I have trouble getting baby to burp. What are some tricks?

If baby doesn't burp after a feeding, you might worry she'll get a tummy ache and even lose a bit of her lunch. Here are some burping tricks a doctor and moms swear by.

There Are Two Go-To Methods

"The reason little babies are burped is to help relieve the discomfort that can accompany swallowed air. There are two typical methods used for burping an infant. One is to hold the infant upright against your shoulder supporting the head and neck. Then, with the opposite arm, pat on the back. The other position is to hold the infant on your lap folded forward into a C-like position supporting the head and neck, and use the opposite arm to pat the back. You can try an upward motion with the hand as well to help move the gas bubble up." — Deena Blanchard, MD, MPH, Premier Pediatrics, New York, NY

Wear Baby in a Carrier

"Babywearing helped a great deal with getting my babies to burp when they were gassy."

Lie Baby Face-Down

"Usually they would burp on my shoulder. If they were really gassy, I would lay them over my lap and pat their back."

Switch It Up

"Switching positions often works. Every baby has their own position they like, and rubbing and patting seems to always work."

Baby Sit-Ups

"Rocking them back and forth from sitting to lying on their back — supporting their head of course — can sometimes dredge up the burps."

It's All in the Motion

"Don't burp at the top of the back, and don't pat with your fingers. Pat the middle to lower back and use the palm of your hand, pushing up."

Walk and Bounce

"We always walked and bounced with them and patted their sweet little bottoms."

Pass the Torch

"When I had trouble burping the babies, handing them to their father almost always got them to burp."

Lean to the Side

"Hold baby upright, then lean side to side. I can't remember what side it was but some of mine burped better on their side!"

*Disclaimer: The advice on Cafemom is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.