Burping Baby

Along with their feed, babies usually take in a little air during the sucking process. This air makes them uncomfortable. You can help your little one get rid of this unnecessary air by burping the baby. You may consider burping the baby when you shift her from one breast to another if you are breast feeding her. Alternatively if you are feeding her formula, you can opt for burping the baby after she has finished a certain amount of formula. You may also consider burping her if she begins to become fussy in between a meal. Tying a bib around your baby's neck and placing a towel on your lap or shoulder depending on the method you opt for burping the baby can avoid a messy situation.

If you do not develop the habit of burping the baby regularly during a feed, she may swallow a lot of air. This could result in your baby spitting up or feeling cranky and a gassy feeling in her little stomach. If you make it a practice of burping the baby well, she will eat more during each feed and also have a better sleep between two meals.

Ways of Burping Baby

There are three ways you can follow for burping your baby. You may have to try the three different ways to find out the most comfortable one:

• Sit straight and place your baby on your chest with one hand. Rest her chin on your shoulder. Using your other hand, pat her gently on her back.
• Lay your baby on your lap with her face downwards. Rest her stomach on one of your legs and her head on the other. Hold her firmly with one hand and pat her using the other.
• Help your baby sit on your lap with her head leaning forward. Support her chest with your arm and hold her chin. Pat her on the back. Make sure that the baby does not move her head backwards.

Is there any fixed number of times I must be burping my baby?

This actually depends on your baby and is determined by the amount of air she takes in with each feed. Usually, babies using a feeding bottle require more burping than breast feeding babies. However if your little one has problems in latching on your breast, you may have to burp her often. You can consider burping your bottle-feeding baby between and after her feed. If your baby does not take in air with her feed, you may not have to burp her. However, this is very rare.

How do I know when my baby needs burping?

Your baby shows various signs which can possibly indicate the need for burping. She may stop eating. Sometimes, she may become fussy although she continues eating.

Video on How to Burp Baby

How long must each burping session last?

There is no specific length of time for burping your baby. The time taken for burping varies from baby to baby. It can last from a few minutes to many minutes. If she does not burp within five minutes after you try to burp her, you need not continue trying. Remember not to waste too much time trying to get her to burp after a meal. Usually, your baby is ready to sleep after a meal and should not be kept awake for a long time.

My baby does not burp after a meal. Also, she starts crying sometimes when I try to burp her half way a meal. Can anything be wrong?

Your baby is usually sleepy after a meal and wants to sleep as soon as possible. Getting her to burp at this point of time can be tough. Try for a few minutes and if she doesn't show the urge for a burp, place her to sleep. This is quite normal. She may be crying when you stop half way through a meal because she wants to continue feeding. If she doesn't burp in a few minutes after you try to burp her, stop it and continue feeding her.

Buying bibs online in India

Kid Studio has a wide range of bibs and burp clothes that you may find handy when you burp your baby after or in between a feed.