🍼 When Baby Won’t Burp: What Else to Try
Gentle tricks that work!
Sometimes, no matter how long you try, your newborn just won’t burp — and that can feel frustrating and worrying. The good news? It’s common, and there are gentle, baby-safe tricks you can try to help release trapped air and keep your little one comfy.
⸻
🌼 Why do babies need to burp?
Newborns swallow air when:
• Feeding (breast or bottle)
• Crying
• Using a pacifier
If that air isn’t released, it can cause:
• Fussiness or crying
• Spit-up
• Gas discomfort
Some babies burp easily; others need a little extra help — and that’s okay.
⸻
✅ Classic burping positions (always start here):
1️⃣ Over the shoulder:
Hold baby upright on your shoulder, gently pat or rub their back.
2️⃣ Sitting on your lap:
Support baby’s chin and chest with your hand, lean them slightly forward, gently pat their back.
3️⃣ Lying across your lap:
Lay baby tummy-down across your knees, gently rub or pat their back.
⸻
✨ When baby still won’t burp: gentle tricks to try
🔄 Switch positions:
Move from shoulder to lap or lap to tummy — sometimes the change in angle helps.
🚶♀️ Slow walk & sway:
Walk gently or bounce softly while baby is upright.
🧘♀️ Baby bicycle legs:
Lay baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycle motion to release trapped lower gas.
↩ Tummy time:
A few minutes of supervised tummy time can gently massage baby’s tummy and help air escape.
🌱 Gentle back rubs instead of pats:
For some babies, slow circular motions on the back work better than patting.
🤱 Pause & burp mid-feed:
Don’t wait until the end of the feed. Burping halfway can help prevent bigger bubbles.
⸻
⚠ When not to worry:
Some babies simply swallow less air and may not always burp.
If your baby seems:
• Content
• Feeding well
• Not arching their back, crying excessively, or spitting up a lot
…it’s usually okay if they don’t burp every time.
⸻
🚨 When to check with your doctor:
• Excessive vomiting
• Baby seems to be in pain, arches back, or cries inconsolably
• Severe bloating or tummy feels hard
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it’s always okay to ask your pediatrician.
⸻
🌸 Real talk:
Burping can feel stressful at first, but you and your baby will soon figure out what works best together.
Every baby is different — what matters most is being gentle, patient, and responsive.
⸻
• baby won’t burp
• how to burp newborn
• gentle burping techniques
• what to do when baby won’t burp
• newborn burping tips
