Baby Falls Asleep While Feeding? How to Stimulate and Why Burping Still Matters

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video answers a common question from mothers: what should I do if my baby falls asleep while feeding? Points covered in the video: It is common in small babies – newborn babies and babies under 6 months often go into a light sleep while feeding. But their sucking reflex is still good enough that they can feed even in sleep. How to stimulate the baby – if you feel the baby is stopping feeding, stimulate the baby lightly: rub the baby's feet and stroke their back, and the baby will start feeding again. Do not skip burping – mothers often say that since the baby fell asleep while feeding, they don't burp the baby. This causes problems: colic (gas problem) in the baby, the baby crying at night more often, and sometimes reflux and vomiting. What to do – even if the baby falls asleep while feeding, after the feed is complete you must hold the baby in an upright position and burp them. This is very important so the baby does not get gas problems, milk regurgitation or vomiting. Relevant for: new mothers whose newborn or under-6-month baby sleeps during feeds or stops sucking midway; parents asking how to keep a baby awake while breastfeeding; parents wondering whether to burp a baby who has fallen asleep; and parents dealing with colic, gas, night crying, reflux, milk regurgitation or vomiting after feeds. Disclaimer: