Learning how to burp a newborn is one of those essential parenting skills that nobody tells you about until you’re elbow-deep in spit-up and wondering if you’re doing it right. The truth is, burping your baby isn’t rocket science, but there’s definitely a technique to it—and when you nail it, you’ll see the difference in how comfortable your little one feels after feeding.
Table of Contents
Why Burp Your Newborn
When your baby feeds—whether breast or bottle—they swallow air along with milk. That trapped air creates gas bubbles in their stomach and digestive tract, which can cause discomfort, bloating, and fussiness. Burping releases those air pockets, making your baby feel better and helping them sleep more soundly after meals. Think of it like shaking a soda bottle—you’ve got to let that pressure out or it’ll cause problems.
Newborns can’t burp on their own, so it’s your job to help them out. A good burp session takes just a few minutes but can make the difference between a content baby and one who’s squirming and crying an hour after feeding.
Best Burping Positions
There’s no single “right” way to burp a baby—every kid is different. Some babies burp easily in one position while barely making a peep in another. The key is having several techniques in your arsenal so you can adapt to what works for your little one. Most parents find success with four main positions, each with its own advantages depending on your baby’s size, mood, and feeding method.
Shoulder Hold Method
This is the classic burping position and probably what you picture when you think of burping a baby. Hold your newborn upright against your shoulder with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support their bottom with one hand and use your other hand to gently pat or rub their back in circular motions. The upright position lets gravity do some of the work, helping air bubbles rise naturally toward the esophagus.
Start with gentle pats and increase pressure gradually until you find the sweet spot—firm enough to dislodge air but not so hard you’re smacking them. Most babies burp within 30 seconds to a minute using this method. If nothing happens after a couple of minutes, try one of the other positions. Pro tip: drape a burp cloth over your shoulder first unless you enjoy wearing regurgitated milk as cologne.
Lap Burping Technique
Sit on a chair or couch and place your baby face-down across your lap, with their head supported by one of your hands and their torso angled slightly downward. Use your other hand to pat or rub their back using the same gentle-to-firm pressure you’d use in the shoulder position. This method works great when you’re tired and don’t want to hold your baby upright, plus it gives you good access to their back for patting.
The slight downward angle actually helps with burping because it creates a natural pathway for air to escape. Some babies prefer this position because they can see what’s going on around them rather than having their face buried in your shoulder.
Seated Hold Method
Sit your baby upright on your lap, facing away from you, with one hand supporting their chest and chin while your other hand pats their back. This is especially useful for slightly older newborns (3+ months) who can hold their head up better. The upright position maximizes gravity’s help, and your baby gets a good view of the room, which can be entertaining if they’re getting fussy.
Be careful to support their head and neck adequately—newborns still have pretty weak neck muscles, so don’t let them flop around. If your baby seems uncomfortable in this position, switch back to the shoulder or lap method.
Side Lying Position
Lay your baby on their side across your lap or on a flat surface like a changing table, with their head slightly elevated and supported. Gently rub and pat their back using slow, circular motions. This position is gentler than the others and works well for babies who seem uncomfortable or colicky. It’s also useful when you’re burping between sides during breastfeeding, since you can keep your baby in a more relaxed state.
The downside is that gravity isn’t helping as much, so burping might take longer. This position is best used as a secondary method if the upright positions aren’t working.
Timing and Frequency
Most parents burp their baby after each feeding, but the exact timing depends on how your baby feeds. If you’re bottle feeding, burp your baby halfway through the bottle and again at the end. If you’re breastfeeding, burp them when you switch sides and after they’re done nursing. Some babies need burping after just a few minutes of feeding, while others might not burp for several minutes.
Don’t stress if your baby doesn’t burp every time. Not every feeding produces a burpable air bubble, and that’s completely normal. If you’ve tried for 2-3 minutes without success, move on. Forcing the issue won’t help and will just frustrate both of you. You might also consider how your daily routine affects feeding patterns—stress and timing matter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake parents make is patting too hard. Your baby’s back is delicate, and aggressive patting won’t make them burp faster—it’ll just make them uncomfortable or startled. Use firm but gentle pressure, like you’re trying to wake someone up with a light knock, not like you’re trying to dislodge something from their back.
Another common error is giving up too quickly. Some babies take 30 seconds to burp, while others need 2-3 minutes. Give each position at least a minute before switching. Also, don’t burp your baby while they’re lying flat on their back—gravity works against you, and they might spit up directly into their face.
Finally, avoid burping right before putting your baby down to sleep. Burping can sometimes stimulate your baby and make them more awake, so do it while they’re still alert. If you burp them right before sleep, you might end up with a wide-awake baby when you were hoping for a nap.
When Burping Stops Working
Around 4-6 months, many babies become more efficient at managing air intake and may not need burping as often. By 6-9 months, most babies can burp themselves or don’t swallow as much air during feeding. You’ll notice your baby isn’t burping as easily or frequently—that’s your signal to scale back. Some babies continue needing burping longer than others, so follow your baby’s lead rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
If your baby suddenly stops burping after previously burping regularly, and they seem uncomfortable or fussy, talk to your pediatrician. Sometimes changes in feeding patterns or digestion warrant professional input. Also, if you’re wondering about other daily routines, you might find it helpful to understand timing in other areas—like how cooking times work, which involves similar precision thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I burp my newborn?
Most babies burp within 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If nothing happens after 2-3 minutes of trying different positions, your baby probably doesn’t have a burpable air bubble. Move on and don’t stress about it. Forcing the issue won’t help and wastes everyone’s time.
Is it okay if my baby doesn’t burp?
Yes, absolutely. Not every feeding produces a burpable air bubble, especially as your baby gets older. If your baby seems comfortable and isn’t fussy, they don’t need to burp. Trust your instincts and your baby’s behavior rather than forcing a burp that isn’t there.
Can I burp my baby while they’re sleeping?
You can gently try, but sleeping babies are often relaxed enough that air bubbles come up more easily on their own. If burping wakes them up and they seem uncomfortable, try one of the gentler positions like the side-lying method. Otherwise, let them sleep—comfort matters more than getting a burp.
What if my baby spits up during burping?
Spit-up is completely normal and happens to every parent. That’s why burp cloths exist. If it happens frequently, you might be burping too vigorously, feeding too much at once, or burping right before laying them down. Adjust your technique and timing based on what you observe.
Does burping help with colic?
Burping can help reduce gas-related discomfort, which might ease some colic symptoms. However, colic has multiple causes, and burping alone won’t solve it. If your baby seems excessively uncomfortable or cries inconsolably, talk to your pediatrician about other strategies and potential underlying issues.
When should I stop burping my baby?
Most babies stop needing regular burping between 4-9 months as they become more efficient at managing air intake. Watch for signs that burping is becoming less effective—your baby isn’t burping as easily or frequently. When that happens, you can gradually reduce burping sessions. Every baby is different, so follow your individual child’s development rather than a strict timeline.
Is there a difference between burping bottle-fed and breastfed babies?
Bottle-fed babies typically swallow more air because they’re feeding from a rigid bottle, so they often need burping more frequently. Breastfed babies may swallow less air, but many still benefit from burping between sides and after feeding. The technique is the same—only the frequency might differ.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to burp a newborn is a simple skill that makes a real difference in your baby’s comfort. Start with the shoulder hold position since it’s easiest and most effective for most babies. If that doesn’t work, try the lap or seated positions. Keep your touch gentle but firm, give each position a fair chance, and don’t stress if your baby doesn’t burp every time.
Remember that burping is just one small piece of the parenting puzzle. You’ll develop instincts about what your baby needs, and burping will become second nature within a few weeks. Every baby is unique, so what works for someone else’s newborn might not work for yours—and that’s perfectly fine. Trust yourself, stay patient, and don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding or digestion. Just like learning to maintain household equipment takes practice, parenting skills improve with time and experience.
For additional parenting guidance, check out resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which provides evidence-based information on infant care and development. You can also consult Mayo Clinic’s infant health section for comprehensive feeding and digestion information. Finally, Healthy Children offers parent-friendly guidance on newborn care from pediatric experts.
