How to Burp your Baby

Why do babies need to burp? Babies swallow air while both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. The trapped gas becomes stuck in their little tummies and needs to be released because it can be extremely painful for them, and quite an earful for you.

The best time to burp your baby is in the middle of their feed or just after. If your baby falls asleep during their feed, or after, and you didn’t get the chance to burp them, don’t worry, not all babies need to burp before falling asleep.

Burping a breastfed baby isn’t always necessary after every feed, as these babies tend to swallow less air than bottle-fed babies. You will know if they need burping because there will be a lot of squirming and fussing going on.

How to make your baby burp

To help your baby bring up the trapped wind, focus on the left side of their back, which is where their stomach is located. Gently rub/pat/massage until you hear a burp and they’re happy again.

You will probably try a few different ways to see which one your baby likes best. Here are some baby burping positions that work:

Over your shoulder

Hold your baby upright against your shoulder with one hand under their bottom. Gently pat their back with your free hand.

Lying across your lap

Place your baby face-down across your lap (their tummy will be on one of your legs, with their head on the other, turned sideways). With one hand securely holding your baby, pat or rub their back with the other.

Sitting on your lap

Sit your baby forward on your lap, with one hand spread over their chest, while supporting your baby’s chin in between your thumb and forefinger. Gently pat their back with your other hand.

How long to burp your baby

Once you find the easiest way for your baby to burp it will usually only take a few minutes. After that try, if you can, to keep them upright for the next 20 to 30 minutes, especially if they are prone to reflux.

Burping older babies

Once your baby is a little older and has better head control, another way to burp them is by holding them upright in front of you, facing out, whilst you take a little stroll. Make sure you have one hand under their bottom and the other arm putting slight pressure on their tummy. The motion of you walking and the slight pressure will help them burp.

When do you stop burping a baby?

When they are 2 months old they are more likely to burp on their own. At around 4 to 6 months they have stronger neck and stomach muscles that stop them from swallowing so much air.

When to seek further support

Burping is a normal part of babies feeding, and you will soon find what works for you and your baby. But if your baby shows signs of gas pains, like crying or seeming uncomfortable after feeding, speak to a health visitor or healthcare professional for advice.

For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parents Support Hub.