How To Burp A Newborn: A Simple, Gentle Guide For New Parents

Bringing a new baby home can feel overwhelming, and one of the most basic yet confusing tasks is figuring out how to burp a newborn. It might seem small, but getting air bubbles out of your baby’s tummy after a feed can make a big difference in their comfort and digestion. If your little one squirms, fusses, or spits up often, learning the right way to burp them might just become one of your go-to moves. The good news is, it’s easier than you think — and a little practice goes a long way.

For many new parents, burping feels like a bit of a guessing game. Should you do it during feeds or only after? What if your baby doesn’t seem to want to burp? Is it even necessary for every baby? These questions are totally normal. Burping helps release air that gets trapped in your baby’s stomach during feeding, which can cause discomfort or even colic-like symptoms. Knowing how and when to burp your baby can help them feel more at ease — and that means a calmer, happier feeding time for both of you.

Of course, not every baby reacts the same way. Some might burp easily and often, while others rarely do. The key is to pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust your approach based on what works best for them. Whether you’re a first-time parent or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the basics of burping a newborn, including the best positions, tips for success, and what to do if your baby won’t burp.

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Table of Contents

• Why Burping Is Important
• When to Burp Your Newborn
• How to Burp a Newborn: Tried-and-True Techniques
• Tips for Successful Burping
• What If Baby Won’t Burp?
• When to Stop Burping
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Burping Is Important

Babies tend to swallow air while feeding, whether they’re nursing or bottle-fed. That air can get trapped in their stomachs and cause pressure, leading to fussiness, bloating, or even spitting up. Burping helps release that trapped air, making your baby more comfortable and less likely to get cranky after meals. It’s especially helpful for babies who seem to have trouble settling after eating or who are unusually fussy.

Even though not every baby will burp every time, it’s still a good idea to try, especially if your little one shows signs of discomfort after eating. Some babies might burp once, others a few times, and some may not burp at all — and that’s okay. The goal is to support their digestion and help them feel better, not to force a burp if it doesn’t come.

For parents, burping can also be a bonding moment. It gives you a chance to hold your baby close, talk softly, and offer comfort after a feeding. It’s a small but meaningful part of the daily rhythm of caring for a newborn.

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When to Burp Your Newborn

Most experts recommend burping your baby during and after feedings. This helps catch any air bubbles before they settle too deep into the stomach. For bottle-fed babies, it’s a good idea to burp after every 2–3 ounces, especially if your baby seems restless or is taking a long time to finish a bottle.

If you’re breastfeeding, try burping your baby when switching from one breast to the other. Some babies will naturally pause and take a break, which gives you a perfect chance to try a burping position. If your baby is feeding well and seems content, you can wait until the end of the session to try burping them.

Pay attention to your baby’s behavior. If they pull away from the breast or bottle, squirm, or seem unsettled, they might need to burp. Trust your instincts — you’ll start to learn your baby’s cues over time.

How to Burp a Newborn: Tried-and-True Techniques

There are a few common burping positions that work well for most newborns. The key is to support your baby’s head and neck while gently patting or rubbing their back. Here are three popular methods to try:

1. Over-the-Shoulder: Hold your baby upright against your shoulder, supporting their head with one hand. Use the other hand to gently pat or rub their back in a circular motion. This position works well for babies who like being held upright.
2. Sitting on Your Lap: Sit your baby upright on your lap, leaning slightly forward. Use one hand to support their chest and chin (never the neck), and the other to gently pat their back. This gives them a bit more space to move and can help them feel secure.
3. Lying Across Your Lap: Lay your baby face-down across your lap, making sure their head is slightly higher than their body. Support their head with one hand and gently pat their back with the other. This can be a good option if your baby doesn’t like being held upright.

Try each position and see what works best for your baby. Some might prefer one over the others, and that’s perfectly normal. You can also switch between them during a single burping session if needed.

Tips for Successful Burping

Burping might seem straightforward, but a few small tricks can make it easier and more effective. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

• Keep a burp cloth handy: Babies often spit up a little when they burp, so having a clean cloth nearby can save you from surprises.
• Be gentle but firm: Light tapping or rubbing usually works best. If your baby doesn’t burp right away, don’t worry — sometimes it takes a few minutes.
• Try different angles: Tilting your baby slightly forward can help the air rise to the top of their stomach, making it easier to release.
• Give it a few minutes: You don’t need to spend too long burping your baby, but a minute or two is usually a good start. If they seem relaxed and happy, you can stop.

Also, keep in mind that some babies might not need to burp every time. If your little one is content after feeding and doesn’t show any signs of discomfort, it’s okay to skip the burping step.

What If Baby Won’t Burp?

It’s totally normal for some babies to have trouble burping — or not burp at all. If your baby doesn’t seem to burp after a few minutes of trying, don’t worry. You can put them down and watch for any signs of discomfort. If they seem happy and content, they probably don’t need to burp.

However, if your baby is fussy, squirming, or spitting up often, they might have trapped gas that’s making them uncomfortable. In that case, you can try again in a few minutes or try a different burping position. Sometimes changing your baby’s position or letting them lie on their back for a bit can help the air move around and come out more easily.

If burping continues to be a struggle or if your baby seems consistently uncomfortable after feedings, it might be worth talking to your pediatrician. They can help rule out any underlying issues and give you personalized advice based on your baby’s needs.

When to Stop Burping

Most babies outgrow the need for burping by around 4 to 6 months of age. At this point, they’re better at swallowing without taking in too much air, and their digestive systems are more mature. If your baby starts showing signs that they no longer need to be burped — like not burping during or after feeds and staying comfortable — it’s okay to stop the practice.

Still, it’s a good idea to watch for any signs of discomfort, especially if your baby starts eating solid foods or changes formulas. Every baby is different, and some may still benefit from a gentle burp after meals even past the 6-month mark.

The key is to stay attuned to your baby’s behavior and adjust your routine as they grow. If they seem happy and are feeding well, you can slowly phase out burping and focus on other ways to support their development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all babies need to be burped?

Not every baby needs to be burped after every feeding. Some babies swallow less air and may not need help releasing gas as often. If your baby is content and doesn’t show signs of discomfort, it’s okay to skip burping sometimes.

What if my baby falls asleep while feeding?

If your baby falls asleep mid-feeding, try burping them before laying them down. Even if they don’t burp right away, sitting them up gently for a minute or two can help prevent trapped air from settling in their stomach.

Can burping help with colic?

While burping won’t cure colic, it can help relieve some of the discomfort associated with gas. Colic is often caused by a combination of factors, so if your baby is crying for long periods and seems very fussy, it’s a good idea to talk with your pediatrician.

For more information on newborn care, you can visit HealthyChildren.org and check out their resources on feeding and burping.

If you're looking for more helpful tips on feeding and caring for your baby, Learn more about feeding basics on our site.