Newborn won't burp: why, and what to do

What's probably happening

Not every feed produces a burp. A good latch and a calm feed mean less swallowed air to bring up.

In rough order of likelihood:

• There isn't a burp. Common with breastfed babies and well-paced bottle feeds. The air either wasn't there or has already passed.
• Position needs changing. Air shifts when the baby's torso angle changes. One position doesn't reach all of it.
• Not enough upright time yet. A burp can take 5–10 minutes of straight-spine upright. Pats help less than position.
• The wind is heading the other way. It will pass as a fart or a small spit-up later. Both are normal.

When to escalate

Get immediate medical care:

• Fever > 38°C in a baby under 3 months.
• Forceful or projectile vomiting after every feed — distinct from a small spit-up.
• Blood in vomit or stool.