How to burp a newborn: our top baby burping tips

Feedings are a very special time spent with a new baby. As well as the sense of closeness and connectedness it brings, learning the ins and outs of feeding for the first time can come with many questions, including how to burp a newborn baby.

Burping a newborn is not always as simple as patting a baby’s back. There are ways to burp a baby to ensure that he or she is properly getting all of their gas out. This article will address the essential information on how to burp a baby including:

• How to burp a newborn
• How long to burp a baby
• Top 3 positions and best ways to burp a newborn
• Tips to help relieve your baby’s wind and make burping a newborn easier.
  

So, let’s get started. Read on to discover everything you need to know to successfully implement different ways to burp a baby and get rid of that inevitable newborn wind.

Always seek a second professional opinion if you have any remaining questions or concerns. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to the health and safety of your baby.

Why do you need to know how to burp a baby?

First thing’s first: why do newborn babies need to burp in the first place? There are a few key reasons why you need to know how to make a baby burp including:

• When babies feed, they tend to swallow air.
  
• Burping helps to alleviate the gas in their bellies from swallowing this air.
  
• Burping your baby can help prevent colic, crankiness, and gassiness.
  
• Burping a baby frequently can help to avoid spitting up.

How to burp a newborn

We’ve covered why burping is important, so now let’s look at the two super simple steps to get your baby burping:

1. You should start by cupping your hand.
   
2. Gently pat your baby’s back repeatedly until they let out a burp.

Tip: Always cup your hand to ensure that the patting is gentle enough for the baby, as opposed to patting with a flat palm.

How long should you be burping a newborn?

When it comes to knowing how long to burp a baby, it’s up to the newborn! As a general rule, take note of the following baby burping tips:

• Burping your baby shouldn’t take very long – usually only a few minutes.
  
• For the first six months or so, the baby should be held in an upright position for 10 to 15 minutes after feeding.

Tip: Keeping your baby upright will help them to keep the milk down, but parents shouldn’t be too concerned if their baby does spit up sometimes! That’s when the burping towel or muslin comes in handy.

The different ways to burp a baby

Every baby is unique and there really isn’t one best way to burp a newborn. A good place to start is with the following three ways to burp a baby: ¹²

1. Sitting upright with baby on chest

In this position, you rest the baby’s chin on your shoulder and support their back with one hand. With the other hand, gently pat the baby’s back. This position is best done in a rocking chair or while gently rocking the baby.

2. Holding baby upright on lap or knee

Using one hand, support the baby’s back and head by cradling the chin and resting your palm on their chest. As you gently support the baby’s chin and chest, use your other hand to pat the back.

Safety tip: Take caution to not grip the throat, but rather gently hold the chin.

3. Holding baby belly-side down on lap

Another option is to lay your baby down on their belly across your lap. Ensure that the head is higher than the chest and gently pat the baby’s back until they burp.

So, now you know how to burp a newborn baby, let’s move on to some top baby burping tips to ensure you not only use the correct method but also reduce the risk of a fussy, gassy baby after feeding.

Our baby burping tips

From how long to burp a baby, to using the right bottle, here are some of our tips on how to get the most out of burping a newborn: ¹²

• Burp during feedings in addition to after they’ve finished.
  In addition to burping after feedings, parents may choose to burp their baby during feedings if they seem fussy or gassy. When bottle feeding, burp your newborn every 50ml to 90ml, while for breastfeeding, burp between each breast alternation.
  
• Burp an extra-gassy baby more often.
  If a baby is on the gassier side, spits up a lot, or has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should aim to follow the steps for how to burp a baby for every ounce for bottle feeding and every five minutes for breastfeeding.
  
• Minimise the amount of air swallowed.
  Gassiness and spitting up come from when babies swallow air during feedings. While swallowing some air is inevitable, there are ways to prevent an excessive amount from being swallowed such as utilising the right bottle and teat, and changing up the feeding position.
  
• Get to know your baby’s routine.
  Your baby’s suck, swallow, breathe drinking pattern will change with age. As they get older, they will feed for much longer before needing a break. You can figure out your baby’s stage by listening, counting, and watching. This will help you understand when they need to burp.
  
• Invest in the right bottle for you and your baby.
  With the Philips Avent Natural Response Bottle, your baby controls the pace of their feed, maintaining their own drinking rhythm. The soft, flexible breast-shaped teat only releases milk when your baby actively drinks, helping your baby to experience a calm and comfortable feed. Check out our guide to find the right bottle for you and your baby.

Struggling with a baby that won’t burp?

If you’re still finding your baby won’t burp after following our list of tips, we suggest speaking to your health visitor or reading some of the official NHS advice.

Feeding is a wonderful moment for parents to bond with their baby. Every baby and mother is different, which is why it can take time and practice to discover the best way to burp a newborn baby.

Now you have all our baby burping tips at hand, from how long to burp a newborn to the three top positions for burping. By following the right steps for how to burp a baby, you can be sure your little one is gas-free and comfortable as can be.