Just like adults, babies can get bloated and uncomfortable if they eat too quickly. For newborn babies in particular, they sometimes need a little help to burp after (and sometimes during) feeding.
This guide will provide some practical tips on how to burp a newborn, so you and bub can settle into a feeding routine that works well. We’ll explain why it’s necessary to burp a newborn, outline the signs that your bub needs to burp, and provide effective techniques to help babies get rid of excess gas.
Why do newborns need burping?
Newborn babies have a tendency to swallow some air while they’re feeding. This creates discomfort, which can make your baby fussy and cranky. Excess air in the tummy also gives babies a false feeling of fullness, and later on they can become fussy because they’re still hungry.
Sometimes babies can burp on their own without any assistance. However, they often need a little help to burp up any excess gas after feeding, especially when they’re very young. Burping newborns by gently patting their back helps them to release trapped air – making feeding time a more pleasant experience for all involved.
When should I burp my baby?
The Australian Breastfeeding Association explains that babies don’t necessarily need to be burped after every feeding session. Sometimes they might not have any wind to bring up, so don’t stress too much if your baby doesn’t burp every time.
If you notice any of these signs, these can indicate that your baby needs to be burped:
- Crying during or after feeding
- Squirming or arching their back
- Stopping in the middle of a feed
- Clenching their fists
- Redness in the face
- Hiccupping
- Grimacing
- Spitting up milk during feeding
As a general rule, it’s helpful to simply lift your baby to your shoulder after a feed – this allows air bubbles to rise so they can burp.
How to burp a baby
Here, we’ll provide some tried-and-tested burping newborn tips. With a bit of gentle assistance, you should be able to relieve any discomfort and keep your bub happy.
Over the shoulder
Holding your baby upright at your shoulder is the easiest way to burp a newborn. After feeding, simply lift your baby up and rest their chin on your shoulder, then give their back a rub or a soft pat with your fingers. It’s also a good idea to place a soft cloth under your baby’s chin in case they spit up any milk.
If your baby doesn’t burp immediately, that’s okay. Sometimes it can help to change their position by laying them down on your lap for a minute. Then, you can try to lift them back up to your shoulder again for a second attempt.
Sitting on lap
Another method for burping a newborn is to place your baby in a seated position on your lap, facing sideways or forwards. Support your baby’s chest and head with one hand, keeping their chin cradled in your palm. With your other hand, gently pat or rub your baby’s back.
This upright position can help gas bubbles to rise, so your baby can enjoy a good belch. Remember to be patient, and to keep their head and neck well supported throughout the process.
Face down on lap
This is another technique you can try if your bub needs help with burping. While you’re sitting down, lie your baby on their belly across your knees, so their face is pointed at the floor. Support their head with your hand, and keep it slightly elevated so they can breathe comfortably. With your other hand, gently pat or rub your baby’s back.
Trying different burping positions is a good way to provide your baby with relief if they’ve swallowed too much air while feeding. Keep their head supported at all times, and remember to remain patient and gentle.
What happens if you don’t burp a baby?
Not every feeding session will necessarily result in a gassy baby – it can depend on how they’re fed (i.e. bottle or breast) and how quickly they feed. Sometimes your baby won’t need to burp, so you don’t need to fret if nothing happens when you put them over your shoulder.
In some instances, your baby might fall asleep during feeding time. This is a good thing: it means your bub feels comfortable, and therefore you don’t need to worry about waking them up for a burp.
The key is to pay attention to your baby to see if they’re exhibiting any signs of discomfort – such as crying, fussing, grimacing and squirming. These are good indicators that your baby is struggling with excess gas. Please also bear in mind that these symptoms might indicate that your baby has a health issue that’s more serious, such as colic.
What do I do if my newborn won't burp?
If your baby shows signs of discomfort after feeding, and you can’t get them to burp, don’t panic. In some cases, it just takes time – rather than stressing, you can just change your baby’s position, or hold them for a few minutes before trying again.
One burping solution you can try is to lie your baby on their back and gently massage their tummy. While they’re in this position, you can also try moving their legs back and forth, as if they were riding a bike. It can also help for your baby to spend some time on their stomach, as long as you make sure that their head and neck are supported.
In situations where your baby seems distressed after eating, and you’re not sure what to do, you might need to seek advice from a healthcare provider.
How long should you try to burp a baby?
It’s generally recommended to spend about one to two minutes trying to burp a baby after they’ve been fed. If they don’t burp after a few minutes but seem comfortable and content, it's okay to stop.
Some babies might not burp every time, especially if they’re relaxed and feeding slowly. However, if the baby shows signs of discomfort or fussiness after feeding, it's worth trying to burp them again.
Over time, burping a newborn will start to feel easy and natural. By paying attention to your baby’s cues, you can ensure greater comfort and contentment for your little one.
How can I make my baby burp faster?
While there aren’t any magic tricks to make a baby burp on cue, there are a few things you can try if you feel that burping is taking a long time. If you’re using the ‘over the shoulder’ method, make sure you’re patting your baby’s back in a way that’s gentle yet firm. Try using soft, rhythmic pats or circular rubbing motions to help them along.
It can also help to keep your baby upright for a few minutes immediately after they’ve finished feeding. Keep them supported, and have a cloth handy in case they spit up.
When do you stop burping a baby?
All babies are different, and they develop at their own pace. From around two months, their neck muscles will be stronger, so they might not need as much assistance with burping. At four months they’ll be even more robust, and at six months they might be ready to start eating solid food.
At this point, your little one will likely be able to burp on their own. Their digestive system will also be more mature at around the six month mark, and they’ll be able to move themselves around more – which naturally helps to expel gas.
Helpful resources
These resources contain good information about burping a newborn, as well as general advice for new parents:
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