Burping is an important part of caring for a newborn baby. It helps them expel air they may have swallowed while feeding, which can prevent discomfort or gas. But knowing how long to try burping before giving up can be confusing for new parents. Here is a guide to how long you should burp a baby before moving on.
Why is burping important?
When babies drink breastmilk or formula, they tend to swallow some air along with it. This air gets trapped in their stomach and can cause them discomfort if not removed. Signs a baby needs to burp include:
- Fussiness during or after feeding
- Turning red in the face or gagging during feeding
- Spitting up more than usual
Burping helps release that trapped air so the baby feels better. Some babies burp easily, while others need more effort. Burping may also cut down on gas, hiccups, and spitting up.
How long should you try burping a baby?
There is no set time limit for how long you should burp a baby. Every infant is different in how easily they burp. However, aiming for 5-10 minutes per burping session is reasonable for most babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends trying to burp a baby for up to 10-15 minutes after each feeding. Some babies will burp within 1-2 minutes, while others may need closer to 10+ minutes of burping at each session.
If your baby seems uncomfortable and has signs they need to burp but isn’t burping after 5-10 minutes of effort, it’s okay to take a break. You can return and try burping again in a few minutes. Sometimes changing positions or taking a short break can help. You may need to spend 10-15 total minutes over a couple different burping sessions to get the bubbles out.
Tips for burping a baby who won’t burp easily:
- Change positions – sit baby upright, lay them face down across your lap, etc.
- Gently rub or pat baby’s back
- Do “bicycle legs” – gently move baby’s legs in a bicycle motion
- Take a short break, then try burping again
If your baby still shows signs of discomfort like crying, turning red, or gagging, keep trying burping techniques intermittently for up to 15 minutes after a feeding.
When can you stop burping a baby?
You can stop burping a baby when:
- The baby burps and seems more comfortable and settled
- The baby falls asleep and is relaxed
- 15 minutes have passed since the last feeding and the baby shows no signs of discomfort
If your baby hasn’t burped after 15 minutes but seems comfortable, it’s okay to move on. If they are still showing signs of discomfort, keep trying burping periodically.
How often should you burp a baby?
Burping frequency depends on the baby and feeding method:
- Breastfed babies – At least attempt to burp after every feeding. Breastfed babies tend to swallow more air during erratic feeding sessions.
- Formula-fed babies – At minimum, attempt burping after every 1-2 feedings. Bottle-feeding allows more control over pace, so these babies may swallow less air.
- Newborns – Burp more frequently at first, after every feeding. Their digestive systems are still very immature.
Listen to your baby’s cues. If they seem uncomfortable and exhibit signs they need to burp often, increase your burping frequency.
Burping positions
Certain positions can help babies release gas more easily. Try alternating different positions during a burping session. Useful burping positions include:
Over the shoulder
- Hold baby against your chest, chin resting on your shoulder
- Support baby’s jaw but let their tummy press against you
- Gently pat or rub baby’s back
Sitting upright
- Sit baby upright with their back against your chest
- Support baby’s head and jaw with one hand
- Gently pat or rub baby’s back with the other hand
Face down across lap
- Lay baby face down across your lap, tummy on thighs
- Support baby’s head, jaw, and neck with hand
- Gently pat or rub baby’s back
Lying face down
- Lay baby face down along your forearm, tummy on arm
- Support their head with your hand
- Gently pat or rub baby’s back with your other hand
Experiment to find which positions work best for your baby. The key is supporting the head while putting light pressure on the tummy.
What if the baby won’t burp?
If your baby shows signs they need to burp but won’t after trying different positions and techniques for 10-15 minutes, they may just need more time. Some suggestions:
- Take a 5 minute break then try burping again
- Do bicycle legs or gentle tummy massage
- Sit baby upright in a baby carrier or bouncer
- Lay baby on their back and try bending their legs to their chest
If the baby continues to seem uncomfortable or excessively gassy, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend gas drops, gripe water, probiotics, or other options to help with gas.
When to call the doctor about burping/gas
Contact your pediatrician if your baby has difficulty burping and shows signs of extreme discomfort like:
- Crying or screaming inconsolably
- Drawing legs up towards their chest
- Arched back
- Excessive spit up or vomiting
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Extreme gas pain or inability to burp can sometimes be a sign of a condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis, which may require medical treatment.
Conclusion
Being patient is key when burping a baby. Aim to try burping for 5-10 minutes after each feeding, extending up to 15 minutes if needed. Alternate different burping positions and take occasional breaks as needed. Pay attention to baby’s cues–if they seem uncomfortable keep trying intermittent burping. Call your doctor if burping difficulties are accompanied by extreme signs of distress in case of an underlying condition. With time you will get to know your baby’s burping patterns and can adapt. Hang in there and keep patting those little backs!