How to Burp a Newborn: An Easy Guide for First-Time Parents

Embarking on the journey of new parenthood can feel like navigating a maze with no map. Suddenly, every gurgle and whimper from your little one becomes a puzzle to solve. “Is that cry normal? How often should I feed them?” you might ponder. Late-night Googling becomes your new norm, with searches like “Why does my baby despise their car seat?” or “What’s the best way to burp a newborn?”

Rest assured, you’re not alone in this whirlwind of questions and uncertainties. Every new parent finds themselves in this boat, paddling through the sea of endless ‘how-tos.’ But fear not, as we’re here to throw you a lifeline. With our easy-to-follow guides and practical tips, we’ll help navigate the sometimes choppy waters of parenthood.

Today, we’re zeroing in on a key skill: how to burp a newborn. This simple yet vital practice aids in promoting healthy digestion for your baby. So, let’s dive in!

The Importance of Burping Your Baby

Burping is a crucial part of a baby’s feeding schedule. Infants often experience trapped gas due to the amount of air they swallow while nursing, which can cause them pain and discomfort. Burping helps release gas and air bubbles, ensuring your baby’s comfort and preventing them from becoming fussy. 

How to Burp Newborns

If you’re seeking effective methods for burping your baby, particularly if you’re struggling to determine how to burp a newborn that won’t burp, you’re not alone in this quest.

There are a few different positions parents can use when burping newborns. Each method is effective. The choice really comes down to what’s most comfortable and convenient for both parent and baby.

Some of the most popular burping positions include:

Over the Shoulder

If you ask most people how to burp a baby, this is the position they’ll recommend. It’s the most popular method and involves resting your newborn belly-first against your chest with their chin just above your shoulder. Once in a safe and comfortable position, gently rub and pat your baby’s back until they release any trapped air. 

Sitting Upright on Your Lap

Sometimes, holding your baby isn’t comfortable. If this is the case for you, try switching to the upright burping position by sitting your baby on your lap and using one hand to support their neck and head. Then gently lean your baby forward, bending them slightly at the waist, and gently rub their back with your other hand.

Lying Across Your Lap

If you are lying in bed and want to avoid sitting upright, gently lay your newborn belly down across your forearm, with their head tilted to the side, and use your opposite hand to lightly rub and pat their back. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your little one. Some babies will regurgitate more milk in this position, which you want to avoid. If you notice excess milk regurgitation, try switching positions.

Additional Tips for Burping a Baby

Now that you know several ways to burp a baby, you can begin practicing and building confidence. But before you do, here are some extra tips and tricks to ensure your success!

Experiment with Positions

Don’t feel limited when learning how to burp your newborn. The most important thing is keeping your baby safe, checking their breathing, and ensuring their neck and head are well supported. As long as these criteria are met, trying different positions and finding what works for you is okay. 

Use a Burp Cloth

It’s normal for newborns to vomit a little while being burped. While this isn’t cause for concern, you’ll want to place a cloth over your shoulder or in front of your child (depending on the position you’re using) before burping them. This will prevent staining your clothes and make cleaning up much easier when finished.

Watch for Cues

Always keep an eye out for subtle signs when burping your newborn. They can tell you a lot about how your baby is feeling. If they seem fussy, squirmy, or reluctant to continue feeding, it could mean they need burping. If they seem content and relaxed after burping, it’s a good indication your approach worked.

Burp During Feeds

Many new parents grapple with questions like, “When should you burp a baby?” or “How long should you burp a baby?” These queries can be challenging to address, as every baby has unique needs. However, there are several best practices to follow, including burping your newborn during feedings.

Since air and gas bubbles are most likely to form during feeding, it’s a good idea to pause while nursing to burp your little one. If pausing causes your baby to cry, it’s also okay to wait until they have finished nursing to burp them.

Avoid Overfeeding

Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes parents make when it comes to newborn care. The good news is that, on an occasional basis, it isn’t an urgent concern. But if your baby is regularly overfed, it can lead to stomach pain, frequent regurgitation, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and even obesity. Most newborns require four ounces of milk per feeding and a total daily intake of 32 ounces.

Burp Before Sleep

Incorporating gentle burping into your baby’s bedtime routine prevents potential discomfort. It also contributes to a serene sleep environment, helping them wind down and increasing the likelihood of a good night’s rest. 

However, it’s important to note that air and gas can still escape naturally from your baby’s body throughout the night, so it’s safe to put them to sleep without burping. It’s simply one way to support their digestive system.

Get Help with Go Au Pair

Welcoming a child into your family is a momentous occasion, and ensuring the best care for your growing family is a decision you’ll never regret. At Go Au Pair, our dedicated au pairs aren’t just caregivers – they’re trained professionals who bring the skills and knowledge required to help you seamlessly transition into parenthood. 

Embrace each milestone of your child’s journey with confidence, knowing you have expert support every step of the way. Let’s start this rewarding journey together – find an au pair today!