Burping will help babies expel any trapped air in their tummy. Burping a baby is usually most effective right after feeding, as the baby will suck in air while feeding or feeding. Burping your baby will help expel the air, making him feel comfortable. Burping a baby is actually quite easy if you know what to do.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Burping Over the Shoulders
Step 1. Carry your baby on the shoulder
Be sure to support your baby's head and neck while doing this. You may have more success burping him if you carry him higher, so that his stomach rests on your shoulder.
You need to put a clean cloth over your shoulder, especially if your baby is less than a year old. Your baby's lower esophagus (the tube that carries food into the stomach) isn't fully developed, and may expel the food back when he burps. Sometimes this can cause your baby to spit up, but this is a completely natural process
Step 2. Pat the area between the two shoulder blades
Do this really gently. You should only find it by moving your wrist; do not move your arms to burp your baby.
If you don't want to pat your baby, you can stroke his back in a circular motion with your hand. Although a little less effective, this method is often successful in burping the baby as well
Step 3. Notice when the baby has burped and stop patting it
The sound may sound like a regular burp, and if your baby hears it, then you know it's time to stop. If it doesn't sound like a normal burp, it may sound like a sneeze, a grumbling sound, or a short "Uh" sound.
Step 4. Hold the baby in front of you immediately after burping, and show your smile
Show your presence again and kiss your baby.
Method 2 of 4: Burping by Sitting Upright
Step 1. Place the baby on your lap in a sitting position
While doing this, make sure to support your baby's head and neck. If you wish, place a clean cloth on your lap and on your baby's thighs to catch the spit up.
Hold the baby's front chest with your hands, and the neck and head with your fingers. That way your baby is in a safe position and his upper body is protected at all times
Step 2. Gently pat, pet, or rock your baby until he or she burps
There are several ways you can try to make your baby burp, although it may take a few minutes. This method includes:
- Pat. Pat very slowly, using only the movement of your wrist, not the pressure of your arm.
- Stroking. Caress the baby in a circular motion.
- Shake. Rock your baby gently, always making sure that his neck and head are well supported.
Step 3. End feeding the baby after they have burped
Your baby may struggle to burp just once, or may even burp several times during a feed. This really depends on the condition of the individual baby.
Method 3 of 4: Lying Burp
Step 1. Lay your baby on their tummy on your thighs, with their neck and head on top of them
Remember to always support the baby's neck and head by placing your hand on the baby's chest to stabilize him.
Step 2. Pat or pet the baby until he burps
This process may take a few minutes, or your baby may be able to burp right away. It all depends on each baby. Not every feeding time will make him burp, but if your baby seems to be squirming uncomfortably, he or she may still need more feedings.
Step 3. End feeding the baby after they have burped
Your baby may struggle to burp just once, or may even burp several times during a feed. This really depends on the condition of the individual baby.
Method 4 of 4: Simplify the Burping Process
Step 1. Try feeding the baby directly from the breast, and not using a bottle
Breastfeeding directly is the easiest way to avoid the baby needing to burp, because the flow of milk is more limited. Breastfeeding from a bottle often forces the baby to swallow air along with the milk.
Step 2. Feed the baby in a (slightly) upright position
Hold the baby at an angle of 45° when feeding the baby directly or using a bottle. This will make it easier for your baby to swallow, reducing the chances of needing to burp.
Step 3. Try to feed your baby more often with smaller portions
Long, heavy feedings will increase the chances of your baby throwing up excess air. Try to feed her more often with smaller portions.
Step 4. Find out when your baby needs to burp
While your baby is feeding, pay close attention to the baby and try to assess his comfort level. If your baby is grimacing uncomfortably it may mean he needs to burp. If the baby's face is calm and seems happy, the urge to burp may have passed.
Step 5. Know that not every feeding has to end with a burp
Some babies burp more than others, and there may come a time when your baby who usually burps a lot may not need to burp. As your baby grows, his ability to regulate his digestion will become more perfect, so his need to burp will fade.
Tips
- It helps sometimes to stroke the baby, if you do this, move your hand gently against the baby's back.
- Sometimes babies cry because they feel pain from the air in their stomach and need to burp. Try burping your baby if your baby cries after changing his diaper, feeding him but doesn't stop crying.
- Gently pat the baby.
- Use a clean cloth, blanket or towel to keep your clothes clean if your baby spits up.
- Recognize the difference between spitting up and throwing up. Spitting up means that the liquid that the baby passes is thick and in small amounts, and the baby is not sick. Meanwhile, vomiting means that the baby excretes large amounts of food, is in pain, cries loudly, and the material that comes out of his stomach is more watery. This is very serious for babies because babies are easily dehydrated. Call your doctor, and don't panic if your pediatrician will advise you to take your baby to the ER immediately. Depends on the length of time the baby has been vomiting. and how sick your baby is, he or she may need antibiotics, ICU care, and/or saline infusions to prevent or stop dehydration (a serious problem with babies).
Warning
- DO NOT HANG BABY ON YOUR SHOULDER! Hold most of his body against your chest. If you place it too high, your baby may have difficulty breathing between your back and the seat, or fall to the floor. If this happens, you may not be able to catch your baby.
- CLAPP GENTLY! If you pat too hard, you may cause permanent injury causing your baby to lose the ability to move, your baby's growth is stunted or even the baby's death.
