How to Burp a Newborn: Complete Guide for New Parents

Feeding your baby is a lovely moment, but sometimes they start wriggling or looking uncomfortable soon after. That’s usually because, along with their milk, they’ve swallowed little bubbles of air. These bubbles can get stuck in their tummy and make them fussy. A gentle burp can help release that air and make them feel happy again. So, how to burp a newborn baby fast?

Here’s the brief for you: to burp a newborn baby fast, you have to gently —

• support their head and neck, 
• hold them upright against your chest or over your shoulder, 
• and softly pat or rub their back until they release the trapped air.

That’s it. A few minutes can make a big difference in their comfort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly when to burp, the easiest positions that actually work, little tricks to help stubborn burps, and how to know when it’s finally time to stop burping altogether.

Why Burping is Important for Newborns

When a baby feeds, they take in more than just milk. They also swallow tiny bits of air. That air can get stuck in their tummy, which ultimately makes them feel bloated or uncomfortable.

Burping is simply a way to help them let that air out. It can:

• Ease tummy pressure so your baby feels calmer

• Help stop milk from coming back up

• Cut down on crying caused by trapped wind

• Make space in their tummy so they can drink more comfortably.

Signs Your Newborn Has Trapped Gas

As newborn can’t tell what’s wrong with words, their body language says it all.

Here’s a quick table to help you spot signs of trapped gas:

When to Burp Your Baby

There’s no fixed rule because every baby is different, but a few simple tips can help you figure it out.

• Bottle-fed babies – Try to burp after every 2–3 ounces (about 60–90 ml) and again when the feed is finished.

• Breastfed babies – Burp when you switch from one breast to the other, and again at the end.

• Babies who get gassy or have reflux – Burp more often, even after every ounce or every 5 minutes of breastfeeding.

Tip: If your baby is calm and feeding well, you can wait until the end. If they start squirming or looking uncomfortable, pause and burp before carrying on.

How Long Should You Burp Your Newborn?

Usually, 1–3 minutes is enough for burping your newborn. If nothing happens after 5 minutes, change position and try again. Some babies burp quickly, others take a little longer.

How to Burp a Newborn: Best Burping Positions

Every baby has their favorite burping position. Try different positions for burping a newborn and see what works best. 

Here’s how to properly burp a newborn using the three most popular options:

1. Over Your Shoulder

This one works well for babies who enjoy being upright and close to you. It’s also one of the easiest techniques for burping a newborn for many parents.

How to do it:

1. First, put a cloth over your shoulder in case any milk comes up.

2. Hold your baby upright with their chin resting gently on your shoulder.

3. Use one hand to support their head and neck so they feel secure.

4. With your other hand, rub or softly pat their back in an upward motion.

5. You can stand still, but walking slowly around the room often helps the burp come out more quickly.

This position keeps your baby’s tummy straight, which makes it easier for the air to escape. Plus, they get to cuddle up against you while you do it.

2. Sitting on Your Lap

This one gives you really good control over your baby’s head and is a nice choice if your back or shoulders are tired.

How to do it:

1. Sit your baby on your lap so they’re facing slightly to the side or forward.

2. Place one hand gently under their chin, letting the heel of your hand rest on their chest. Be sure you’re not pressing on the throat.

3. Lean them forward just a little, enough so their tummy is not squashed, but their head is supported.

4. With your free hand, rub or pat their back in a steady, gentle rhythm.

This position keeps them supported but allows the air to rise up and out. It’s also easy to do while sitting in a comfortable chair.

3. Lying Across Your Lap

Some babies don’t like sitting up, and for them, this position can feel more relaxing.

How to do it:

1. Place your baby face down across your lap so their tummy rests on your legs.

2. Support their chin and head with one hand so it’s slightly higher than their chest. This helps keep their airway clear.

3. Use your other hand to rub or lightly pat their back.

4. Keep a cloth close by in case a little milk comes up.

This position can be soothing because the gentle pressure on their tummy can help move the trapped air, and the closeness of your lap gives them comfort.

Comparison Table of Burping Positions

Extra Tips to Make Burping Easier

There are a few little things that can make burping go more smoothly. 

You can try cupping your hand instead of keeping it flat. It feels softer on your baby’s back. Feed them in a slightly upright position so they don’t swallow too much air. 

Be gentle and don’t pat too hard, as that can make them upset. Most importantly, watch them closely. If they start wriggling or getting fussy, it’s probably time to stop and give them a burp.

What if My Baby Won’t Burp?

Sometimes the burp just doesn’t want to come out. If that happens, lay your baby on their back and gently rub their tummy in small circles. You can also move their legs like they’re riding a little bike. It can help get the gas moving. 

Give them a short break and then try burping again in another position. If they often seem in pain or have trouble with gas, it’s worth having a chat with your doctor or health visitor.

After Burping: What’s Next?

Once they’ve burped, keep them sitting upright for about 10 to 15 minutes so the milk stays down, especially if they spit up a lot. If they’re awake and happy, it’s a nice time for some gentle play or cuddles. If they look sleepy, pop them down on their back in a safe sleeping space so they can rest.

When you’re burping your baby, you’ll notice how closely it ties to feeding. If you’re wondering how much milk your little one really needs at each stage, you can check out our guide on how much a newborn should eat for clear and simple answers.

Burping Frequency Chart by Age

Making Burping Easier on the Go with Swaddle Tote

When you are out and about, babies still need burping, and it can feel tricky if you don’t have what you need close by. That’s why a Swaddle Tote diaper bag is so handy. 

It has space for burp cloths, extra clothes, and all the little things you end up reaching for. You can carry the full bag on longer trips or just grab the smaller one for short outings. 

It keeps everything neat and easy to find, so you can focus on calming your baby instead of searching through a messy bag.

Most parents keep burp cloths, extra outfits, and wipes ready in their bag for those messy burps. If you want a simple checklist, here’s a helpful guide on what to pack in your diaper bag so you’re always prepared.

Wrapping Up

So that’s pretty much it. Now you know how to burp a Newborn in a simple, stress-free way. Just remember, every baby is a little different, so try different positions and see what works best for yours. 

Stay gentle, be patient, and before you know it, burping will feel like second nature.