Baby doesn't always burp after feeding... What's the infallible technique?

Mastering the Art of the Baby Burp

After breastfeeding or eagerly finishing a bottle, your baby doesn’t always burp. And after 10-15 minutes of waiting, you start wondering: Is something wrong?

How do you become a true burping pro? Let’s break it down in this guide dedicated to what sometimes feels like an exclusive skill. But don’t worry—anyone can master it!

Is Burping Always Necessary?

Babies naturally swallow less air while breastfeeding than they do when bottle-feeding. That’s why breastfed babies may not need to burp as often.

However, for bottle-fed babies, burping is more important. While drinking, they swallow air along with the milk, which can cause digestive discomfort and abdominal pain. Depending on how fast they drink, their position, and the maturity of their digestive system, they may even need to pause for a burp in the middle of a bottle.

Some babies also just need more time to drink, and that’s okay!

How Do You Know When Baby Needs to Burp?

Watch out for these signs:

- Crying during or after feeding
- Squirming and moving restlessly
- Making grimaces or pulling away from the bottle

Why Doesn’t My Baby Always Burp?

Some babies burp easily, while others take longer. If your baby doesn’t burp immediately after feeding, don’t worry—it may just come a few minutes later.

A Foolproof Burping Technique?

The most common way to help your baby burp is to hold them upright:

- Place baby  against your chest, resting their head on your shoulder.
- Gently pat or massage their back with your palm.
- Be prepared for  spit-up—a burp cloth over your shoulder can save your outfit!

What If the Burp Won’t Come?

If after 20 minutes your baby still hasn’t burped, try:

- Placing them in a slightly inclined bouncer (not lying completely flat).
- Letting them rest calmly—sometimes they’ll burp naturally after waking up.
- Checking their diaper—a full diaper might make them uncomfortable.
- Monitoring their temperature to rule out any signs of discomfort.

Best Tips for Bottle-Feeding

• Keep baby in a comfortable, upright position while feeding.
• Make sure the bottle nipple is always full of milk to avoid swallowing air.

With patience and the right techniques, burping will become second nature!