Why Do Babies Need to Be Burped?

When babies drink milk whether from breast or bottle, they swallow air along with it. That extra air can get trapped in their tiny tummies, causing pressure and discomfort. Since newborns’ digestive systems are still developing, they need help releasing this trapped air.

Burping helps to:

• Relieve discomfort: Releasing swallowed air prevents gas buildup that can make babies fussy.

• Encourage better feeding: If air takes up space in the stomach, your baby may stop eating early. Burping creates more room for milk.

• Reduce spit-ups and reflux: While it won’t prevent all spit-ups, burping can minimize how often it happens.

• Promote bonding: Burping is a quiet pause during feeding that gives you time to cuddle and connect with your baby.

When Should You Burp a Newborn?

• Breastfed babies: Often after switching breasts or at the end of a feeding.

• Bottle-fed babies: Every 2–3 ounces and at the end of the feed.

• Watch baby’s cues: If your baby pulls away, gets fussy, or stops feeding suddenly, it may be time to burp.

How to Burp Your Baby

Here are three gentle and effective positions you can try:

1. Over the Shoulder – Hold baby upright against your chest, chin resting on your shoulder. Support the head and gently pat or rub the back.

2. Sitting on Your Lap – Sit baby on your lap, slightly leaning forward. Support their chest and chin while you pat their back.

3. Across Your Lap – Lay baby tummy-down across your lap with their head slightly raised. Gently rub or pat their back.

Not every baby burps every time, and that’s okay. As long as your baby seems comfortable and is feeding well, don’t worry if a burp doesn’t happen right away.

Safety Tips

• Always support your baby’s head and neck.

• Never shake a baby to help them burp.

• Keep a cloth handy—sometimes burps bring little surprises!

Final Thoughts

Burping is more than just a routine after feeding—it’s a simple way to keep your baby comfortable, reduce fussiness, and support healthy feeding. With practice, you’ll find the method that works best for your baby (and saves your shoulder from too much spit-up!).

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Burping Your Baby. HealthyChildren.org

• Nemours KidsHealth. Burping Your Baby.

• Mayo Clinic. Infant Feeding: Burping Your Baby.

• Seattle Children’s Hospital. Feeding and Burping Your Baby.