Burping your baby might seem like a straightforward task, but any new parent knows it can feel more like an art—or even a science. Beyond preventing spit-up and hiccups, burping is essential for keeping your baby comfortable and reducing gas buildup. But what do you do when your baby simply refuses to burp?
TikTok creator @caitlin_chipmunk captured the essence of this struggle in a viral video that racked up over 4.7 million views. The video shows Caitlin trying every trick in the book to coax a burp out of her son, saying things like:
- “Get the burps out.”
- “Work with me here, buddy!”
- “If you lay down right now, you’re going to spit up everywhere.”
After many attempts, Caitlin finally places her baby on his belly, prompting a satisfying (and loud) burp. Her triumphant response? “WHOA, I told you you had to burp!” Parents everywhere chimed in with similar tales of burping woes—and victories.
@caitlin_chipmunk Like please I don’t have all night 😩 . . . #firsttimemom #momproblems #newbornbaby #babyboy #burping #bottlefeeding ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
If you’re deep in the trenches of burping struggles, here’s everything you need to know about why burping matters, why it can be tricky, and how to find the technique that works best for your baby.
Related: How to help a colicky baby
Why burping is so important
Babies often swallow air while feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If this air isn’t released, it can cause gas, discomfort, and even spit-up. According to UNICEF, burping helps prevent these issues, creating a more pleasant feeding experience for your baby (and for you).
Some babies need to burp more often than others. Breastfed babies may swallow less air compared to bottle-fed babies, but burping is still beneficial. For parents wondering how long to keep up this ritual, pediatricians generally agree that most babies no longer need to be burped by the time they’re 4 to 6 months old, as they become better at feeding and start sitting upright on their own.
Why do babies struggle to burp?
Babies don’t always burp on command, and there are several reasons why:
- Feeding Position: If a baby isn’t held in a position that minimizes air intake, they might struggle with trapped gas. Holding your baby on a slight incline during feeding can help reduce swallowed air, as suggested by the Cleveland Clinic.
- Swallowed Air: Babies often gulp air during feedings, especially if they have a shallow latch or are using a bottle without anti-colic features. Ensuring a proper latch during breastfeeding and using bottles designed to reduce air intake can help.
- Feeding Method: Bottle-fed babies tend to swallow more air than breastfed babies, which can lead to more trapped gas. Tips for addressing this issue are outlined by HealthyChildren.org.
Related: Colic 101: What it is & what you can do to make it better
Expert-recommended burping techniques
If your baby is struggling to burp, switching up your method can make all the difference.
Here are some effective burping techniques:
- Over-the-shoulder: Hold your baby upright with their chin resting on your shoulder. Gently pat or rub their back to encourage a burp. This method provides light pressure on their tummy, helping to release air.
- Sitting on your lap: Sit your baby on your lap, supporting their chest and head with one hand while using the other to rub or pat their back. This technique works well for babies who resist traditional positions.
- Belly-down on your lap: Lay your baby tummy-down across your lap, supporting their head and ensuring their airways are clear. Gently pat or rub their back.
- Bicycle legs: If burping doesn’t work, try moving your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion to relieve gas. According to UNICEF, this technique can help release trapped air lower in the digestive tract.
Dr. Tanya Altmann, a UCLA-trained pediatrician, also shares a lesser-known “viral burping technique” that she learned from lactation consultant Polly Gannon. It involves gently rolling your baby side-to-side 20 to 30 times (known as “The Polly Dance”) before patting their back or trying an over-the-shoulder position. This technique is particularly effective for releasing upper gas.
Persistence is important, but so is knowing when to call it quits. According to an article by Medical News Today, if the baby does not burp after trying, do not worry.
Troubleshooting tips
Sometimes, even with perfect technique, your baby still won’t burp. Here are additional tips to consider:
When can you stop burping your baby?
The good news? This phase doesn’t last forever. Boys Town Pediatrics notes that most babies stop needing to be burped by 4-6 months, once they’ve developed better feeding techniques and can sit up on their own.
Quick FAQs about burping
When should I burp my baby?
Burp your baby after every feeding, especially if they seem fussy or have swallowed a lot of air during feeding.
What if my baby doesn’t burp?
If your baby doesn’t burp but seems comfortable, they may not need to. Try different positions, but don’t stress if the burp doesn’t come.
When can I stop burping my baby?
Most babies no longer need to be burped by 4-6 months of age, as they develop better feeding skills and spend more time upright.
Does burping prevent colic?
A 2014 study published in Child: Care, Health and Development found no significant reduction in colic episodes among babies who were burped versus those who weren’t. In fact, the study noted a higher incidence of regurgitation among burped infants.
The bottom line
Burping your baby may feel like a parenting rite of passage, but it’s also an opportunity to connect, learn, and adapt. Caitlin’s viral TikTok is a reminder that parenting is as much about trial-and-error as it is about celebrating those small (and noisy) victories. Keep experimenting, trust your instincts, and remember: you’re doing an amazing job.
Sources:
- Reduction in babies’ colic episodes. 2014. Child: Care, health, and development. “A randomized controlled trial of burping for the prevention of colic and regurgitation in healthy infants.”
