Babies swallow some air during feeding, whether from the breast or a bottle, and that trapped air can cause a real feeling of fullness and discomfort if it doesn't come up — leading to crying or a baby who refuses to finish the feed.
Effective Burping Positions
The most common position is holding your baby upright against your shoulder with neck support, gently patting their back. Also try sitting them on your lap with their chest tilted slightly forward, or laying them belly-down across your thighs with a gentle pat.
When to Burp
For breastfeeding, burp when switching breasts and after the feed ends. For formula, burp roughly every 60-90 ml, since bottle feeding tends to let in more air.
- Give it two to three minutes — not every baby burps right away.
- Keep a towel over your shoulder beforehand, since a little milk often comes up with the burp.
- If your baby doesn't burp and settles calmly to sleep, there's no need to worry or wake them.
- Babies with mild reflux may need more frequent burping breaks mid-feed.
