Breastfeeding Burping – How To Burp Baby

Baby not burping?

Too much swallowed air can lead to a vomiting baby, crankiness and gassiness in baby. Getting the trapped wind out of his tummy will ensure that he is more comfortable…that’s why it’s important to know how to burp baby

To burp a baby you will need to gently pat him on the back and put some pressure on the tummy area.

Different positions to burp a baby

1. Hold him with his chest and tummy against your shoulder and with one hand supporting his bottom while the other rhythmically pats his back. Place a burping cloth or towel on your shoulder. This is the best position for burping newborns

2. Place him tummy down across your lap. Make sure that his head is supported. Also make sure you have a burp cloth under baby for encase he spits up.

3. Burp baby while he is sitting up on your leg leaning forward with your hand under his chin for support while the other hand pats him on the back.

Baby burping techniques

- If your baby becomes restless or fussy during a breastfeeding session, then it could be a sign that he needs to be burped

- Try not to feed baby when he is overexcited…he will be more likely to swallow air.

- Try burping a baby every five minutes during feedings, this will help keep him breastfeeding longer

- Try the different burping positions, your baby might just burp better with one than the other

- Massaging baby's belly can also help with winds… read more on baby massage here

- Walking while burping your baby will also help get the burps out and help calm baby

- Breastfeeding mothers can avoid their babies from swallowing air by keeping them in an upright position (45 degree angle)

- Flexing baby’s knees up against his chest will help relieve him of burps and also helps for relieving flatulence.

When to stop burping baby

Most babies don’t need to be burped after about five months of age.

Night time burping

Keep baby as calm as possible before bedtime. Most times at night babies don’t need to be burped as they suck much slower and therefore suck in less air.

Knowing when and how to burp your baby will come naturally as time goes by… this comes with getting to know each other.

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with burping babies

- Breastfeeding diet guidelines

- Understanding why babies cry 

- Baby massage 

- Swaddle your baby

- Inspirational breastfeeding stories

- Breastfeeding and colic

Leave a comment

Want to share your stories? Ask a question or just say hello...