When Can You Stop Burping a Baby?

Burping is an important part of your baby’s feeding routine. When your little one swallows, air bubbles can get trapped in their stomach, causing discomfort, gassiness, and colicky pain. These bubbles can bring up the stomach’s contents, leading to spitting up.

Burping helps release this trapped air, keeping your baby comfortable and reducing the chance of spitting up. It can also be beneficial for babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests burping your infant when switching breasts during nursing or after every 2–3 ounces (60 – 90 mL) if bottle-feeding. However, there are no strict rules, as each baby’s needs may differ. 

To decide when to burp your baby, look for cues during feeding. If they seem uneasy, pause to burp them. Wait if they seem comfortable. Watch for signs like closing their mouth or turning away, indicating fullness or a break. 

In such a case, burp your baby or wait a minute before giving your breast or the bottle again. If your baby appears restless, pulls away, cries, arches their back, draws legs in, or clenches fists, it’s likely time for a burp.

Now that we’ve covered why and when to burp your baby, let’s explore some effective methods. Parents often use three techniques to burp their baby.

The key is to support the baby’s head and neck, keep their tummy and back straight, and gently pat or rub their back beginning at the lower back and moving upward. The main difference is how to hold the baby. In all methods, use a burping cloth to catch spit-up. 

You don't need to spend a lot of time; a couple of minutes should do. Try these methods to discover what works best, or combine them.

Hold your baby upright with their head on your shoulder. Use one hand to support their head and shoulder. 

For moms, position the baby with their belly resting on your breast for a bit of gentle pressure. For dads, lift the baby a bit higher, positioning their belly closer to your shoulder for the same purpose. 

Afterward, gently pat and rub their back with the other hand.

● Use a cupped hand; it’s gentler than a flat palm.

● Walk around while burping for better results.

● Keep a cloth on your shoulder for cleanliness.

Place a burping cloth on your lap and put a bib on your baby. Sit your baby on your lap with their head forward (not flopping). Place your hand on their chest, supporting the chin and jaw without pressing on the throat. Pat your baby’s back gently and repeatedly. 

Cover your lap with a burping cloth or towel. Position your baby facedown on your lap, supporting the head and avoiding any pressure on the throat. 

Make sure the head is higher than the chest to avoid blood rushing. Gently pat or rub the baby’s back to give them extra comfort, especially if they have colic.

Getting your little one to burp might require some practice, but you’ll figure out what’s more effective for both you and your baby in no time.

If the winding techniques don’t ease your baby’s discomfort, and you notice signs of gas, lay your baby on their back and gently massage the tummy.

Move their legs back and forth, similar to riding a bike. If these suggestions aren’t effective, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on other options.

The age at which a baby should stop being burped varies from child to child and there isn't a specific age. Generally, babies no longer require burping when they are between 4-9 months old since their digestive system is more developed. It is important to pay attention to your baby's cues and adjust accordingly to ensure their comfort.

It’s fine if a baby doesn’t burp, as it’s not a necessary requirement. Whether they need to burp depends on how much air they take in during feeding. If your baby is gaining weight and seems comfortable, burping might not be necessary. 

A study even found that burping didn’t significantly reduce colic events and could increase spitting up, but keep in mind the study’s limitations. 

Infant gas can be a common issue that causes discomfort and irritability in babies. Along with burping, you can follow several practical tips to ease gas during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

Discover tips to keep your baby content and gas-free while breastfeeding.

Diet: If your breastfed baby experiences stomach or bowel issues shortly after feeding, talk to your qualified practitioner about your diet. While there is limited scientific research to prove that certain foods in a breastfeeding mother's diet cause intestinal issues in their babies, some babies may react to specific foods in their mom's diet.

However, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is a particular list of foods that mothers should avoid while breastfeeding.

Proper Latch: Certain positions can help your baby latch correctly and reduce the amount of air they swallow. Ensure the baby latches correctly, with lips sealed around the nipple and not turning inward.

Fast Letdown: Watch for a rapid milk flow. Take a brief break if your baby gulps or gasps, potentially causing more air in the tummy. Once the flow slows, reattach the baby to the breast.

Positions: Explore various breastfeeding positions to find what’s comfortable for both of you. 

A lactation consultant can provide valuable tips.

Bottle-feeding can be a great option for parents who prefer it, but just like breastfeeding some babies may experience gas discomfort. To minimize this, there are a few things you can do. 

Try using a different bottle to reduce your baby’s air intake. Anti-colic bottles are designed to help your baby swallow less air during feeding, focusing on venting and air control to benefit your baby’s stomach. 

The size of the nipple may cause your baby to swallow extra air. If the nipple releases milk too fast or too slow, your baby might gulp air or get extra air from the bottle. Experimenting with different nipple sizes could help your baby feel more comfortable.

Mixing formula can introduce air bubbles, which your baby may swallow, leading to gas. To avoid this, consider using a premixed liquid formula or allow the formula to settle for a few minutes before feeding the baby. 

It's important to talk to your pediatrician before changing the formula, especially if you're trying to address excessive gas, as your doctor may recommend trying a different formula.

If your baby is frequently gassy or has difficulty passing gas, you may want to consider using a formula that is specifically designed to ease their digestion. 

Look for a formula that uses organic and clean ingredients, as well as baby probiotics that can help balance their gut with healthy bacteria. This may help alleviate your baby's discomfort and improve their overall digestive health.

Every baby is unique in their burping needs. Deciding how to burp or when to stop burping isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; your baby’s cues will guide you. 

Trust your instincts; your pediatrician is just a call away when in doubt. For more tips and support on your journey, check out “The Milky Box” website — your go-to guide for parenting wisdom. 

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