Guide to Burping a Newborn
Bringing home a newborn is a joyful experience, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. One of the most common questions new parents ask is: “How do I burp my baby properly?” Burping may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in your baby’s comfort, digestion, and overall feeding routine.
This guide will walk you through why burping matters, when to do it, different techniques, tips for success, and how burping changes as your baby grows.
Why Burping Is Essential
Newborns swallow air while feeding, whether they’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Their digestive systems are still developing, so trapped air can cause:
Gas and bloating → leading to fussiness and crying
Spit-up or reflux → pressure in the stomach pushes milk back up
Interrupted sleep → discomfort makes it harder for babies to settle
Burping helps release this trapped air, making feeding more pleasant and reducing crying spells. It’s not just about comfort—it can also help babies feed more efficiently and sleep longer stretches.
Burping and Sleep
Many parents worry about waking a sleeping baby to burp. Here’s the rule of thumb:
If your baby falls asleep mid-feed, gently try to burp them before laying them down.
If they’re in a deep sleep and seem comfortable, it’s often fine to let them rest.
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, even after burping.
When Do Babies Stop Needing Burping?
As babies grow, their digestive systems mature. By around 4–6 months, many babies no longer need to be burped regularly. However, some may benefit longer depending on feeding style and individual needs.
When Should You Burp a Baby?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are general guidelines:
During feeding: Pause halfway through to burp, especially if your baby seems fussy or slows down.
After feeding: Always attempt to burp once feeding is complete.
Watch for signs: Crying, arching the back, clenching fists, or pulling legs toward the tummy often signal trapped gas.
Some babies need frequent burping, while others rarely do. Over time, you’ll learn your baby’s unique patterns.
Three Classic Burping Positions
Every baby is different, so experiment to see which position works best:
1. Over the Shoulder
Hold your baby upright against your chest.
Support their head and neck gently.
Pat or rub their back in circular motions.
Gravity helps air escape naturally.
2. Sitting on Your Lap
Sit your baby on your lap facing sideways.
Support their chest and head with one hand.
Lean them slightly forward while gently patting their back.
This position is especially useful for babies prone to spit-up.
3. Lying Across Your Lap
Lay your baby tummy-down across your lap.
Keep their head slightly elevated above the chest.
Pat or rub their back gently.
This position often works well for stubborn gas.
video source: Baby basics: How to burp your baby | UNICEF Parenting
Tips for Successful Burping
Be patient: Some babies burp quickly, others take several minutes.
Gentle motions: Soft pats or rubs are enough; avoid startling movements.
Use a burp cloth: Protect clothing from spit-up.
Experiment: Try different positions until you find what works best.
Don’t stress if no burp comes: Not all babies need to burp after every feed.
Extra Comfort Measures
Burping is part of a bigger picture of feeding comfort. You can also:
Offer smaller, frequent feeds to reduce swallowed air.
Keep baby upright for 10–15 minutes after feeding.
Check bottle nipples: If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple size is appropriate to avoid excess air intake.
Avoid overfeeding: Too much milk at once can increase gas and spit-up.
