The gas stuck in a baby's stomach can cause them discomfort which can make them uncomfortable and distressed. Since babies can't talk, they will typically cry when anything bothers them — so parents may not know if their youngin' is tired, bored, hungry, wet, or in need of a burp. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that burping your baby regularly, even if they don't cry, will release unwanted gas.
There are easy ways to time a baby burp during feeding breaks. If you're breastfeeding, burp your little one before you switch breasts. For bottle-feeding parents, it's a good idea to burp every 2 or 3 ounces for infants up to 6 months of age.
Once they reach 3 months old, babies can become more efficient at feeding time and will not have to be burped as much — and better yet, they may even be able to burp themselves. Nevertheless, even at this age, babies may still need your help. Even as they get older, they may struggle burp on their own, even though their digestive system is maturing. At 4 to 6 months old, your baby may begin to eat solid foods which can cut down on how much burping they have to do (via Bounty).
