Easy Way to Burp a Baby
Burping a baby correctly can be the difference between a quiet, content baby and a cranky or crying baby. Burping a baby for the first few times may seem awkward. It may take some practice to learn the best way to relieve baby of the discomfort of having swallowed air while feeding, but the ability to do so will result in a happier baby.
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Instructions
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Place a cloth over your shoulder. Holding the baby upright and facing you, place the child's chin on your collarbone and pat his back in a circle. Use a slow consistent rhythm to your pats to loosen up air that could lead to gas. Walking around the room or gently bouncing on your heels may also help.
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Be very gentle while patting; don't tap too hard. To relieve baby of deeply-settled air pockets, sit in a chair or on a couch with your legs at a 90 degree angle. Turn the baby away from you while sitting him straight up. Tilt his body forward very slightly. Softly pat baby's back, listening for a release of pressure of any kind. Hold his head up if he cannot lift it himself. Use the cloth in your hand in case baby spits up.
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Be patient with your patting. Stop every few seconds to give the air a chance to release. Continue to pat baby's back gently, using slow, small circles. Cease patting when you hear the baby burp several times. One tiny burp may not do the trick, so pat a few more seconds to listen for more.
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Clean up spittle and move your baby to face you. Smile at him and praise him to re-engage him. Continue feeding if you were in between sessions and repeat the burping technique if necessary. If not, play with him or give him something to occupy himself while sitting him up straight up so his body can settle a bit before laying down.
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References
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