Burping Newborns: How Long Should They Nurse For?

Burping a newborn is an important part of the feeding process. When a baby swallows air during feeding, it can get trapped in their stomach and cause discomfort. This can lead to the baby crying or being fussy, and it can also make them feel full when they are not. To prevent this, parents should burp their babies regularly, both during and after feedings. There is no specific length of time for burping, but it is recommended to do it frequently throughout feeds, even if the baby doesn't seem to need it. This is because waiting until after a feed may mean the baby has swallowed too much air and is fussier.

How to burp a newborn

Burping your baby is an important part of feeding. When your baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in their tummy, causing discomfort and making them feel full when they aren't. Burping helps to get rid of some of this air and can prevent spitting up.

When to Burp Your Baby

There are no rules on when to burp your baby. Some babies need to be burped during their feed, while others need to be burped after. Look for clues—if your baby seems uncomfortable while feeding, take a burping break. If they seem fine, wait until they've finished. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends burping your baby regularly during and after feeds, even if they don't show signs of discomfort.

How to Burp Your Baby

There are a few different positions you can try to burp your baby. You may need to experiment to find the most comfortable and effective method for you and your baby.

• Over your shoulder: Hold your baby upright against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support your baby with one hand and gently pat their back with the other. You can also try tapping or rubbing your fingertips across their shoulder blades.
• Sitting on your lap: Sit your baby on your lap facing away from you. Place your hand flat against their chest and support their chin and jaw, being careful not to put any pressure on the throat. Lean your baby slightly forward and gently pat or rub their back with your free hand.
• Lying across your lap: Lie your baby across your lap face down. Support their chin without putting pressure on the throat and gently pat or rub their back.

If your baby won't burp, try changing their position. You can also try laying your baby on their back and gently massaging their tummy, or moving their legs back and forth like they're riding a bicycle.

Tips for Burping Your Baby

• Use repeated gentle pats on your baby's back.
• Cup your hand slightly when patting, as this is gentler than a flattened palm.
• Drape a towel or bib over your lap or shoulder to protect your clothing in case your baby spits up.
• If your baby is taking a long time to burp, try stopping and letting them lie on your lap for a minute before trying again.
• If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or spits up frequently, try burping them more regularly—after every ounce during bottle-feeding or every five minutes during breastfeeding.

How often to burp a newborn

Burping a baby is an important part of feeding. When a baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in their tummy, causing discomfort and a feeling of fullness. Burping helps to release these gas bubbles, relieving pain and preventing spitting up.

There are no rules on how often to burp a newborn. Some babies need to be burped during their feed, while others need to be burped after. Some babies may find it easier to burp than others. As a general rule, it is recommended to burp a baby frequently throughout feeds, even when it doesn't seem like they need to be burped. This is because waiting until after a feed may mean the baby has swallowed too much air and is fussier.

If bottle-feeding, burp the baby after every 2 to 3 ounces of milk. If breastfeeding, burp the baby each time they switch breasts. Some breastfed babies may not need to be burped as often, as they may not swallow as much air. If your baby is feeding well and actively sucking and swallowing, there is no need to stop for a burp. Wait until they stop on their own, then burp them.

If your baby is showing signs of discomfort, such as pulling their legs up to their belly, crying, an arched back, clenched fists, or frequent spitting up, you may want to burp them more regularly. For example, after every ounce of milk during bottle-feeding or every 5 minutes during breastfeeding.

If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, you can try changing their position. You can also try laying the baby down on their back and gently massaging their tummy, or moving their legs back and forth as if they are riding a bicycle.

Signs your newborn needs to be burped

While there is some debate about the benefits of burping a baby, it is a common practice and important part of feeding a baby to prevent discomfort.

Crying

If your baby is crying during or after feeding, this could be a sign of trapped gas. Crying is a common sign of discomfort and a signal that your baby may need to be burped.

Body Language

Look out for body language cues such as an arched back, drawing their legs into their tummy, or clenching their fists. These are all signs of trapped wind and an indication that your baby may need to be burped.

Fussiness

If your baby seems fussy or uncomfortable during feeding, this could be a sign that they need to burp. Stop feeding, burp your baby, and then try feeding again.

Spitting Up

Babies who swallow too much air during feeding may spit up or have a "wet burp". This can be prevented by burping your baby regularly during and after feeding.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux (GER), it is recommended to burp them every ounce during bottle-feeding or every 5 minutes during breastfeeding. This can help to reduce discomfort and prevent milk from coming back up.

Techniques to burp a newborn

Burping your baby is an important part of their feeding routine. When your baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in their tummy, causing discomfort and gassiness. Burping helps to relieve the pain and prevent spitting up. Here are some techniques to try:

Over the Shoulder

Hold your baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder. Support the head and shoulder area with one hand, and gently rub and pat their back with your other hand. Cupping your hand slightly is gentler than using a flattened palm. It might help to walk around while doing this.

Sitting on Your Lap

Sit your baby on your lap facing away from you. Place your hand flat against their chest and support their chin and jaw, being careful not to put any pressure on the throat area. Lean your baby slightly forward and gently rub or pat their back with your free hand.

Lying Across Your Lap

Lie your baby across your lap, face down. Support their chin without putting pressure on the throat area, and gently rub or pat their back with your free hand. Keep a cloth nearby in case your baby spits up.

Lying on Their Back

If your baby still shows signs of trapped gas, try lying them on their back and gently massaging their tummy. You can also move their legs back and forth as if they are riding a bicycle.

Remember, there are no rules on when to burp your baby. Some babies need to be burped during their feed, while others need it afterward. Look for clues—if your baby seems uncomfortable while feeding, take a burping break. If they seem fine, you can wait until they've finished.

When to stop burping a newborn

Burping a baby is an important part of the feeding routine. When a baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in their stomach, causing discomfort and a feeling of fullness. Burping helps to release these gas bubbles, relieving pain and preventing spit-up.

There are no hard and fast rules about when to burp a baby. Some babies need to be burped during their feed, while others need it after. It's important to look for clues—if your baby seems uncomfortable, take a burping break. If they seem fine, you can wait until they've finished feeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends burping your baby regularly during and after feeds, even if they don't show signs of discomfort. It's a good idea to burp newborns after they're done feeding, too. If you're breastfeeding, burp your baby each time they switch breasts. For bottle-feeding, burp between every 2 to 3 ounces for newborns up to 6 months old.

There is no specific length of time needed for burping, but it's important to do it frequently throughout feeds. Waiting until after a feed may mean your baby has swallowed too much air and is fussier. It's better to stop feeding every so often to burp your baby.

As your baby gets older, you won't need to burp them as often. Their digestive system will mature, and you'll likely notice a change around 4 to 6 months when they start eating solid food. However, if you still notice your baby is gassy, continue with burping and other gas-relief techniques until you feel they aren't needed.

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