Babies often swallow air during feedings and can get fussy and upset. When this happens, it’s better to stop the feeding and burp her and then go back to feeding. If you don’t, she may swallow more air, which will increase her discomfort and make her spit up.

A good strategy is to burp her frequently even if she isn’t fussy. The pause and change of position will slow her gulping and reduce the amount of air she takes in. If she is bottle-feeding, burp her every two to three ounces. If she is nursing, burp her each time she switches breasts.

There are several ways to burp a baby; Try these and you’ll soon figure out which works best for you both:

• Hold your baby upright with her head on your shoulder, supporting her head and back while you gently pat her back with your other hand. A diaper or towel on your shoulder is a good idea in case she spits up. • Sit your baby on your lap, supporting her chest and head with one hand while patting her back with the other. A bib, diaper, or towel on her front is a good idea. • Lay the baby on your lap with her back facing up. Support her head so it is higher than her chest, and gently pat or rub your hand on her back.

If your baby hasn’t burped after several minutes, continue feeding her. When she’s finished, burp her again and keep her in an upright position (on your shoulder is fine) for 10 to 15 minutes so she doesn’t spit up.