Baby Burping and Feeding

Every baby needs to be burped during their feedings until they are able to support themselves sitting up and are able to burp on their own.

Babies that are bottle-fed usually need to be burped every half-ounce or so when they are newborns. By the time they are four to six months old, they will probably drink six to eight ounces before they need to burp. Babies that are breastfed are usually nursed between switching breasts and are usually able to complete feeding before needing to burp when they are four to six months old.

Spitting up is common with both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. If you think your baby is spitting up too much of her meal, then you need to discuss this with your pediatrician.

You can burp your baby several different ways:
Put baby on your knee and place your palm around her chest, with your fingers supporting her head. Use your other hand to gently pat her back with a cupped hand.

Put baby high on your shoulder with heads and arms dangling over your shoulder. Keep a tight hold on her so that she does not wiggle away and gently pat her back.

While you are sitting, put your baby over your thigh, while supporting her upper chest and head with one hand and keeping her feet between your legs. Use a cupped hand to pat her back gently.

Cradle baby in your arms with her bottom in your hands. Wrap one leg and arm around your arm and face her away from you. Use other hand to pat her back.

If your baby needs a dose of simethicone, then do not hesitate to give it to her. You cannot overdose her and it will help with gas pains. If your baby has bad gas then you can help her by bending her knees to her chest and using a light rocking motion. It will help relieve the gas and make her much happier.

Feedings at night should be dictated by your baby unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician. Let her wake up when she wants to eat. Most newborns will go three to four hours at night before needing to eat and this time will gradually increase until you get complete nights sleep!