Burping
3 positions, the right timing
About 5 min
Why it matters
Air swallowed during feeds causes tummy pressure and fussiness. Burping brings relief and may reduce spit-up. Not every baby burps every time, and that's normal.
What you need
- A burp cloth or muslin for your shoulder and lap
Step by step
- 1 Put a cloth over your shoulder so spit-up lands on it, not on you.
- 2 Over the shoulder: hold your baby upright with their chin on your shoulder; support their bottom with one hand and gently pat or rub their back with the other.
- 3 Sitting on your lap: sit your baby sideways on your knee, leaning slightly forward; your palm supports their chest and your fingers their chin (not their throat). Rub their back with your other hand.
- 4 Face down on your lap: lay your baby tummy-down across your legs with their head higher than their chest and turned to the side; gently rub their back.
- 5 For bottle feeds, pause and try every 60-90 ml (2-3 oz); for breastfeeds, try when switching sides.
- 6 No burp after a few minutes? That's fine: keep feeding and try again at the end.
- 7 Keep your baby upright for 10-15 minutes after the feed to reduce spit-up.
Common mistakes
- Patting hard; gentle pats are enough.
- Holding the throat instead of the chin in the sitting position.
- Stopping the feed for a long time because there's no burp.
- Letting your baby fall asleep face down on your lap and leaving them that way; for sleep, always on the back.
When to see a doctor
- Forceful (projectile) vomiting, or vomit that is green or bloody.
- Refusing feeds or not gaining weight.
- Vomiting together with fever, drowsiness or fewer wet diapers.
This guide gives general information and doesn't replace a medical exam. If you're worried about your baby, talk to your doctor.