How To Burp A Baby Properly

Knowing how to burp a baby forms part of every mother’s ritual in parenthood. If you’re a new parent or feeling intimidated about burping your baby the right way, our straightforward guide will help you!

How to Burp a Baby | 4 Methods to Try

Do Babies Need to Burp?

All babies are different. Some moms make sure they burp their babies after feeding, while some don’t. Still, this practice has been passed from one first-time mom to another as moms see that babies feel more comfortable and at ease after a good burp. Whether burping makes any difference or not, every new parent will want to know a trick or two to get it done properly, so let’s get to it.

How Do I Burp My Baby?

There’s not just one correct way to burp your baby. With your motherly instincts and experimentation, you will soon get the knack of it. Here we explore four ways to burp a baby properly.

Method 1: On Your Chest

To do this method, place a burping cloth on your shoulder in case your baby spits up.

Step 1: Hold your baby to your chest so the baby’s chin rests on your shoulder.

Step 2: Support your baby’s weight with the non-dominant hand.

Step 3: Gently pat your baby’s back with your other hand, or you can gently give your baby’s back a rub moving your hands up and down.

Method 2: Sitting Up

This method is ideal for burping a newborn baby who is colicky or an infant suffering from Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Again, place a burp cloth on your leg or lap in case your baby spits up. This position is best for babies 4 months and up or when they can hold their head up without help.

Step 1: Sit your baby sideways on your lap so that your baby is facing either the left or right side of your body.

Step 2: Put one of your palms on the baby’s chin. The heel of that palm should support the baby’s chest.

Step 3: Give your baby a gentle pat on the back.

Method 3: Face Down on Your Lap

This is another good method of burping for babies 4 months and up. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Lay your baby across your lap with his/her face down.

Step 2: Give your baby a few gentle pats on the back or rub her back up and down.

Step 3: Support your baby’s head with your other hand. Don’t let your baby’s head go lower than her body.

Method 4: Walk with Your Baby

This method is ideal once your baby is able to hold his head up.

Step 1: Carry your baby facing away from you.

Step 2: Support your baby’s bottom with your non-dominant hand.

Step 3: Apply pressure to your baby’s tummy with your other hand.

Step 4: Walk your baby around as you try to burp her.

When Do You Stop Burping a Baby?

You will hear or feel your baby burp, but if you get nothing after a while, there’s no need to worry. Your baby will eventually let the trapped air out. If your baby continues to be uncomfortable or upset, you can give her a nice warm bath and a massage to relax. Additionally, you can stop burping your baby when he/she is 6 months old.

Learn how to bottle feed and burp your newborn baby after feeding in this video from Newborn Baby Videos:

Every little discomfort our babies experience from newborn hiccups to a gassy tummy leave parents worried and uneasy. We all have our motherly instincts, but a little helping hand is always wonderful. With these tips and guide for burping a baby, you can help ease your baby’s discomfort.

Do you have any baby-burping tricks up your sleeve? We’d love to hear them in the comments section below!

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