How Often to Burp Your Baby During Feeding
Burp your baby frequently during each feeding—this means burping after every 2-3 ounces of formula or when switching breasts during breastfeeding. 1
Evidence-Based Burping Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically identifies frequent burping during feeding as a helpful nonpharmacologic measure for managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. 1
Optimal Burping Technique and Timing
After feeding, hold your infant upright on your shoulders for 10-20 minutes to allow for adequate burping before placing them in the "back to sleep" position. 1 This practice has been shown to decrease the frequency of GER in infants. 1
Why Frequent Burping Matters
Reduces reflux episodes: Frequent burping helps decrease the height of the reflux column, the volume of refluxate, and the frequency of reflux episodes. 1
Prevents respiratory complications: GER can be temporally associated with oxygen desaturation and obstructive apnea in some infants, making proper burping particularly important. 1
Addresses "silent reflux": Approximately 30% of brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs) have been associated with reflux-related laryngospasm, which may not be clinically apparent but can be mitigated by proper feeding and burping practices. 1
Complete Feeding Management Strategy
Beyond burping, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these complementary practices: 1
- Avoid overfeeding your infant
- Maintain upright positioning in the caregiver's arms after feeding
- Avoid secondhand smoke exposure
- Never place infants in car seats or semisupine positions (like infant carriers) immediately after feeding, as this exacerbates esophageal reflux 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not skip burping sessions thinking your baby doesn't need it. Even if your infant doesn't always produce a burp, the upright positioning and gentle patting help manage air swallowed during feeding and reduce reflux risk. 1
Avoid laying your baby flat immediately after feeding. The 10-20 minute upright hold is critical for allowing adequate burping and reducing reflux before transitioning to the supine sleep position. 1