🍼 Feeding · 0 – 6 months
💨 Burping baby after a bottle or nursing session
Some babies swallow air during feeds and seem more comfortable after burping; others rarely need it. A burp is not required after every breastfeed or bottle, and burping does not reliably prevent colic or reflux.
What you'll need
- A clean burp cloth.
- A comfortable seat where you can stay awake and support baby.
Try a gentle burping break
1. Follow baby's cues
Pause if baby seems uncomfortable during a feed or try afterwards. Do not interrupt a comfortable feed just to produce a burp.
2. Try your shoulder
Hold baby upright against your chest, supporting the head and neck. Keep the nose and mouth clear of your body and clothing, and gently rub or pat the back.
3. Or try a supported lap sit
Sit baby on your lap, supporting the chest and jaw without pressing on the throat. Lean them slightly forward with the head supported, then gently rub the back.
4. Stop when comfortable
If no burp comes after a brief attempt and baby is settled, stop. You may hold them upright for comfort while fully awake, but there is no compulsory waiting period before safe sleep.
5. Return to safe sleep
Put baby on their back on a firm, flat, clear mattress in their own sleep space, in your room for at least the first 6 months. Do not use wedges or side sleeping for reflux.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Patting hard or bouncing Use gentle movements and never shake baby. Vigorous handling can be uncomfortable.
- ❌ Dismissing concerning vomiting Small spit-ups are common, but green or bloody vomit, forceful repeated vomiting, poor growth or poor feeding need medical assessment. Call 911 for breathing difficulty, blue colour or floppiness.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
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When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.