Burping a baby
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Burping a baby
A baby may be uncomfortable after feedings if he or she has swallowed air during the feeding. Burping helps get rid of air that the baby has swallowed.
- Burp a breast-feeding baby when you switch breasts during feeding.
- Burp a baby who is bottle-feeding after each
to of fluid. - Burp the baby after the feeding is finished.
- If the baby has difficulty with gas or spitting up, you may burp the baby more frequently.
- Most babies burp readily on their own after 2 months of age.
To burp a baby:
- Place the baby in an upright position, such as over your shoulder or in a sitting position on your lap. If you place the baby on your lap, place your hand under the chin to support the baby's head.
- Gently rub or pat the baby's back. The baby will not always burp each time you do this. Wait a few minutes and try again.
- Sometimes formula or breast milk comes up with the air when the baby burps. A clean washcloth, cloth diaper, or bib can help keep you and the baby clean during burping.
To help the baby swallow less air during bottle feedings:
- Make sure the formula is not too hot or too cold.
- Hold the bottle so no air gets into the nipple.
- Sit the baby upright in your arms when feeding.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Last Updated | March 15, 2007 |
| Last updated: | March 15, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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