Burping your newborn after feeding is an important part of the feeding process. Newborns tend to swallow air while feeding, which can cause them discomfort if the air is not removed. Here are some tips on how long you should burp your newborn:
When to start burping
You should start burping your newborn about halfway through each feeding or whenever you notice signs that they need to burp such as squirming, pulling off the breast/bottle or getting fussy. Don’t wait until the end of the feeding as they will likely have swallowed too much air by then.
How long to burp for
There is no set time limit for burping. Each baby is different in how much burping they need. Aim to burp your newborn for at least 2-5 minutes per feeding session. Some babies may need longer. Keep burping until you hear the air come up or feel their stomach relax. It often takes a few good burps before all the air is out.
Burping positions
Try out a few different burping positions to see what works best for your newborn. Some good options include:
- Over the shoulder: Place baby upright, with their chest resting on your shoulder and pat or gently rub their back.
- Sitting on your lap: Sit baby upright on your lap, leaning slightly forward and pat or rub their back.
- Lying face down on your lap: Lay baby on their tummy across your knees and gently pat or rub up their back.
Signs your baby needs to burp
Look for these common signs that your newborn needs to burp during or after a feeding:
- Pulling off the breast or bottle and refusing to drink
- Fussiness or crying
- Excess spit up
- Gulping or gagging on the breast or bottle
- arching their back
- Turning red in the face
If you notice any of these signs, stop the feeding and try burping before continuing. Burping gives them a chance to take a break and get rid of any air bubbles causing discomfort.
Tips for effective burping
- Pat or gently rub baby’s back using a firm but gentle pressure. Circular motions can be helpful.
- Pay attention to where your baby seems most responsive to burping. For some it’s higher up on the back, for others lower down.
- Sit baby upright as this allows gravity to help move the air bubbles up.
- Support baby’s chin, neck and head during burping for comfort and security.
- Use a cloth burp rag to catch any spit up.
- Allow baby to finish their feed after burping if they still seem hungry.
When to seek help
While gas and spitting up are common in newborns, excessive crying, gagging or arching of the back during or after feeds can indicate a more serious problem. See your pediatrician if your baby:
- Spits up excessively despite frequent burping
- Appears to be in pain or discomfort when feeding
- Cries inconsolably during or after feeds
- Has green or bloody tinged spit up
- Does not have at least 1-2 good burps per feeding
These can be signs of digestive issues, allergies or acid reflux that may require medical treatment. It’s always best to have your baby assessed.
Conclusion
Burping is a simple but essential part of the feeding routine for newborns. Aim to burp for at least 2-5 minutes during and after each feeding, utilizing different burping positions to help dislodge air bubbles. Look out for signs your baby needs to burp and don’t forget those burp rags! With plenty of patience and practice you will find burping techniques that work for your little one.