Burping newborns: the basics
If you think your baby swallows a lot of air when feeding or has trouble getting rid of wind, you might like to burp them.
Put a cloth over your shoulder. Put your baby over your shoulder and support them with your hand on the same side. When your baby is upright, gently rub their back with your other hand.
Your baby might vomit up some milk during burping. This is normal.
More burping positions to try
Sit your baby upright on your lap. Lean your baby forward and support their head and neck with your fingers. With your free hand, rub your baby’s back gently.
Place your baby face down on your lap or your forearm so they’re looking sideways, supported by your knee or hand. Rub your baby’s back gently with your other hand. Avoid this position if your baby brings up milk or vomits a lot.
Some babies might be unsettled during and after a feed until they’ve been burped. Burping your baby part way through a feed might help. Use the position that works best for your baby.
After burping: understanding your baby’s cues
After burping, your baby will give you baby cues about what to do next. If your baby is comfortable, it might be time for play and activities with you.
If your baby is still upset after being burped, the problem might be something other than wind. Is your baby still hungry? Do they have a dirty nappy? Are they unwell?
If your newborn is often unsettled after feeding and burping or you’re worried for any other reason, see your GP or child and family health nurse.
Languages other than English
- Arabic (PDF: 441kb)
- Dari (PDF: 443kb)
- Dinka (PDF: 451kb)
- Hakha Chin (PDF: 414kb)
- Karen (PDF: 423kb)
- Persian (PDF: 423kb)
- Simplified Chinese (PDF: 439kb)
- Swahili (PDF: 415kb)
- Tamil (PDF: 433kb)
- Vietnamese (PDF: 430kb)