Baby Burping

Everything related to baby care seems challenging at first, be it feeding or burping. Timely burp is as essential as feeding the baby. Infants tend to swallow air during the feed and it gets locked in their tiny tummies causing discomfort and distress. Hence getting your baby to burp after every feed or even in the middle of the feed is vital. There is no general rule for burping babies. Some need to be burped more than others. Typically, breast fed babies require lesser burping than bottle-fed ones. Babies on the bottle tend to swallow more air. Sometimes some gas also gets released due to the breakdown of certain foods in the intestine.

Just a wee bit of gas trapped in the tiny tummy can make an infant uncomfortable. Gas that gets trapped in the gastrointestinal system needs to be released. Babies may spit up or turn cranky if they are not made to get rid of the accumulated gas. Few infants burp as soon as they are fed but some are stubborn leaving the mothers clueless. Parents are at their wits end when their little angles become gassy and colicky. Is there a way out? Yes, there is plenty that mothers can do. Crying is the only way little infants can communicate - be it pain, colic or hunger.

When to burp the baby?

All mothers have their unique way of identifying when to pause and let their little ones play the melody (at least to their ears).Yet, according to experts, parents should take a hint when baby starts turning and twisting or slows down while on feed.

How to burp your baby

Over the shoulder: Place your baby firmly with chin rested over one shoulder and stomach against your chest. Now gently rub or pat on the baby's back using 'down to upward' movement until the burp is released.

On your lap: Make your baby lie down on your lap face downwards, hold him firmly with one arm around him and use the other hand to give gentle strokes on his back. Do remember the direction; it is always from the lower part of the spine to the nape of the neck.

Over the hand - sit up position: Put your baby sideways on your knees and let the baby's chin rest on your hand. Make sure that your hand is not around the baby's neck. Once you feel settled and comfortable rub the back applying mild pressure.

On your arm: Let baby lay along your forearm, belly downside and arms of the baby hanging on either side of your arm. Side of the baby should rest on your stomach. Once you are sure of the grip slowly rub the back with the other hand. This method is almost similar to the 'lap position' but it is up to the mother to choose between the two.

Baby burping precautions

Whatever may be the method adopted, it is advisable to follow certain precautions.

• Safety first. Baby's neck and shoulder should be well supported.
  
  
• Always keep a bib or towel under baby's chin as he might spit a small amount of curdled milk while he burps.
  
  
• Protect your clothes with a burp cloth.
  
  
• Be as gentle as possible while you pat his back. Pat or massage the left side of the baby's back.
  
  

You can hold up the baby against your chest and walk around a bit. The gentle movement of walking can ease the tiny tummy. These are some of the tried and tested methods that will push the tiny bubbles out of your baby's belly, feed after feed. Pick any position of your choice and have happy burping sessions together.