Babies, oh, they’ve got their ways of letting us know what’s on their minds, right? From exhaustion to hunger, they’ve got a cry for every occasion. But what about crying during burping? Let’s dive into this common occurrence and get the lowdown.
Now, why in the world do babies need to be burped, you might wonder? Well, it doesn’t matter if they’re sippin’ on breast milk or formula; there’s bound to be a bit of air that sneaks into their tiny tummies. And let me tell you, when too much of that air sets up camp in their belly, it’s like an unwanted guest at a party – uncomfortable and guaranteed to make them cry.
So, that’s where burping comes to the rescue. It’s like the secret handshake to let that trapped air escape, making your little one comfy during and after their mealtime.
How often should you give that burping a go, you ask? Well, it’s a good idea to sneak in a burping session while they’re sipping away. You could start by burping them every time they’ve had a couple of ounces or every five minutes. The goal here is to let out that air in small, manageable bits to keep them from feeling too gassy and fussy.
But, here’s the twist – sometimes, babies can be real champs at guzzling air while nursing or bottle-feeding. You can do your bit by feeding them in a more upright position rather than lettin’ them sprawl flat on their back. If you’re in the breastfeeding camp, ensure they’re latched on real tight to avoid that extra air intake. And for you bottle feeders, check the size of that nipple hole – too big, and they’ll gulp in more air than you’d like, and too small can lead to the same problem. Nipples, they come in all shapes and sizes, so you might need to experiment to find the one that suits your little munchkin best.
Now, onto the good ol’ burping positions. There’s more than one way to get that air out, and some might work better for you and your baby. No matter the position, a gentle hand on their tummy while rubbing or patting their back is the magic touch. Here are three positions to consider:
- On Your Shoulder: This classic move involves holding your baby against your shoulder, their tiny tush facing away from you. Support their bottom with one hand and give their back a good rub or pat with the other.
- Sitting Up: Have your baby sit up a bit, leaning forward on your lap. Use the heel of your hand against their tummy, and support their chin with your fingers or the same hand’s top. Gently apply pressure to their tummy while leaning them forward, helping the trapped air make its grand exit. While you do that, rub or pat their back with your other hand.
- Face Down On Your Lap: Lay your little one face down over your thigh, so their tummy gets a gentle push. Keep their head slightly higher than their body with one hand while you give their back a soothing rub or pat with the other.
And here’s the silver lining – your baby won’t need too much help with burping forever. Around the age of six months, most babies become pros at it and won’t require your assistance. In the meantime, if your cutie keeps showing signs of discomfort after a meal, don’t hesitate to chat with your pediatrician. They’re the pros, after all!