How to Burp a Newborn: 3 Best Positions | Parenting Hub
Three simple burping positions for newborns, when wind matters (and when it doesn't), and signs of trapped wind vs reflux.
Most newborns swallow some air when they feed — but not every feed needs a long burping session. Three positions that work and how to know if wind is really the problem.
When to burp
Babies swallow more air during bottle feeds and during fast let-downs in the breast, so they're more likely to need a burp. A good rule: burp halfway through a feed (when you switch sides or after the first 60–80ml of a bottle) and once at the end.
If your baby pulls off, frowns or starts squirming mid-feed, that's often a sign they want to bring up wind. If they finish a feed calmly and fall asleep, you don't have to wake them just to burp.
Three burping positions to try
Give each one a couple of minutes before switching.
- Over the shoulder — baby's chin resting on your shoulder, one hand supporting their bottom, the other patting or rubbing in slow upward strokes between their shoulder blades.
- Sitting on your lap — support baby's chin and chest with one hand (thumb and finger on either side of the jaw, not on the throat), lean them gently forward, and rub their back with the other.
- Tummy across your lap — lie baby across your knees on their tummy, head turned to one side, and rub their back.
Trapped wind vs reflux vs colic
Trapped wind tends to ease quickly with movement and burping, often with a satisfying burp or fart. Reflux is when stomach contents come back up the food pipe — your baby may bring up milk often (silent or visible), arch their back during feeds and seem uncomfortable when lying flat.
If feeding is consistently distressing, your baby is losing weight, refusing feeds, has blood in their vomit or stools, or has a wet, persistent cough, see your GP.
When to seek help
- Forceful, projectile vomiting after most feeds
- Blood or bright green colour in vomit
- Refusing feeds or poor weight gain
- Persistent wet cough or breath-holding episodes during feeds
Common questions
How long should I burp a newborn for?
Two to five minutes is usually enough. If nothing comes up and your baby is settled, that's fine — they didn't need to burp.
Do breastfed babies need to be burped?
Some do, some don't. Breastfed babies generally swallow less air. Offer a burp at the end of the feed; if nothing comes up after a couple of minutes, move on.
Why does my baby cry when I lie them down after a feed?
It's usually trapped wind or reflux. Try keeping baby upright on your chest for 15–20 minutes after feeds, and offer a burp before lying them down.