Some breastfed babies may not need to burp as often, as they may not swallow as much air. If your baby hasn't burped after some time, go back to feeding. Not every baby burps every time you want him to burp.
In general, breastfed babies don't need as much burping as bottle-fed babies because they tend to swallow less air when feeding. In fact, some very efficient nursers don't need to be burped at all.
Always burp your baby when feeding time is over. To help prevent the milk from coming back up, keep your baby upright after feeding for 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if your baby spits up or has GERD. But don't worry if your baby spits sometimes.
If you're burping a newborn after breastfeeding, the baby will typically burp less because they swallow less air. Most babies will outgrow the need to be burped by 4-6 months of age. You can often tell that a baby needs to be burped if he or she is squirmy or pulling away while being fed.
Keep your baby upright
It's true that some breastfed babies simply don't need as much burping. No matter how long you pat your baby, nothing comes out of him. If that's the case, then at least keep him upright or at an angle for a few minutes after breastfeeding.
Some babies may be more prone to gas and discomfort if they go to sleep without being burped, while others may not have any issues. However, if a baby is already asleep and showing no signs of discomfort, it is generally safe to let them sleep without burping.
The key message here is that it is ok to put a baby to sleep without burping. For many babies, parents find they don't notice an improvement in sleep if they purposefully relieve gas before putting their baby down to bed. However, some babies do tend to sleep better by burping their baby before falling asleep.
Patting your baby on the back helps move the air bubbles up, but sometimes the patting isn't enough. If he won't burp, try patting him more firmly with your whole palm, as light pats may not be effective. Another option is to pat his bottom. Many parents swear this is the only way to get their babies to burp.
If the baby does not burp, he or she may get gassy. The best part is that correct breastfeeding positions, such as upright or semi-upright positions like the laid-back position, will help to solve this issue.
Many parents ask: Do you burp a baby after a dream feed? and the answer is always yes. You want to burp a baby after a dream feed—or any feed—before putting them back down on their back.
Sit your baby on your lap supporting the chin and chest with one hand. Rub or pat the back with your other hand. Tip: Use repeated, gentle pats on your baby's back. Rest your baby faced down on your lap and gently rub or pat the back.
Spit-up is what happens when the contents of your baby's tummy come back up easily -- not forcefully -- through their mouth. It often comes along with a burp. It's not the same as vomiting, which is when your baby throws up their stomach contents with force and muscle contractions.
Note that not all babies will need to burp. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that breastfed babies may need less burping because they swallow less air than bottle-fed babies. Follow your baby's cues - if they are fussy or squirmy, you will know that a burp is in order.
Place your baby face down on your lap or your forearm so they're looking sideways, supported by your knee or hand. Rub your baby's back gently with your other hand. Avoid this position if your baby brings up milk or vomits a lot. Some babies might be unsettled during and after a feed until they've been burped.
Help your partner lie back in a reclined position on a bed, sofa or chair, so that she can get comfortable. You can use pillows to support her back, neck and arms. Place your baby tummy down onto your partner's tummy, with their head in-between your partner's breasts.
“If your baby has a poor latch on the breast or bottle, they may gulp in more air as they feed.” said Alyson Boone, CPNP-PC, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care with Banner Health Clinic in Mesa, AZ. “This can increase fussiness and gas.”
After a feeding is over, keep your baby in an upright position for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help prevent him from spitting up. You may need to burp him longer if he does spit up or has been diagnosed with GERD.
If you're concerned about what happens if your baby won't burp after feeding, try not to worry. He'll likely be just fine and will end up passing the gas from the other end. Other babies may spit up in the crib later on, or they'll wake up fussy and need that burp you tried to get out of them before.
Keep the baby upright after their feed. Using a baby wrap or sling can be a good way to let the baby sleep in a semi-upright position, allowing the air bubble to escape without any work from the parent or caregiver. There is no need to stress if the baby does not burp.
Position your baby upright and burp if needed.
It's possible that the hiccup functions to remove swallowed gas from the stomach—essentially “an evolved burping reflex.” Gently patting your baby's back while they're held upright may ease the presence of an air bubble in the stomach.
Often when babies have had enough they'll detach and pull away from the breast. They can sometimes get frustrated and cry when their mother tries to get them back on. Another thing they do is fall asleep. Lifting the little arm that's most likely resting on your chest is a good way to tell.