How To Burp A Baby
All babies will have gas. Usually after feeding a baby will experience some degree of bloating and it will be necessary to burp him. This is a common event with newborn babies and can be dealt with easily enough with careful and gentle techniques to alleviate gas and intestinal discomfort.
First be sure you have a clean towel or burp cloth to put over your shoulder as a baby may discharge some liquid when burping. Align the towel or cloth with wherever baby’s head will be resting. Position your baby over one shoulder with his stomach against your chest and his head gently resting on your shoulder. Gently pat your baby on the back and rub it in a circular motion until he burps. You may also try gently bouncing him in your arms to encourage a burp.
A popular technique used by many parents in burping their baby is called the ‘bulldoggy burp’. In this process place one hand across the baby’s chest and support his chine with your thumb and index finger. Lean your baby across the support hand and gently rub his back with your free hand.
Another technique parents have found success with is the ‘lap burp’. Sit down and position your baby so his head rests on one thigh and his chest rests comfortably on your other thigh. Using an upward and circular motion gently rub your baby’s back until he burps.
Be patient when burping your baby. He’ll burp when he’s ready and you should never try to use excessive force when encouraging him to burp. You may want to try moving around when burping your baby, gently holding his back to your chest and leaning him forward while placing an arm under his rib cage.
Don’t panic if your baby spits up on occasion. What may appear to be a lot of liquid is usually not much at all and is natural. If your baby spits up frequently or projectile vomits this may be a signal of a problem and you should consult a doctor.