All babies need to be burped when being fed; typically they are
unable to burp on their own until they are able to support
themselves sitting up.
Bottle-fed babies will need to be burped every half-ounce
initially. Once she is 4-6 months of age, she will probably be
able to drink 6-8 ounces before needing to burp. Breastfed
babies will need to be nursed in between switching breasts and
will typically be able to complete an entire feeding before
burping by the same age as bottle-fed babies.
With both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, there is a certain
amount of spitting up. This is normal and to be expected.
However, if you feel your baby is rejecting too much of her meal
after consuming it, talk to your pediatrician.
Burping can be achieved several different ways: Place
your palm around the baby’s chest, with your fingers straddling
her chin. You may support her bum on your knees, but allow her
weight to be supported only by your hand. Use your other hand to
gently pat her back with a cupped hand.
Put your baby high on your shoulder, with her head and
arms freely dangling over your shoulder. Hold on tightly to her
legs so she cannot wiggle away and use your other hand to gently
pat her back.
In a sitting position, put your baby over your thigh,
supporting her upper chest and head with one hand and hooking
her feet between your legs. Use your cupped hand to gently pat
her back.
Cradle your baby in your arms with her bum in your
hands. Wrap one arm and leg around your arm, facing her away
from you. Use your other hand to pat her gently.
If you need to use simethicone with your baby, do so. You cannot
overdose on the stuff, and it will prevent more gas from being
trapped in her intestines than already is. If your baby ends up
with “fanny burps,” you will probably have to help her expel
them. Bend her knees up to her chest, gently, and use a light
rocking motion (up & down) as you do this—it will help her expel
the gas and make her more comfortable.
Nighttime feeding can be summed up in this way: you rule the
day, she rules the night. Although you have your baby on a
flexible routine during the day in which you determine when she
is hungry and eats, permit her to do it for you at night. Do not
get up and feed her at “the appointed time,” permit her to wake
you up and let you know she’s ready to eat. A newborn generally
can go 3-4 hours at night and as she grows she will extend her
time at night.
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