Burp helps babies expel trapped air in the stomach. It may be useful to stimulate the baby to burp during or at the end of the feed, when it tends to suck the air along with the milk. The burp will help the baby release that air, improving his nutrition and making him feel better. It is not difficult, if you know how to proceed.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: The Burp on the Shoulder
Step 1. Place the baby on your shoulder
Remember to support his head and neck. Make sure that her tummy rests completely on her shoulder.
It is advisable to spread a sheet or a towel on the shoulder, especially if the child is less than one year old. The final part of the esophagus (the tract that allows food to pass into the stomach) has not yet fully developed, so children often regurgitate what they have ingested, but it is perfectly natural
Step 2. Gently tap between the baby's shoulder blades
They must be very delicate strokes. Possibly, just use your wrist without moving your arm.
If you don't want to nudge the baby, try gently rubbing the back with your hand using circular motions. While it is a less effective method, it often works
Step 3. You need to know when the baby has burped so that you can stop
Sometimes it sounds like a normal burp, other times it can resemble a sneeze, a grunt, or it can be a dull sound.
Step 4. As soon as the baby has burped, take him back in your arms and smile at him
Reconnect with him and give him a kiss.
Method 2 of 4: The Seated Burp
Step 1. Have the baby sit on your lap
Remember to support his head and neck. If you choose this method, spread a sheet over your legs and those of the baby to protect them from any regurgitation.
Support the baby's torso with your palm and head with your fingers. It is a safe position because it will be supported at all times
Step 2. Try rubbing his back, nudging him or making him jump slightly
Continue until he burps. There are several methods of getting it to expel the air, although some take several minutes. Here are what they are:
- Taps on the back. They must be very light. If possible, use only your wrist, without moving your arm, because otherwise you would use too much force.
- Rub the back in circular motions.
- Saltelli. Make the baby jump slightly, making sure the head and neck are supported at all times.
Step 3. Continue to breastfeed your baby after burping
It may happen that she has difficulty burping, or she may do several during the feed. Every child is different.
Method 3 of 4: The Burp in the Lying Position
Step 1. Have the baby lie on your thighs on his stomach, keeping his head slightly higher than his body
Support your head and neck with one hand on your chest.
Step 2. Rub his back until he burps
Sometimes it works right away, other times it may take several minutes. It all depends on the child. It's not always necessary, but if he seems agitated or distressed, try making him burp instead of continuing to breastfeed him.
Step 3. Continue to breastfeed your baby after burping
It may happen that she has difficulty burping, or she may do several during the feed. Each child is different.
Method 4 of 4: Making Burp Easier
Step 1. Try breastfeeding instead of bottle feeding
Often a baby does not need to burp when breastfeeding because the flow of milk is less. Instead, the bottle forces the baby to ingest a lot of air along with the liquid.
Step 2. Feed the baby in a semi-vertical position, possibly at 45 °
In this position, she can swallow more easily, so there is less chance she will have to burp.
Step 3. Try to breastfeed often so that feeds are lighter
When they last too long, there is a risk that the baby will ingest more air.
Step 4. Find out if the baby needs burping by studying their reactions
During the feed, observe him carefully: a grimace of discomfort probably indicates the need to burp, if instead he seems happy and is relaxed on the face, he does not need to.
Step 5. The baby does not need to burp every time you breastfeed
Some have to burp more than others, but this is not necessary from time to time. As the baby grows, he will learn to swallow better and will eventually not feel the need.
Advice
- The taps must be very light.
- Sometimes it can be helpful to rub your back, rather than lightly tapping. In any case, remember to always use gentle and light movements.
- Sometimes a baby cries precisely because the air blocked in the stomach bothers him and he would need to burp. If you've already changed him, nursed him, and he's still crying, try making him burp.
- You must learn to distinguish regurgitation from vomiting. Regurgitation is a dense compound that does not cause particular discomfort to the baby and, generally, is expelled in small quantities. On the other hand, the vomit is more liquid than solid, it is expelled in large quantities and, often, the baby cries. A baby who vomits gets dehydrated easily, so contact your doctor and don't be alarmed if he advises you to take him to the nearest emergency room. Depending on the disorder, you may need antibiotics, intensive care treatment, and / or saline via a drip to prevent or counter the dehydration which is a major problem in such young children.
- Use a blanket, towel, or something like that to avoid getting dirty in case of regurgitation.
Warnings
- The taps on the back must be very light! If you hit the baby too hard you risk causing permanent damage, compromising his mobility (complete or partial), growth and there is even the risk of causing his death.
- Do not lean the baby over your shoulder! Hold it against your chest. If it protrudes too far, it could choke or fall. If that happens, you won't be able to save him in any way!
