Do I really need to burp my baby?

One of the most common things new parents are told to do after every feed is burp their baby. It’s a habit passed down through generations and often taught as an essential step in newborn care. But as we learn more about newborn physiology and infant development, especially through the lens of neuroprotective developmental care, it’s worth asking whether this is always necessary.

For many families, burping becomes such a routine part of caring for their baby that it’s rarely questioned. But the truth is, not all babies actually need to be burped—particularly breastfed babies who are well attached at the breast. When a baby has a deep attachment at the breast, they take in very little air while feeding. So often, the idea that every baby must be burped is more cultural than biological.

It’s also completely normal for babies to become relaxed and sleepy after a feed. Breastfeeding triggers a beautiful hormonal cascade that helps relax both you and your baby. Oxytocin, prolactin, and other calming hormones promote bonding, rest, and connection. When we stop and try to burp a baby when they're in this sleepy, milk-drunk state - we might actually unintentionally interrupt that natural calming process. I am sure you've probably been in the situation where your baby is asleep, but as you lift them up over your shoulder to burp them they rouse and wake up. I can hear your internal nooooooooo from here!

There’s even research to support this. A small 2014 randomised control trial looked at babies who were routinely burped and those who were not. Interestingly, the burped group did not cry any less and actually had more spit-ups. This challenges the assumption that burping always helps with wind or discomfort. Of course, some babies do swallow more air during feed - but this isn’t the case for every baby.

In the early weeks, some babies might grunt, squirm, or go red in the face as they work through passing wind or poo. These behaviours are often mistaken for gas, but they are usually just a reflection of an immature digestive and nervous system. Newborns are still developing the myelin sheaths that coat the nerves in their gut, and that patchy development can mean certain sensations feel quite intense or uncomfortable. But it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

This is where the NDC (Possums) approach can be so helpful. Rather than focusing on routines or 'must-do' tasks like burping, NDC encourages us to respond to our baby’s cues and create a calming sensory environment. If your baby is content and settling well after a feed without burping, there may be no need to disturb them. Letting them remain curled up and resting on your chest can support both digestion and nervous system regulation.

That said, there’s no one right way to approach this. If burping seems to help your baby feel more settled, then keep doing it. Responsive care is about noticing what works for your unique baby and family - not about following rigid advice either way. But if you find your baby becomes more unsettled when woken to burp, or if burping is disrupting their sleep, it’s okay to experiment with letting that step go for a few feeds and seeing what changes.

It’s also worth mentioning that some babies do experience more significant digestive discomfort due to feeding challenges, or allergies. These are less common, but they do occasionally happen. If your baby is consistently unsettled, arching their back, having difficulty feeding, or seems to be really struggling with wind, it’s a good idea to seek individual support from a midwife or lactation consultant.

Mostly though, babies are just babies. So if your baby finishes a feed and drifts off into a peaceful snooze, it’s perfectly okay to let them be. You don’t need to wake them just to tick off a burp. Follow their cues, trust your instincts, and allow your baby to guide you.

And if you’re ever unsure or need a little extra support in those early weeks, we’re here to help. Our team offers gentle, evidence-based postnatal care that supports feeding, sleep, and recovery in a way that works for your unique family. You can book an appointment with us here or send us a message if you would like to chat about how we can support you.

Reference: Kaur R, Bharti B, Saini SK. A randomized controlled trial of burping for the prevention of colic and regurgitation in healthy infants. Child Care Health Dev. 2015 Jan;41(1):52-6. doi: 10.1111/cch.12166. Epub 2014 Jun 9. PMID: 24910161.