How to Burp Your Baby?

Burping is an essential part of feeding, as it helps release swallowed air that can cause discomfort. If a baby isn’t burped often, they may become gassy, fussy, or spit up more frequently.

How to Burp Your Baby

Gentle, repeated patting on your baby's back usually helps with burping. Cup your hand while patting, as this is gentler than using a flat palm. To avoid messes from spit-up or "wet burps," place a towel or bib under your baby's chin or on your shoulder.

Try different burping positions to find what works best for you and your baby:

1. Chest-to-shoulder position: Hold your baby upright against your chest, with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support their body with one hand while gently patting their back with the other. Sitting in a rocking chair and gently rocking can also help.
2. Sitting up on your lap: Hold your baby in a seated position on your lap or across your knee. Support their chest and head by cradling their chin in your palm, making sure not to press on the throat. Use your other hand to pat their back.
3. Tummy-down on your lap: Lay your baby on their belly across your lap, supporting their head so it’s higher than their chest. Pat their back gently.

If your baby seems fussy while feeding, pause to burp them before continuing. For bottle-fed babies, try burping every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 mL). For breastfed babies, burp each time you switch breasts.

If your baby is gassy, spits up frequently, has reflux (GER), or is fussy during feeding, try burping more often—every ounce during bottle-feeding or every 5 minutes while breastfeeding.

If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, change their position and try again before resuming feeding. Always burp your baby at the end of a feeding.

After Feeding

To reduce spit-up, keep your baby upright for 10 to 15 minutes after feeding, or longer if they have reflux. Occasional spit-up is normal and usually more bothersome for parents than for the baby.

Sometimes, gas can wake a baby from sleep. Picking them up for a quick burp might help them settle again. As babies grow, they may burp less often, as they become better at eating without swallowing excess air.

For babies with colic (crying for 3 or more hours a day), gas can worsen discomfort. If you’re considering anti-gas drops, consult your pediatrician first.