How to Burp a Baby: Techniques and Tips
Burping, which is also referred to as "bringing up wind," is a normal way for the body to release air from the upper digestive system through the mouth. For babies, many people assume it's a practical way of soothing; and for parents, it's an everyday part of the feeding routine.
But do we really need to burp the baby? How do we burp the baby correctly? And can we even save the trouble from the start?
What is Burping?
When babies feed, they can swallow air along with their milk or formula. This happens during both breast and bottle feeding. This air can gather in the stomach and may cause a feeling of fullness or discomfort. A burp is the release of this trapped air. If the air isn't released from the mouth, it passes through the digestive system and is eventually passed as gas from the bottom.
Do I Need to Burp My Baby?
Many parents and caregivers include burping breaks during and after feeding, assuming it relieves discomfort. It's a very common practice. However, it's interesting to note that there is currently no real evidence to prove that burping helps to lower colic or regurgitation rates in babies.
While the medical proof is limited, it is also clear that burping does no harm. Offering a burp break is a positive way to soothe your baby and respond to their needs. Many babies do seem more settled after releasing a burp, and as parents, you also feel you've done something to help.
When Should You Burp Your Baby?
There are no hard and fast rules for when to burp. Some babies need to be burped frequently, while others burp easily on their own. Both breastfed and bottle-fed babies can benefit from a pause during feeds.
You can watch your baby for signs and offer a chance to burp:
The 3 Best Burping Positions
You will work out what works best for your baby, but most babies burp well when held in an upright position. It is common and normal for a small amount of milk (a "wet burp") to come up, so it's helpful to keep a cloth handy.
What If My Baby Won't Burp?
If you have tried to burp your baby for a few minutes without success, they may not need to. If your baby seems happy, relaxed, and comfortable, there is no need to force it.
As babies get older, their digestive systems mature, and they often become more efficient at feeding without swallowing as much air. If your baby seems uncomfortable but a burp won't come, try changing their position. Sometimes, laying them down on their back for a moment and then picking them up again (while supervised) can help shift the air bubble.
How to Minimize Gas and Discomfort from the Start
While burping releases gas, you can also take steps to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows in the first place. This is often related to feeding technique and the right equipment.
When bottle-feeding, hold your baby in a semi-upright position so their head is higher than their stomach. This is the best bottle feeding position for newborns as it uses gravity to help milk settle at the bottom of the stomach while air rises to the top.
For newborn bottle feeding, hold the bottle horizontally (parallel to the floor). This ensures the nipple is full of milk but prevents the milk from flowing too fast, allowing the baby to control the pace and reducing air gulping.
A nipple flow that is too fast can cause a baby to gulp and swallow air. A flow that is too slow can cause them to suck hard and swallow air in frustration. Slow flow bottles for newborns are typically the best starting point.
Many anti colic baby bottles are designed to reduce air ingestion. Look for bottles with venting systems that prevent air from mixing with the milk. For example, Thyseed anti colic bottles feature a bottom air-return system. This design achieves air-liquid separation by allowing air to enter from the base of the bottle as the baby drinks, rather than through the nipple. This reduces the formation of bubbles and the amount of air the baby swallows.
It is important to trust your parental instincts. While most gas and fussiness are normal, contact your doctor if you are worried. You should have your baby checked if:
FAQs about Baby Burping
The "rule of threes" is a common guideline used to identify colic: a healthy baby who cries for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. Colic involves intense, hard-to-soothe crying and is often, though not always, related to gas and digestive discomfort.
For some babies, yes. The act of sucking is naturally soothing and can help calm a fussy baby. Sucking on a pacifier can sometimes help a baby pass gas. However, it's not a universal cure and is one of many soothing techniques to try.
If a baby doesn't burp but seems perfectly happy, content, and drifts off to sleep, there's no need to worry. They may not have swallowed much air. However, if a baby doesn't burp and then becomes fussy, spits up a large amount, or seems uncomfortable, the trapped air is likely the cause. The air will eventually pass through the digestive system, which can be painful as gas.
Overfeeding can be one of many contributing factors to colic-like symptoms. A baby who is overfed may have an overloaded digestive system, leading to discomfort, gas, and spitting up, all of which look very similar to colic. This is one reason why paced bottle feeding is so highly recommended.
Yes, high-quality anti colic baby bottles can make a significant difference for many babies. They work by using special vents, liners, or other systems to ensure the baby swallows milk, not air. By reducing air ingestion, they directly target a common cause of gas and discomfort, making them some of the best bottles for gassy newborns.