How to properly burp your baby after feeding

Introduction

A newborn's arrival is an exciting and happy occasion, but it also entails a number of duties, particularly when it comes to feeding and caring for your baby. Burping is an important infant care practice that frequently goes unnoticed. After feedings, properly burping your baby can help ease discomfort and lower the risk of colic or other gas-related problems. This article will discuss the significance of burping and offer professional guidance from Bangalore's top pediatrician.

Why Burping is Important?

Burping your baby is the key part of baby feeding. While feeding the baby air bubbles may be swallowed and it can be trapped in the stomach which may cause discomfort. Burping helps release this trapped air, making your baby feel more comfortable and reducing the chances of them experiencing colicky symptoms.

Techniques for Proper Burping

Over-the-Shoulder Method:

Hold your infant up straight with their body facing your chest, their head resting on your shoulder. With one hand holding their bottom, pat or rub their back gently with the other. Make sure your infant's head and neck are supported properly. In this position, trapped air can be released with the help of gravity.

Sitting on Your Lap:

Put your infant on your lap with their back to you and one hand supporting their chin and chest. Gently pat or rub their back with the other hand. Babies with good head control can sit in this position.

Lying Across Your Lap:

Place your baby face down across your lap with their head slightly elevated on your thigh. Gently pat or rub their back to encourage burping. This position is often more comfortable for newborns and can be used when your baby is fussy.

Face-Down on a Bed or Changing Table:

Lay your infant face down and with their head turned to the side on a flat, firm surface like a bed or changing table. Make sure their back is being gently patted or rubbed. Babies who struggle to be burped using conventional techniques may find this position to be especially helpful.

Sitting in an Infant Seat:

If your baby can sit with minimal support, you can place them in an infant seat or swing and rock them gently. The motion can help release trapped gas. Always use safety straps and supervise your baby in these devices.

Still showing signs of trapped gas?

Try lying the infant at the back and gently rub the tummy. Try moving the infant's legs back and forth. Still, it didn’t work then try consulting the best pediatrician in Bangalore.

Tips for Successful Burping

Be Patient:

Infants might not burp right away. use repeated, gentle patting on the baby back.

Use a Burp Cloth:

to prevent messy cleanup, use a small towel when the baby has wet burp, you might place the towel under the baby's chin or your shoulder.

Stay Upright After Feeding:

to prevent the milk from coming back up, keep your baby upright for 10-15 minutes.

Pay Attention to Your Baby's Cues:

Watch for signs that your infant needs to burp, such as arching their back, or squirming during a feeding.

When to Burp Your Baby

Burping your infant is crucial both during and after feedings. When switching breasts, try to burp a breastfed infant. Every 2-3 ounces of milk should be interrupted to burp a baby being fed by bottle. Burp as often as necessary to make your baby feel more at ease or until you hear or feel a burp. Some infants might need to burp more frequently than others.

Conclusion

Burping your baby after feeding is a crucial procedure that can greatly enhance their comfort and well-being. Keep in mind that each baby is different, so what may or may not work for one may not work for another. You'll get better at knowing when and how to effectively burp your baby with practice.

It might take some trial and error to find the burping technique that works best for your baby because every baby is different. As you navigate this crucial aspect of infant care, patience and attention to your baby's cues are essential.

Whether you choose the over-the-shoulder method, sitting on your lap, lying across your lap, or another technique, the goal remains the same: to provide comfort and relief to your baby by releasing trapped air from their tummy. If any possible methods don’t work please look out for the best pediatrician in bangalore.