In general, you probably consider burping to be rather uncouth. Now, however, you’ll hang on your baby’s every belch as if it were a message from the Oracle at Delphi. When your baby burps, you’ll know he has relieved the pressure in his stomach from air he may have swallowed while eating. You can try to burp him after he’s fi nished with one breast and before he starts the other. Remember, every kid is different. Some never need to burp, whereas others do it all the time. Here are some techniques for getting the kid to let one rip.
1. The Over-the-Shoulder Hold: Hold the baby under his tushy so that his head rests on your shoulder. Use your free hand to pat and rub his middle to lower back.
2. Sitting Upright on Your Lap: Sit the baby sideways, supporting his chin with one hand. Let him lean forward to put pressure on his stomach. Rub his back with your free hand.
3. Stomach Down: Lay the baby across your lap with his head facing sideways. Raise his head slightly by crossing your legs. Put one hand on his tushy and rub his back with your other hand.
