In the first few years of your baby’s life, they’re doing a ton of learning and growing. And ensuring your little one’s comfort during feeding is an important stage in the process. While every parent understands the role of proper nutrition in development, you may be less familiar with knowing how to burp your baby fits in. How long should you burp your infant? Should you pause to burp during feeding or wait until they’re done? And what’s the best method?
Read on for answers to these questions and to find the approach that works best for you and your little one.
The importance of burping
Whether your baby is breastfed, bottle-fed, or a combination thereof, burping is widely considered an important part of the feeding process.
Why do babies need to be burped?
The act of swallowing may be natural enough, but it also allows air to seep in and make its way into your baby’s tiny and still-developing stomach. Without burping, this trapped gas may trigger:
- Pain
- Discomfort
- A feeling of fullness
What’s more, burping your baby may help prevent your child from spitting up.
It’s also important to acknowledge that not all babies benefit from burping. In fact, one study found that burping neither reduced colic nor spitting up in newborn participants. Nor are there any clear facts on the necessity of burping. But it’s certainly not harmful and can be a help for many.
How long should you burp a baby?
So, is there a recommended duration for burping a newborn—and when should you do it?
It varies greatly from baby to baby and may change from meal to meal. But these guidelines can be helpful:
- Duration. Experts suggest burping your baby for several minutes. Ideally,you want to burp your baby long enough to ensure air doesn’t build up in their belly.
- Timing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends burping your baby when switching breasts during breastfeeding or once every two to three ounces. Nonetheless, if your baby seems to be feeding well and isn’t showing any signs of distress, you may not want to disrupt their meal.
- Baby’s needs. If your baby tends towards the gassier side, has gastroesophageal reflux (GER), or spits up often, you might find it helpful to burp every five minutes. This will reduce the amount of air they take in and ensure they’re comfy and well-fed.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your baby should be held upright for 10 to 15 minutes after feeding and longer if they have GER.
Techniques for effective burping
Some babies burp easily. Others may need a helping hand (literally). A few of the most effective positions include:
- On your shoulder. Place a burp cloth on your shoulder, hold your baby against your chest, and, using a curved hand, softly pat or massage your infant’s back.
- On your lap. Position your baby face down on your lap, supporting them with one hand and gently patting their back with the other.
- Facing away. Keep your baby upright and place them on your lap, facing away from you. Use one hand to gently lean them forward and the other to pat or rub their back.
Whatever burping position you choose (and it may change from meal to meal), you’ll know your baby is done when they’re no longer burping and they seem content. If none of these strategies seem to work and your baby appears uncomfortable during and after feeding, you might want to seek out your pediatrician’s counsel.
How to tell if your baby needs more burping
There may be times when your baby doesn’t need to be burped at all. Babies tend to outgrow the need to be burped between 4 and 6 months.
Still, in their early months, there may be times when your baby needs relief. Your little one may require an extra hand if they’re:
- Fussing
- Squirming
- Pulling away
Tune into your baby’s behavioral cues—and follow your instincts. And your pediatrician is always a valuable resource if you’re unsure or concerned.
How Nanit supports parents in baby care
Ultimately, the answer to “How long do you burp a baby?” comes from your child. Some babies may need to be burped frequently. Others, not so often. The more time you spend with your baby, the more you’ll understand what works best for them.
Another important part of your baby’s growth and development is restorative sleep—free from uncomfortable tummy aches.
And when it comes to sleep, Nanit is your helping hand.
Experience peace of mind with our smart baby monitor. Effortlessly keep both an ear and an eye on your little one while they sleep, so you can quickly detect and address any fussiness from burp-induced discomfort.
And everyone can get the rest they need.
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Key takeaways
- Know when to burp your baby. While there are no hard and fast rules on how long a baby should be burped, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests burping infants either when you switch breasts while breastfeeding or after every 2 to 3 ounces.
- Know how long it takes to burp an infant. Burping doesn’t need to take long—just a few minutes. Before moving on to the next feeding or activity, take a moment to check if your baby seems content and comfortable.
- Know your baby. Bear in mind that not all babies benefit from burping, and most children fall out of the need for your help between 4 and 6 months.
Sources:
World Health Organization. Infant nutrition. https://www.who.int/health-topics/infant-nutrition#tab=tab_1
Nemours Kids Health. Burping your baby. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/burping.html
UNICEF. Baby basics: how to burp your baby. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/how-to-burp-baby
Parents. New parent’s guide to burping a newborn baby. https://www.parents.com/baby/care/burping/baby-burping-what-you-should-know/
Child: Care, Health and Development. A randomized controlled trial of burping for the prevention of colic and regurgitation in healthy infants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24910161/
Boys Town Pediatrics. Baby burping. https://www.boystownpediatrics.org/knowledge-center/baby-burping
The Bump. How to burp a baby. https://www.thebump.com/a/how-to-burp-a-baby
