How to Burp a Baby

We scold our eight-year-old tomboy for burping at the dinner table and look crossly at Daddy when he does the same, yet when it comes to a baby, we cheer each burp as if it were a great accomplishment. Truth is, it is!

After each feeding a baby needs to burp to rid his system of unwanted air. When a baby eats, she takes in air that if not expelled through a post-feeding burp, may turn into uncomfortable and tear worthy gas later.

There are several ways to burp a baby to ensure a positive end result - a resounding BURP!

One way to burp a baby is to place her up on the shoulder. Be sure her face is clear so she can breath. Holding the baby under her bottom with one hand, gently but firmly pat her back repeatedly until she burps. Often, rubbing baby's back will provide the same result.

Another way to get baby to burp is to lay him on his tummy across your lap. Allow baby's legs to dangle off one end. His head will lean forward off the other end, but be sure to support the neck as needed. Again, pat baby's back until you are rewarded with a burp. Colicky babies often prefer this method of burping, as they often like being on their tummies.

Sometimes, a baby has a better chance of producing a good burp in the seated position. For this method, seat the baby on your lap sideways, supporting the chest and head with one hand while patting the back with the other. Again, wait for the familiar sound.

Burping a baby throughout their feeding is important in order to avoid unwanted air or gas buildup. Also, a stuck burp can give baby a full feeling, making feeding less productive. Be sure to burp an infant baby every five minutes or so during a feeding, or for breastfeeding, between each breast.