Baby burps are cute, and they serve a purpose. Pint-size belches release air trapped in your baby’s stomach, making him more comfortable and less fussy. Burping also frees up room in your baby’s tummy so he can settle in and feed longer.
Burping helps everyone expel air that was ingested along with food and drink. Babies aren’t able to burp on their own, so it’s very important that you learn when and how to burp your baby. When you’re breastfeeding, pause every 5 minutes or so and burp the baby. If you’re bottle feeding, burp after every couple of ounces.
There are three ways to burp your baby.
- On Your Shoulder:
Hold the baby firmly against your chest and shoulders, supporting their bottom with one hand and gently patting and rubbing their back with the other hand. This position consistently produces productive burps. Remember to place a protective cloth on your shoulder to protect your clothes.
- Sitting Up:
Sit the baby on your lap with their head leaning forward but not flopping backwards or to the side. Support their chest with your hand/arm as you hold them under their armpit. Pat and rub their backs.
- Face-Down On Your Lap:
Place the baby face down on your lap, with their tummy on one of your legs and their head resting on the other. Hold the baby securely with one hand while patting and rubbing their back with the other. This lap position may be extra soothing for infants experiencing colic.
In the first 6 months of life, mothers should learn how to burp their babies correctly. After some time, the baby’s digestive system will be more complete, and the child’s body can push the air out of the stomach on its own without the help of the mother.
