#asktheexperts how to burfing the baby

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Burping your baby is important to help release any air swallowed during feeding, which can help prevent discomfort and reduce the chances of spitting up. Here are some common methods for burping a baby:

### 1. Over the Shoulder
1. **Position**: Hold your baby upright against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder.
2. **Support**: Support your baby's bottom with one hand and gently pat or rub their back with the other hand.
3. **Cloth**: Place a burp cloth over your shoulder to catch any spit-up.

### 2. Sitting Upright
1. **Position**: Sit your baby on your lap facing away from you.
2. **Support**: Use one hand to support your baby's chest and head, placing the palm of your hand on their chest and fingers gently supporting their jaw (not throat).
3. **Pat or Rub**: With your other hand, gently pat or rub your baby's back.

### 3. Face Down on Your Lap
1. **Position**: Lay your baby face down across your lap, with their head slightly higher than their chest.
2. **Support**: Support your baby's chin and jaw with one hand, making sure their head is turned to the side.
3. **Pat or Rub**: Gently pat or rub your baby's back with your other hand.

### Tips for Effective Burping
- **Be Gentle**: Use gentle pats or rubs to avoid causing discomfort.
- **Burp Mid-Feeding**: If your baby is bottle-fed, try burping them halfway through the feeding. For breastfeeding, burp when switching breasts.
- **Stay Upright**: Keep your baby upright for 10-15 minutes after feeding to help with digestion and reduce spitting up.
- **Be Patient**: Some babies burp quickly, while others may take a few minutes. If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, try a different position or continue feeding and try again later.

### When to Burp
- **After Feeding**: Always try to burp your baby after each feeding session.
- **During Feeding**: For bottle-fed babies, burp every 2-3 ounces. For breastfed babies, burp when switching breasts.

Burping your baby helps release trapped air and can make them more comfortable and less fussy.