Burping your baby is one of the simplest ways to relieve wind and ease their discomfort. It’s also one of the most essential! During feeds, babies naturally swallow air. If it’s not released, that air can get trapped in their tummy and cause gas pain, fussiness, or spit-up.
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding, understanding how and when to burp can help keep your baby more comfortable after feeds. Below, we explain the best ways to burp a baby, including techniques for those more difficult-to-burp moments.
Why Do Babies Need to Be Burped?
Babies often swallow air while feeding, especially if they’re feeding quickly, crying while feeding, or using a bottle with a fast-flow teat. This swallowed air can build up in the stomach and intestines, leading to bloating, gas pain, or reflux.
Some babies are more prone to wind than others. Premature babies, babies with reflux, or those who are particularly sensitive feeders may need to be burped more frequently to help avoid trapped wind.
When & How Often Should You Burp a Baby?
A good rule of thumb is to burp your baby:
- Halfway through a feed, especially if bottle feeding
- At the end of a feed, regardless of feeding method
- Whenever they pause during feeding, or appear fussy
You may notice signs like squirming, pulling off the breast or bottle, or clenching their fists. These actions can signal the need for a break and a burp.
Some babies will let out a burp quickly, whilst others may need a few minutes of gentle encouragement.
5 Effective Burping Positions to Try
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to burping your baby. If one position isn’t working, try another. Here are five parent-tested options:
Over the Shoulder
Hold your baby upright with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support them with one hand while gently patting or rubbing their back with the other.
This is a great option after night feeds as it also allows your baby to rest quietly on you while wind rises.
Sitting Upright on Your Lap
Sit your baby on your lap, facing sideways or slightly forward. Support their chest and head with one hand (keeping their chin off their chest), and gently pat or rub their back with the other.
This upright position can be particularly helpful for babies with reflux.
Lying Across Your Lap (Tummy Down)
Lay your baby tummy-down across your knees, with their head slightly elevated and supported. Pat or rub their back gently.
The pressure on their tummy may help release gas more easily.
Face Down on Your Arm
Place your baby belly-down along your forearm, supporting their head in the crook of your elbow and their legs straddling your wrist. This “tiger in the tree” style hold works similarly to tummy time, and many parents find it helps soothe a windy baby.
Walking Hold (Gently Upright in Arms)
Hold your baby upright against your chest or shoulder, and walk slowly around the room. The gentle movement may help ease wind, especially if your baby is unsettled after feeds.
What About Hard-to-Burp Babies?
For whatever reason (or lack of one), some babies just don’t burp easily.
If you’re struggling to get a burp out:
- Try a different position. A change in angle can make all the difference.
- Take a break. If baby is unsettled, pause and try again a few minutes later.
- Use gentle techniques. Light back pats or upward strokes from the lower back to the shoulders can help.
If your baby still doesn’t burp, keep them upright for 15–20 minutes and watch for signs of wind. Sometimes the gas will pass on its own, perhaps just a little later.
Do Breastfed Babies Need to Be Burped?
Yes. Although breastfed babies often swallow less air than bottle-fed babies, they can still benefit from burping. This is especially true if:
- They’re gulping milk due to a fast let-down
- They break suction often during feeds
- They seem unsettled or gassy after nursing
It’s worth experimenting with different breastfeeding positions and burping intervals to see what works best for you and your baby.
When Do Babies Grow Out of Needing to Be Burped?
Most babies no longer need help with burping around 4 to 6 months of age, as their digestive systems mature and they become more mobile.
You may notice that your baby starts to burp on their own or show fewer signs of discomfort after feeds. Until then, burping is still a helpful part of your feeding routine.
What if Baby Doesn’t Burp?
Not every baby will burp every time, and that’s okay!
If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, hold them upright against your chest or shoulder for 15–20 minutes. The upright position can help gas rise naturally, and sometimes a burp will sneak out later on its own.
Just watch for signs of trapped wind later. These include fussiness, a tight tummy, or difficulty settling.
Could It Be More Than Wind?
If your baby seems consistently unsettled, cries for hours each day, or struggles to sleep even after winding, it could be more than just wind.
Read about the signs your baby might have colic, or contact us for more support.
Final Thoughts
Winding your baby can take time and patience, especially when you’re sleep-deprived and trying everything to keep them comfortable. Remember, you’re doing a great job.
Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support relief from wind, bloating, and digestive discomfort in babies. It’s alcohol-free, sugar-free, and suitable from birth.
Explore our Colic & Wind Oral Liquid
Contact us if you have questions or explore the signs your baby might have colic.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
