugbears parents tell me about is conflicting advice. You hear one thing from a midwife, another from a health visitor, something different again from Google… and suddenly you’re left wondering if you’re doing everything wrong.
One of the most common pieces of advice I hear — and one I couldn’t disagree with more — is:
“You don’t have to wind a breastfed baby.”
And every time I hear it, I want to ask:
Why? Where does that come from? And more importantly — is that actually helpful for parents?
Where this advice probably comes from
There’s an argument that some breastfed babies swallow less air than bottle-fed babies, especially when feeding is going smoothly. Because of that, some babies will naturally burp easily or show very little discomfort after feeds.
And yes — those babies exist. They’re the unicorns 🦄 (or half-unicorns at least).
But here’s the problem: that doesn’t mean all breastfed babies are comfortable without being winded.
The issue with blanket statements
When parents are told “breastfed babies don’t need winding” and their baby is:
- wriggly or unsettled after feeds
- arching, grunting or squirming
- crying when put down
- waking shortly after feeding
they’re left thinking:
Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong? Should I just wait it out?
That advice can stop parents from trying something very simple that might actually bring their baby relief.
Let’s talk about language – because it really matters.
Rather than saying:
- “All babies must be winded”
or - “Breastfed babies don’t need winding”
A much more helpful way to frame it is:
All babies would benefit from being winded.
That one sentence leaves room for:
- the minority of babies who barely need it
- and the many babies who really struggle if they’re not given help to release trapped air
It removes pressure, blame and rigid rules — and puts the focus back on the baby in front of you.
The reality I see every day
In real life (not textbooks), many breastfed babies do struggle with wind.
This can be influenced by:
- Fast milk flow or a strong let-down
- Poor Latch
- Tongue Tie
- Frequent feeds
- Gulping at the breast
- Being a sensitive or tense baby
- Immature digestion (which is very normal in early weeks)
For these babies, winding isn’t optional — it’s often essential.
So what should parents actually do?
Here’s the simple, no-nonsense advice I give parents:
- Watch your baby, not the rule
If your baby is relaxed and settled after feeding, great — you don’t need to force a burp, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try for one! - If your baby is wriggly, uncomfortable or unsettled, try winding.
- Try winding during and after feeds
Especially if feeds are long or baby becomes fussy partway through. - Use upright positions
Over the shoulder, sitting upright on your lap, or lying tummy-down across your knees can all work well. - If nothing comes up — that’s OK
The goal is comfort, not ticking a box. Sometimes leaving your baby to wriggle for a few mins, then trying again is the answer!
A final word for parents
If winding your baby helps them settle, sleep more comfortably, or cry less — you are not doing anything wrong.
And if your baby doesn’t need much winding at all? Lovely. Enjoy your unicorn 🦄.
But please don’t let a throwaway line like “breastfed babies don’t need winding” stop you from responding to your baby’s cues.
Because the truth is this:
Most babies need help with wind sometimes — and all babies benefit from having the opportunity to release it.