So many 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
Making your 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.
Read This Next
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?
If you’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.
Yes 
No 
Trending On What to Expect
