You are getting the hang of bottle or breastfeeding (kind of?), and now someone has thrown this at you: “Don’t forget to burp the baby!” So, why do babies need to be burped? How often do you have to do it? What if they don’t burp? Are there burping positions, even? Here’s what you need to know about baby burping: the how, the when, the tips, the tricks.
Why Do You Even Need to Burp a Baby?
Whenever babies are nursing or bottle-feeding, they tend to gulp a lot of air along with their milk. And unlike us adults, they are not yet skilled at releasing that air naturally (aka burping it out themselves). If that air stays trapped in their tiny tummies, it can cause discomfort, fussiness, gassiness, and sometimes even spit-up or colic-like crying. So, your job is to help them out.
You are helping them get that trapped air bubble up and out so they can feel good and eat more comfortably. Pretty cool, right, and to help you in that, you can take the help of Nintara Baby’s burp cloths which are made from 100% cotton muslin.
How Often Should You Burp Your Baby?
There’s no single rule that fits all. But here are some general guidelines to keep in mind: If you are breastfeeding, then try burping when switching from one breast to the other and of course, give it a go after the feed. If you are bottle feeding, aim to burp your baby about halfway through the bottle and again at the end.
Watch for clues such as some babies need more frequent burping, especially if they are gassy or tend to gulp down milk quickly. Look out for signs like squirming, pulling away from the nipple, or fussiness mid-feed. That’s your cue to pause and burp. You should usually burp the baby for about 5-7 minutes. If nothing happens by then, your baby may not need to burp.
If babies fall asleep mid-feed, gently try to burp them while keeping them upright. If nothing comes out and they seem peaceful, it’s okay to let them sleep.
The Best Burping Positions
You might need to try a few to figure out what works best for your little one. Here are the classics:
1. Over-the-Shoulder
This one’s the go-to for a reason.
How to do it:
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Hold your baby upright with their chin resting on your shoulder.
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Use one hand to support their bottom and the other to gently pat or rub their back.
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You might want to put a Nintara Baby burp cloth over your shoulder unless you enjoy wearing milk spit-up (trust me, you don’t).
Why it works: Gravity helps the air bubble rise, and their body is naturally curled into a good position for releasing it.
2. Sitting Up on Your Lap
This one’s great for babies with good neck control (but you can do it gently with younger ones too).
How to do it:
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Sit your baby on your lap, facing sideways.
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Support their chest and head with one hand by cupping your hand under their chin (not throat!).
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Lean them slightly forward and gently pat or rub their back with your other hand.
Why it works: You are giving their tummy a slight press while keeping their airways open.
3. Lying Face Down on Your Lap (Tummy Time Style)
Sometimes babies just respond better when they are horizontal.
How to do it:
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Lay your baby face-down across your knees.
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Support their head so it’s turned to one side and slightly elevated above their chest.
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Pat or rub their back gently.
Why it works: The pressure on their tummy helps push the air bubble out.
Tips to Make Burping Easier
Here are some tips to keep in your burping toolkit:
Be Gentle: You don’t need to pat your baby like a drum. Think soft, rhythmic pats or upward rubbing motions. Sometimes a gentle rub works better than a pat.
Be Patient: Some babies burp within seconds. Others take a while. If nothing happens after a few minutes, it’s okay to move on. Just try again a little later.
Watch for a Spit-Up: Spit-up is totally normal. Just have a burp cloth, bib, or even a towel handy—especially if your baby tends to be a “happy spitter.”
Don’t Panic if They Don’t Burp: Honestly, some babies are just not big burpers. As long as your baby seems comfortable, isn’t overly gassy or fussy, and is gaining weight, you are probably fine. You don’t have to stress over every missed burp.
Night Feeds: Do You Still Need to Burp?
The 3 a.m. question. When your baby feeds in the middle of the night, burping them might feel like a Herculean task. Should you do it?
If your baby tends to get gassy or wake up crying from trapped air then yes, still burp them. But try doing it gently and with minimal stimulation (dim lights, quiet voice, no bouncing around). You want to help them burp and go right back to sleep.
What If My Baby Still Seems Gassy?
Even after burping, if your little one is still fussy or squirmy, try:
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A gentle tummy massage
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Bicycle leg movements (move their legs in a cycling motion to help move gas along)
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A warm bath
And don’t forget: if your baby seems really uncomfortable, is spitting up excessively, or you suspect something’s off, definitely check in with your paediatrician.
Burping sounds like such a small thing, but when you are sleep-deprived and learning everything from scratch, even the little stuff can feel like a big mystery. Dear Mama, you are doing great, and your baby is lucky to have someone who cares enough to read a whole blog about burping.
Next time someone tells you to burp the baby, you can smile and say, “Oh yeah, I got this.” Every super mama needs a weapon in her armoury, and here’s where Nintara Baby helps you with its range of offerings, which every mama and baby will absolutely love. If you want to give a fellow mama a thoughtful present, Nintara Baby’s gift box is the most useful gift that will delight them. Get hold of the box now!
