How to Burp a Newborn: Positions, Tips, & When to Stop

Burping helps release air your baby may swallow during feeding—something that can cause discomfort, gassiness, or spit-up if left trapped. Whether your baby is bottle-fed or breastfed, learning how to burp a newborn can make feedings smoother for both of you.

Quick Tips:

• Burp during and after feedings—every 2 to 3 ounces for bottle-fed babies, or when switching breasts during breastfeeding

• Use a towel or cloth for spit-up

• Hold your baby upright for 10 to 15 minutes after a feeding.

In this guide, you’ll find simple, baby-friendly tips to help you burp more effectively and confidently at every stage.

Why Do Babies Need to be Burped?

Feeding can cause babies to swallow air, which may lead to discomfort, fussiness, or spit-up. Burping helps release that air, which can make feeding and resting easier.

You may ask yourself: “Why do you burp a baby?” or more specifically, “Why do you have to burp newborns?” Newborns tend to take in more air because their sucking reflexes are still developing. That’s why burping can be helpful, especially early on.

So, burping your little one may ease gas buildup and support more comfortable feedings.

How Often Should You Burp a Baby?

You might be asking, “Do you have to burp a newborn after every feeding?” Not always, but burping regularly can still help. One thing you can try is to burp your baby frequently during a feed, even if they don’t seem uncomfortable. The pause and shift in position may slow their gulping and reduce the amount of swallowed air.

If your baby is bottle-feeding, try to burp them after every 2 to 3 ounces (60–90 ml). If you're breastfeeding, burp your baby when switching breasts. Do you burp your baby after breastfeeding? It can help, especially in the early weeks. Breastfed babies may swallow less air, but they might still need to burp now and then.

How to Burp Your Baby

There’s no single right way to burp a baby, but trying different burping positions for newborns can help you find what works best. These are gentle, supportive methods that make it easier for air bubbles to escape and can help your little one feel more comfortable during and after feedings.

Here are three classic techniques often recommended as newborn burping positions:

• Over your shoulder. Hold your baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder. Support their back and bottom with one hand, and gently pat or rub their back with the other. This upright hold is one of the most common positions for burping a newborn.

• Sitting on your lap. Sit your little one on your lap, facing slightly sideways. Use one hand to support their chest and head (making sure the head is stable), while patting or rubbing their back with your other hand. This is one of the more upright infant burping positions and may work well for babies with reflux.

• Face down across your lap. Lay your baby belly-down across your lap, with their head slightly higher than their chest. Support the head gently and pat or rub their back. This can be especially helpful if your baby prefers tummy pressure.

These burping positions offer a mix of upright and angled options so that you can adjust based on your baby’s needs. If your little one hasn’t burped after a few minutes, that’s okay—some babies just don’t burp every time. Try again at the end of the feeding, and then keep them upright for 10 to 15 minutes to help reduce spit-up.

When to Stop Burping a Baby?

So, when can you stop burping your baby? There’s no exact age when you can stop burping your baby. It depends on how your little one feeds and digests. Eventually, you’ll likely notice they burp on their own or seem comfortable without it.

In the early weeks, try burping your baby frequently, even during a feed. Pausing during feeding can prevent too much air from building up, which may help ease fussiness.

Try burping:

• Every 2 to 3 ounces during bottle feeds

• When switching breasts during breastfeeding

• Some babies, especially those who are gassy, spit up often, or have reflux, may need more frequent burping or extra upright time after feeding

• If your baby doesn’t burp after a few minutes, that’s okay—some don’t every time. Just keep them upright for 10 to 15 minutes to help reduce spit-up.

What Happens After Burping?

Once your baby burps, they may be more comfortable and ready to continue feeding or rest. A successful burp can help relieve pressure from swallowed air and reduce the chance of spit-up.

After feeding, try to keep your baby upright for 10 to 15 minutes. This may help any remaining air settle and may prevent spit-up, especially in the early weeks or if your little one tends to be gassy.

Common Challenges to Burping a Baby

Sometimes burping isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Here are a couple of common situations you might run into, and how to handle them with care.

What if Your Baby Doesn’t Burp?

It’s common to wonder, “What if my baby doesn't burp?” The truth is, not every baby burps after every feed—and that’s usually nothing to worry about.

Some babies take in very little air, especially if they latch well or feed calmly. Others may pass gas later instead of burping. If your little one seems content, feeds well, and isn’t unusually fussy, it’s okay to move on and simply keep them upright for a bit after feeding.

If your baby tends to be gassy or fussy during or after feeds, you could try:

• Burping more frequently (such as during natural pauses in feeding)

• Switching up the infant burping positions

• Keeping them upright for 10 to 15 minutes after feeding.

If burping continues to be difficult or your baby seems uncomfortable, check in with your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance.

Handling Hiccups and Spit-up

Hiccups are common in babies and usually harmless. They may happen during or after feeding, and they often go away on their own. If hiccups seem frequent, try feeding your baby a little earlier, before they get very hungry or start crying, which can reduce the amount of swallowed air.

Spit-up can also happen, especially in the first few months. It’s usually not a sign of anything serious. Burping during feeds and keeping your baby upright afterward can help reduce how often it happens. If your little one is gaining weight, feeding well, and doesn’t seem distressed, spit-up is likely normal.

Still, if spit-up is forceful, frequent, or seems to bother your baby, reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider for support.

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Most of the time, burping is simple and doesn’t require much worry. But there are moments when checking in with your baby’s healthcare provider might help.

Reach out if your baby:

• Seems very uncomfortable during or after every feeding

• Spits up forcefully or frequently

• Cries often and is hard to soothe

• Has signs of reflux, such as frequent arching, coughing, or trouble feeding.

If you’ve tried different burping positions for newborns and frequent breaks during feeds without improvement, your provider can help you figure out what’s going on and suggest next steps.

The Bottom Line

Burping is a simple way to help your baby feel more comfortable during and after feedings. Whether you’re bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, offering burp breaks and trying different positions can make a big difference in how your baby feeds and rests.

As your little one grows, you’ll likely figure out what works best. And if burping doesn’t always happen or seems challenging, know that every baby is different. When in doubt, your baby’s healthcare provider can help guide you.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}