Somany meals babies take in are in liquid form, which means new parents are forever patting their infants' backs to ease a gassy tummy. And if the feeding you’ve just given ends with your baby drifting off to dreamland, getting him to burp while he's asleep can be tricky.
Still, it’s important to try and get that burp out, even though it’s tempting to put your babe down to sleep and then tip-toe away. In fact, without a proper belch, your baby may be uncomfortable after a feeding and more prone to wake up or spit up — or both.
Here are some strategies for getting a sleeping baby to burp and what happens if you just can't get your drowsy little one to cooperate.
Best methods to burp a sleeping baby
Makingyour baby burp faster is the name of the game when he’s sleeping, but the process is less about the best method and more about gently maneuvering him. With proper holds and some practice, these baby burping tricks should bring up the gas you’re listening for.[1]
- Over the shoulder. This position is often the easiest one when you want to burp a sleeping baby without waking him up. Lay your infant against your shoulder and hold his bottom snugly as you pat or rub his back.
- On your lap. Carefully lay your baby face-down across your lap to get him to burp, but be aware that he may spit up more than usual in this position.
- Sitting up. Prop his little sleepy head upright in a seated position on your lap and tilt him forward a bit as you pat his back.
- Across your arm. Burping your infant this way may seem awkward, especially for new parents, but this is a great technique for a newborn or small baby since his whole body will fit nicely along your forearm.
Should you burp a baby after a dream feed?
Yes,you should burp your baby even after a dream feed, which is a late-night feeding you wake your little one up for before you head to bed. The reason? Any feeding, including a dream feed, can create gas and/or cause your baby to spit up. So do your best to alleviate that pressure.
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One trick to try: Sneak in a little burping when he takes a break from the bottle or when you switch breasts.[2]
And if the position you’re using doesn’t yield good results, try a different one, but don’t spend more than about five minutes attempting to get a burp out.
What happens if a sleeping baby doesn’t burp?
Ifyou’re concerned about what happens if your baby won’t burp after feeding, try not to worry. He’ll likely be just fine and will end up passing the gas from the other end. Other babies may spit up in the crib later on, or they’ll wake up fussy and need that burp you tried to get out of them before.
A baby who doesn’t burp well but tends to be very bothered by gas can be held upright for 15 minutes or so after his feeding to help prevent spitting up. That position might eventually produce the burp he needs.
Some infants don’t swallow as much air as others when they nurse or take a bottle, and therefore won’t need to burp as frequently. If your baby isn’t bothered by gas after feeding and he’s eating well, count yourself lucky on the burping front.
And keep in mind that this back-patting phase is time-limited, as most babies stop spitting up when they start sitting up, by around 6 months (though it can vary).
It’s hard to wake a blissful babe from slumber just to pass a few gas bubbles, but burping a sleeping baby can make him more comfortable, which means he may sleep better. With a bit of practice and a few baby burping tricks up your sleeve, the process will soon become second nature.
From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy.
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FAQs
Gently place the baby's tummy down over the hip or belly. Make sure that the baby's head remains elevated above their body. Gently pat their back between the shoulder blades. Alternatively, rub their back in an upward circular motion.
How to burp a baby when they are asleep? ›
Gently place the baby's tummy down over the hip or belly. Make sure that the baby's head remains elevated above their body. Gently pat their back between the shoulder blades. Alternatively, rub their back in an upward circular motion.
Can you burp a baby while lying down? ›
Try lying your baby on the back and gently massage the tummy. Try moving your baby's legs back and forth, like riding a bike. If these tips don't work, talk to your healthcare provider to advise on alternative options.
What to do if baby spits up while sleeping? ›
You typically do not need to intervene if your baby spits up while sleeping. A baby's anatomy is designed to protect against choking from reflux or spit up. If your baby wakes because they are wet or experiencing some other discomfort, it's okay to provide the support they need.
Is it okay if baby doesn't burp after dream feed? ›
It's alright if your baby doesn't burp after dream feeding. If they don't burp, they'll pass gas later.
Is it OK if baby falls asleep and doesn't burp? ›
If your baby does not burp after several attempts, it is okay to let them continue sleeping, as they may not have swallowed enough air to need a burp. Always make sure to support your baby's head and neck while burping them to ensure their safety.
What if my baby won't burp for 20 minutes? ›
What if my baby won't burp? If these methods don't work and your baby shows signs of trapped wind (like crying, arched back, drawing legs into tummy, clenched fists), try lying them on their back and gently massaging their tummy. Also move your baby's legs back and forth – like they're riding a bicycle.
At what age do you stop burping a baby? ›
Most babies will outgrow the need to be burped by 4-6 months of age. You can often tell that a baby needs to be burped if he or she is squirmy or pulling away while being fed. This being said, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents try to burp their baby: When a nursing mother switches breasts or.
What if my baby won't burp and gets hiccups? ›
If your baby gets hiccups during feeding, stop and try to burp them or change their position. In general, try to help your little one relax. Hiccups usually go away on their own, but if they haven't gone away after about 5 or 10 minutes, begin feeding your baby again, which may help bring relief.
How do you burp a baby with silent reflux? ›
Burping Techniques for Reflux Babies
Hold your baby on your shoulder, sit them on your lap, or lay them face-down on your lap while patting their back. Avoid Pressure: Ensure that diaper straps or clothing aren't too tight around the baby's waist, as this can increase pressure on the stomach.
If your baby is rolling in their sleep and is comfortable sleeping on their stomach, you don't need to do anything as long as they're unswaddled on a firm infant mattress with no loose bedding. Lots of babies actually prefer tummy sleep once they are able to roll both directions.
How do I stop my baby from choking on spit up at night? ›
Healthy babies placed to sleep on the back are less likely to choke on vomit than tummy or side sleeping infants. In fact, sleeping baby on the back actually provides airway protection.
Does spit up mean overfeeding? ›
Some of the more common reasons for excessive spit-up are overfeeding and swallowing too much air during feeding. The following tips may help reduce spit-up and make your baby more comfortable: Feed your baby before they get very hungry.
Can a baby choke if not burped while sleeping? ›
This is a natural concern. However, your baby has natural ways to prevent spit-up from going down the windpipe (also called the airway). This special protection even exists when she is on her back. Sometimes, your baby may cough or gag if she spits-up.
How to burp a sleeping baby while sleeping? ›
Lay on your knees
If you're sitting in a chair, simply move your baby to a laying position on their tummy on your knees. You can move your legs side to side to rock them and gently pat or rub their back until a burp comes. A baby can remain asleep here as long as you want to stay sitting.
Is one burp enough for a newborn? ›
Try burping your baby every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) if you bottle-feed and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed. Try burping your baby every ounce during bottle-feeding or every 5 minutes during breastfeeding if your baby: tends to be gassy.
When do babies no longer need to be burped? ›
Most babies will outgrow the need to be burped by 4-6 months of age. You can often tell that a baby needs to be burped if he or she is squirmy or pulling away while being fed. This being said, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents try to burp their baby: When a nursing mother switches breasts or.
How to help a baby with trapped wind at night? ›
You can help release gas pains by bicycling their legs or bringing their knees up to their chest. During the day, be sure to offer plenty of tummy time; the gentle pressure may help break up gas bubbles.
Does spit up count as a burp? ›
Spit-up is what happens when the contents of your baby's tummy come back up easily – not forcefully – through their mouth. It often comes along with a burp. It's not the same as vomiting, which is when your baby throws up their stomach contents with force and muscle contractions.
What to do when baby choking on saliva while sleeping? ›
As difficult as it may be to watch, it's best to let your baby keep gagging and coughing. As long as they're still breathing, this is the best way for them to get saliva, mucus, or food from their throat. Your baby may be choking if they aren't able to cough, gasp, or cry.
