What to Know About Burping Your Baby
Until What Age Do You Need to Burp Your Baby
Although typically burping is done after breastfeeding as mothers prefer to burp after every feeding; however, there is no exact moment when you should strictly burp your baby. Some old wives’ tales encourage burping to avoid colicky babies due to the release of painful internal gases. According to an article from the Healthcare Utah Kids Zone, burping has become such an old wives tale that many assume it’s essential to prevent having a fussy child.
A study between two cohorts of parents observed the two groups that burped their babies vs the ones that didn’t. Over the course of three months, no difference was found in colic symptoms between the burped and non-burped babies. In fact, the infants in the burping group experienced twice as much spit-up as the un-burped babies. This suggests that routine burping may not reduce colic and might actually increase regurgitation.
Infants are more prone to flatulence and gas because they suck in a lot of air while trying to feed. The Pregnancy Birth Baby resource notes that babies swallow air during feeding, which can lead to gassiness and discomfort, one reason burping is commonly practiced. However, this same source implies that air can build up and cause issues only when the baby seems uncomfortable or gassy, rather than as a guaranteed outcome of every feeding.
The breastfeeding let-down reflex can also influence how much air a baby takes in. When milk flows rapidly, some infants swallow more air in the process, which may heighten the desire for burping in some feeds. However, as babies grow and feeding becomes more efficient, they often learn how to control their feeding reflexes and swallow less air.
When Can You Stop Burping?
There is no single age at which all babies stop needing to be burped. Many pediatric sources and parenting guides suggest that most babies naturally outgrow the need for routine burping between about 4 to 6 months of age. At this stage, their digestive systems have matured, and they are better able to release swallowed air on their own. Around 6 months is also when babies begin to transition into solid food feeding.
For example, Healthline reports that while pediatricians often recommend burping newborns during or after feedings, by about four to six months most babies either burp on their own or show fewer signs of discomfort if left unburped. Another parenting guide indicates that increased motor development (such as sitting up) helps babies move trapped air without assistance, offering another marker for when burping may become less necessary.
Because every baby is different, some may require occasional burping past this range, especially if they have reflux, are particularly gassy, or show signs of discomfort after feeding. Consider evaluating if they have met crucial 6 month milestones. For feeding advice, consider connecting with certified pediatric nutritionist professionals, as those readily available on MissPoppins to keep you on track.
How Do You Properly Burp a Baby?
If your baby does seem uncomfortable, there are several gentle ways to help release trapped air. According to Pregnancy Birth Baby, for tips on how to burp your baby including:
Holding your baby upright against your chest or shoulder while gently rubbing or patting their back
Sitting your baby upright on your lap with one hand supporting their chest and chin
Laying your baby face-down across your lap while supporting their head and gently rubbing their back
These positions allow gravity to assist in moving trapped air upward without force (Pregnancy Birth Baby).
Burping your baby is something you shouldn’t try to overthink. If your child is visibly showing signs of discomfort due to trapped gas, consider universally accepted practices.
The main concerns in neonatal care units involve feeding intolerance, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) and delayed gastric emptying. If you are concerned about these more serious concerns, please speak to a medical professional.
