How to burp your baby easily
When you want to burp your baby, a gentle and repeated pat on the back of your baby should do the trick – you do not have to hit hard. To avoid messy cleaning when your baby spits or has a “wet burp,” you can place a towel or bib under your baby’s chin or on your shoulder. Try to experiment different comfortable burping positions for you and your baby.
Three ways to burp a baby
There is more than one way to do the job. Here are three different burping methods that you can try. Experiment to find the one that is more comfortable and effective for you and your baby.
a) On the chest or shoulder
- Put a rag on your shoulder (and even on your back) to protect your clothing from spitting.
- Hold your baby against your chest so that his chin rests on your shoulder.
- Support him with one hand and gently pat or rub him with the other. Or try this as an alternative when your baby has more control over the head and neck.
- Hold your baby higher on your shoulder – high enough so that your shoulder gently presses on your stomach, creating a slight pressure that will let out the burp.
- Support him with one hand and gently pat or rub him with the other.
- Make sure your baby is able to breathe comfortably and is not too saggy. A quick glance in the mirror to check the position of the head can be helpful.
b) Sitting on your knees
- Put a cloth bib on your baby or a rag on your lap to catch the spit.
- Have your baby sit on your knees in front of you.
- Use one hand to support his body, the palm of your hand supporting his chest while your fingers gently support his chin and jaw. (Make sure you do not put your fingers around his throat.)
- Use the other hand to gently stroke the back of your baby.
- Lean your baby slightly forward and pat or gently rub her back with your other hand.
c) Face down on your knees
- Put a clothe in your lap to wipe away the spit.
- Put your baby face down on your legs so that he is lying on your knees, perpendicular to your body.
- Support his chin and jaw with one hand. Make sure your baby’s head is not lower than the rest of his body so that the blood does not rush to his head.
- Tap or scrub with the other hand.
Note: If you do not get a burp after a few minutes, try another position. If that does not work, it is good to stop – your baby may not need to burp.
