How to Burp a Newborn: Techniques That Actually Work

Welcome, new parents! If you're navigating the wonderful, yet sometimes challenging, world of newborn feeding, you've likely encountered the mysterious art of burping. It can feel like a guessing game, can't it? But don't worry, you're not alone. Many parents find themselves wondering if they're doing it right, or why their little one seems so uncomfortable after a feed. The good news is, there are effective techniques that can help release that trapped wind, settle their tummy, and make feeding a more comfortable experience for everyone. We're here to share some tried-and-true methods, approved by experts like IBCLCs, to help you become a burping pro!

Why Burping is So Important for Your Newborn

You might be wondering why all this fuss about burping. Well, when newborns feed, whether from the breast or a bottle, they often swallow air along with their milk. This trapped air can lead to discomfort, distended tummies, fussiness, and even contribute to reflux symptoms. Think of it like drinking a fizzy drink too quickly – that uncomfortable pressure builds up! Releasing this air, through burping, helps your little one feel more settled, reduces gas, and can even improve the quality of their sleep. A comfortable bub is a happy bub, and a happy bub often means a more rested parent!

For bottle-fed babies, ensuring the bottle nipple is correctly sized and angled can also minimise air intake. For breastfed babies, checking their latch with an IBCLC can help reduce swallowed air. Regardless of feeding method, burping is a crucial step in their feeding routine. It's not just about comfort; it's about helping their tiny digestive system work more efficiently.

Over-the-Shoulder Burping: The Classic Go-To

The over-the-shoulder method is a classic for a reason – it's often very effective and surprisingly simple. This position uses gravity to your advantage, helping the air rise and escape.

How to Master the Over-the-Shoulder Burp

To use this technique, gently hold your newborn upright against your chest, with their chin resting on your shoulder. Their tummy should be pressing lightly against your shoulder or upper back. Make sure their head is supported, either by your hand or by resting comfortably on your shoulder.

Once they're in position, gently pat or rub their back. You can use a cupped hand to create a gentle, rhythmic patting motion, starting from their lower back and moving upwards towards their shoulders. Some babies respond better to rubbing, so feel free to experiment. Continue for a few minutes, or until you hear that satisfying burp!

Tips for Success:

• Place a burp cloth over your shoulder – better safe than sorry!
• Ensure your hand is supporting their head and neck at all times.
• Don't be afraid to walk around a little while burping; the gentle movement can sometimes help.
• If no burp comes after a few minutes, try repositioning them or switching to another technique.

Sitting Up Burping: Gentle Pressure for Tiny Tummies

Another highly effective technique, particularly useful as your newborn gains a little more head control, is the sitting-up method. This approach applies gentle pressure to their tummy, aiding in the release of trapped air.

To try this, sit your newborn on your lap, facing away from you. Support their chest and head with one hand, gently leaning them slightly forward. Your hand supporting their chest should be under their chin, ensuring their head doesn't flop forward. With your other hand, gently pat or rub their back, just as you would with the over-the-shoulder method. The slight forward lean and the gentle pressure on their tummy can encourage those stubborn burps to escape.

This technique is great because it allows you to maintain eye contact (if they're facing you slightly) and offers a different angle for air to escape. Remember, patience is key. If you don't hear a burp immediately, continue for a few minutes before trying another position. You can also try gently rotating their torso slightly from side to side while maintaining support, as this can sometimes dislodge air bubbles.

Face-Down Burping: A Soothing Alternative

When other methods aren't quite doing the trick, or if your newborn seems particularly gassy, the face-down burping technique can be a wonderful alternative. This method can also be very soothing for some babies.

To perform this, lay your newborn across your lap on their tummy. Their head should be turned to the side, resting comfortably on your leg, ensuring their nose and mouth are clear for breathing. Make sure their tummy is gently supported by your thigh, creating a slight upward pressure. With one hand, gently pat or rub their back. The pressure on their abdomen combined with the gentle patting can effectively release trapped air.

As an IBCLC, I often recommend this position for babies who seem to have a lot of lower gas as well, as the gentle pressure can help move things along. It's also a great position to try if your newborn tends to spit up a lot with other burping methods. Always ensure their airway is clear and they are comfortable. - Maternal Health Nurse.

This position also offers a sense of security and closeness, which can be comforting for your little one. You might find they even drift off to sleep in this position once the burp is out! Just remember to keep an eye on them and ensure they are breathing easily.

The Walking Burp: Movement for Stubborn Bubbles

Sometimes, a little movement is all it takes to dislodge those persistent air bubbles. The walking burp combines gentle motion with one of the standard burping positions, making it an excellent technique for stubborn burps.

Choose your preferred burping position – over-the-shoulder or sitting up – and then simply start walking! The gentle up-and-down motion and the subtle sway can help shift the air within your newborn's stomach. Many parents find that a slow, rhythmic walk around the room, perhaps while singing a lullaby or gently humming, is incredibly effective. The combination of movement and gentle patting can work wonders.

This technique is particularly useful if your newborn is getting fussy or seems uncomfortable after a feed, but isn't burping with stationary methods. The change of scenery and movement can also distract them from their discomfort, making the burping process less stressful for both of you. Don't forget your burp cloth for this one!

When to Burp and How Long to Try

Knowing when and for how long to burp can be just as important as the technique itself. For bottle-fed newborns, it's generally recommended to burp them after every 60-90ml of milk, or at the halfway point of the bottle, and certainly at the end of the feed. For breastfed newborns, you might burp them when they switch breasts, or if they seem to pull away or get fussy during a feed. Some breastfed babies, particularly those with a very efficient latch, might not need to burp as often.

How long should you try? Generally, aim for 5-10 minutes per burping session. If no burp comes after a few minutes in one position, try switching to another. If your newborn seems content and comfortable, and no burp has appeared after a good attempt, it's often fine to continue with your routine. Every baby is different, and some are simply not big burpers!

If your newborn is consistently very gassy, fussy, or experiencing significant reflux despite regular burping, it's always a good idea to chat with your Maternal Health Nurse or GP. They can assess the situation and offer personalised advice or suggest further investigations. Remember, you're doing a fantastic job, and seeking support is a sign of a wonderful parent.

Related reading: your newborn’s sleep patterns