How To Burp a Newborn That Won’t Burp – Tips and Tricks

Burping is crucial when feeding a child. It helps get rid of the entrapped air bubbles that the baby might sometimes swallow while being fed. However, it is common for new parents to have questions regarding whether burping is necessary? If it is, what would be the right time and the process to make your baby burp? To clear all your doubts, here is a helping guide for you. 

Why Are Some Babies Difficult To Burp Than Others?

Burping is necessary so that the air that is trapped inside the baby while feeding is released. Some babies burp on their own, while others are made to burp. If a baby doesn’t burp for a long time, the baby could get cranky, so one should know the processes if a baby doesn’t burp easily. Babies who are breastfed tend to consume fewer air bubbles than bottle-fed babies. You should check the bottle you are using if your baby burps a lot.

What Happens if a Baby Doesn’t Burp?

If a baby doesn’t burp and falls asleep, they could spit up and would later get cranky and squirmy. If they are not burping voluntarily, one must know how to make them burp before they fall asleep.

Can Your Baby Choke if Not Burped?

Cases of choking or spitting up are rare; however, you should not overfeed your baby. And after feeding, try to make your baby burp to avoid any problems later. 

What Is the Best Time To Burp a Baby That Doesn’t Burp Easily?

There is no specific time at which your baby should burp. The most normal practice is making your baby burp after feeding or laying them down. Babies do not usually need to burp at night time because their pace of eating is slow at night; therefore, they do not get as many air bubbles inside them.

What To Do if Your Baby Doesn’t Want To Burp?

You could ask your pediatrician about the burping style best for your situation. However, here are some ideas you could try out.

1. Bouncing or Patting Your Baby 

Most parents often swear by this trick when the baby doesn’t burp at night. Frequently, light patting does not work, and you have to be firm and pat with your whole palm. Some parents even bounce their baby or pat their baby’s bottom to make them burp. However, when bouncing, make sure the movement is not vigorous. Just being fed, they could spit up the milk. Keep a burping cloth handy. 

2. Go for Various Burping Positions 

Try holding your baby over your shoulder. Make sure they are at a slight incline and not at an angle leaning back. You could also carry them in a football hold by placing their face towards your elbow and the tummy upside-down on your forearm. You could also place your baby across your lap. Lay your baby in such a position that the stomach is side down across your lap. You could also make your baby sit upright. Support the chest with your hand and lean them slightly forward. 

3. Change Baby’s Position 

Do not keep your baby in the same position for a long time. That particular position could be the reason behind your baby not burping. If you are holding your baby over your shoulder, change position and go for a football hold or make your baby sit upright. 

4. Opt for Burping Exercises 

Sometimes if there are too many air bubbles, or if it is too stubborn, going for different burping exercises might help. Your baby must burp after breastfeeding, and to initiate that, you could rotate your baby’s upper body clockwise. You could also move their body forward and backward slowly. 

5. Stretch Their Body 

Take hold of your child’s right elbow in one hand and the left knee in another. Then slowly move them towards each other. This would help in releasing the air bubbles trapped inside.

What To Do if Your Baby Won’t Burp After All the Effort?

Try out these methods if you still cannot make your baby burp.

1. Talk to Your Pediatrician About Different Positions That You Can Try 

If opting for burping exercises does not help, talk to your pediatrician about specific positions that would make it easier for your baby to burp.

2. Get Your Rhythm Right 

Being too gentle or too rough will not do anything fruitful. You need to figure out the right rhythm to ease the air bubbles.

3. Consider Timing 

It is not only after feeding that your child needs to burp; if your baby has been crying without any specific reason or is gasping at times, go for the different burping exercises to help them burp. 

4. Do Not Give Up 

By now, you must be tired yourself, but do not give up. Make sure your child burps before falling asleep. 

What Do Experts Say?

According to experts, you will know that when your baby wants to burp, they could get squirmy and avoid eating. My baby doesn’t burp wrong, as they should be made to burp to release the air bubbles trapped inside. According to experts, one must resort to different burping exercises and consult their pediatrician if their baby doesn’t burp even after a lot of effort. 

Hopefully, these tips and tricks on making a baby burp will come in handy for you. Motherhood is not easy. However, you will surely find a solution to all your baby-related problems with the right knowledge and people around you. Just don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Also Read: 

How to Burp A Baby While Sleeping
How to Make Life Easier with a Newborn Baby
Ways to Ensure Your Baby is Comfortable and Happy