How to Burp Your Baby Correctly: Tips and Daily Routine for Newborns

Burping your baby is an essential part of newborn care. Trapped air can cause fussiness, discomfort, and spit-up. This guide provides expert techniques, tips, and a detailed daily routine to ensure your baby is comfortable and happy.

Why Burping is Important

Babies swallow air during feeding, which can accumulate in the stomach and cause:

• Gas and bloating
• Spit-up or mild vomiting
• Fussiness or crying
• Interrupted sleep

When to Burp Your Baby

• During feeding: Switch breasts for breastfed babies, or every 2–3 ounces for formula-fed babies.
• After feeding: Always burp before putting your baby down to sleep.
• If your baby shows discomfort: Squirming, fidgeting, or crying signals the need for burping.

Expert Burping Techniques

1. Over-the-Shoulder Method

• Hold your baby upright against your shoulder.
• Support head and neck with one hand.
• Gently pat or rub the back until a burp is released.
• Use a cloth to catch any spit-up.

2. Sitting on Your Lap

• Sit your baby on your lap, slightly leaning forward.
• Support chest and head with one hand.
• Pat or rub the back gently with the other hand.

3. Lying on the Lap (Tummy-Down)

• Place your baby face-down across your lap.
• Keep the head slightly higher than the chest.
• Rub or pat the back gently to release trapped air.

Daily Routine for Feeding, Burping, and Sleep

Time	Activity	Tips
6:00 AM	Feeding (Breast/Formula)	Burp halfway and after feeding
7:00 AM	Diaper Change & Hygiene	Sponge bath if needed
8:00 AM	Short Tummy Time	2–5 minutes to strengthen neck muscles
9:00 AM	Nap	Place on back for safe sleep
11:00 AM	Feeding & Burp	Monitor for signs of fullness
12:00 PM	Gentle Interaction	Talk, sing, eye contact
1:00 PM	Nap	Safe sleep position
3:00 PM	Feeding & Burp	Use over-the-shoulder or lap method
5:00 PM	Tummy Time & Interaction	2–5 minutes gentle play
6:00 PM	Feeding & Burp	Monitor for gas or discomfort
7:00 PM	Diaper Change & Hygiene	Evening sponge bath if needed
8:00 PM	Bedtime	Swaddle and place on back
Throughout Night	Feeding & Burp	Every 2–3 hours or as needed

Conclusion

Burping your baby correctly reduces gas, discomfort, and fussiness. Using the expert techniques and following a structured daily routine ensures a happier and healthier newborn while making feeding times more enjoyable for parents.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Infant Feeding and Burping Tips. AAP
• Mayo Clinic. (2022). How to burp your baby. Mayo Clinic
• National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Baby feeding and burping. NHS