How to Burp a Baby on a Knee

There are many ways to burp a baby. On television and the movies we only see one way: The over-the-shoulder method. For many people, television is where they get their parenting education. Burping over the shoulder is fine, but it is not the only technique available. In fact, some babies never burp in this position, but burp every time in another. If you learn an easy way to burp your own baby, by all means, use it. One burping method that tends to work with many infants is the "baby on the knee" technique. This article will give you step by step instructions on how to properly execute this burping position.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chair
• Two free hands
• Burp cloth

1. Sit on a chair or couch that allows your legs to bend at a 90 degree angle at your knees and a 90 degree angle at the hips. Spread your legs slightly, to hip's width apart. This will give you the balance and stability you need to burp your baby.

2. Hold your baby under her armpits facing you. Turn the baby so that she is facing toward the right, place her legs on the outer side of your right thigh, and sit her bottom on your knee.

3. Tip her forward slightly while you brace her and hold her in place with your right hand and arm. Tipping her forward prevents her from falling backwards. Your body prevents her from falling to her right and your right hand prevents her falling to her left or from falling forward.

4. Support his head by forming a "C" shape with your index finger and thumb of your right hand. Place the "C" just underneath her chin to keep her head from falling forward to her chest. This is especially important for newborn babies that cannot hold up their heads.

5. Tap your baby's back firmly, but gently, with your left hand. This will be your burping hand. While some babies do well with pats, others do well with back massages. Experiment to see what works best for your baby.

6. Bounce your right knee to encourage stubborn burps to come out. This is when it is extremely important to have a good grip on your infant. Newborns, especially, have no ability to hold themselves in place.

Tips & Warnings

• If your baby is not hungry and has a clean diaper, try burping as a soothing technique. Many babies only cry for three reasons: Hunger, wet diaper and air in the belly.
• Don't neglect to burp a bottle-fed baby. Bottlefed babies tend to get much more air when they eat. To prevent tummy aches later in the day, burp every hour or so.

[kims3003]

on 8/11/2009 great advise - works