How to Burp a Newborn: 3 Easy Positions
Updated September 2025 · 5 min read
To burp a newborn, hold them upright against your chest with their chin on your shoulder and gently pat or rub their back; or sit them on your lap supporting the chin and chest; or lay them face-down across your lap. Burp midway through and after each feed, and don’t worry if no burp comes every time — some babies simply don’t need to.
- Try burping midway through a feed and again at the end.
- Keep your baby fairly upright and support the head and neck.
- A gentle pat or an upward rub on the back is all it takes.
- Not every feed produces a burp — that’s completely normal.
Why babies need burping
Babies swallow air while feeding, and trapped wind can make them uncomfortable or fussy. Burping helps release it. Breastfed babies often swallow less air than bottle-fed babies, but both can benefit.
Position 1: On your shoulder
Hold your baby upright against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder, supporting their head and neck with one hand. Gently pat or rub their back with the other. Keep a muslin over your shoulder — a little milk often comes up with the burp.
Position 2: Sitting on your lap
Sit your baby upright on your lap. Support their chest and chin with one hand (the heel of your hand on their chest, your fingers gently cradling the chin — not the throat). Lean them very slightly forward and pat or rub the back with your other hand.
Position 3: Across your lap
Lay your baby face-down across your knees, with their head slightly higher than their chest and well supported. Rub or pat their back gently.
When to burp
A good rhythm is to burp midway through a feed — for example, when switching breasts or at the halfway point of a bottle — and again at the end. If your baby is very windy or unsettled, you can pause and burp more often.
If no burp comes
Don’t worry. Try for a minute or two, gently change position, and if nothing happens your baby may simply not have any trapped air. Keeping them upright for a short while after a feed can also help.
When you can ease off
Many babies need less burping as they get older and feed more efficiently, often becoming unnecessary somewhere in the middle of the first year. Follow your baby’s comfort rather than a fixed date.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you burp a newborn?
A minute or two is usually enough. If no burp comes, gently change position and try briefly, then move on u2014 not every feed needs one.
What if my baby wonu2019t burp?
Some babies simply donu2019t have trapped air after a feed. Keep them upright for a little while, and donu2019t worry if no burp appears.
When do you stop burping a baby?
Burping often becomes unnecessary during the middle of the first year, as babies feed more efficiently. Let your babyu2019s comfort guide you.
Sources
Safety guidance in this article reflects widely published newborn-care advice from bodies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the UK’s NHS. It is general information, not medical advice — always follow the guidance of your own paediatrician, midwife or health visitor.