How to Burp a Baby
After a good meal, a baby needs to burp. It may even be a good idea to burp a young baby a few times during a meal to help prevent little spit-up accidents. These occur when a bubble gets caught in the baby’s tummy. When it finally rises up to become a burp, it pushes a bit of milk along with it causing some spit-up. By burping a baby periodically, you can avoid some, if not all, of these spit-up episodes.
There are many ways to burp a baby. Your choice of style will have to do with your and your baby’s preference. In all of these, remember that a baby has little or no neck control and can be injured with rough handling.
Shoulder Burp
The shoulder burp is a classic. To burp a baby on your shoulder, first lay a blanket or burp cloth down to absorb any drips or spit-up as they can travel down your back. Then gently lift the baby to your shoulder placing her stomach again the top of your shoulder. Ball your hand into a fist and knock on her back gently as if you were knocking on a door. You may also pat her back with a flat palm. Keep her upright for a while and eventually all bubbles should rise up and out as a nice big burp.
Lap Burp
If the shoulder burp doesn’t work for you, the lap burp might be a great way to soothe your baby while burping. Lay your baby on her tummy on your knees (while you are seated.) Then gently pat her back and/or bounce your legs up and down slightly to jiggle free any loose air in her belly. Be sure her tummy in on top of your knees so that she is getting a bit of pressure on her stomach. This is not only soothing for most babies, but helps air to rise as well.
Seated Burp
A final option that is recommended by colic and fussy baby experts is a seated burp. While seated, place your baby in a seated position on your leg. Lean her forward into your palm so that her tummy is pressing on the heel of your hand and your fingers are helping to support her head. Hold her as close to upright as possible without compromising her airway. (Babies slump over and their chin drops to their chest making it hard for them to get a deep breath.)
While holding your baby upright, bounce your knee firmly ten or twelve times to free any bubbles. Then gently pat her back to help her burp. Repeat a time or two if the burp doesn’t come or switch to a shoulder burp after the bouncing to ensure all burps are out.
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Posted in Babies and Infants, Family & Parenting
