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Back to Basics: Taking Care of Baby
Basic Care from Holding to Diapering
By Laurie Dove
(Bantam, 1998), young babies naturally fuss and get cranky when they swallow air during feedings. Although this occurs in both breastfed and bottle-fed infants, it is more likely to occur with bottle-feeding. "A good strategy is to burp her frequently, even if she shows no discomfort," says Dr. Shelov.
There are a number of techniques used to burp a baby. According to Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, the most effective positions include holding the baby upright with his head on your shoulder, supporting his head and back while you gently pat his back with your other hand. Another technique is to sit Baby on your lap, supporting her chest and head with one hand while patting her back with your other hand. Or, lay the baby on your lap with his back up. Support his head so it is higher than his chest and gently pat or rotate your hand on his back.
"If he still hasn't burped after several minutes, continue feeding him and don't worry," says Dr. Shelov. "No baby burps every time."
Gently lay Baby on a changing table. Or cover a draft-free area of the floor with a protective pad and lay Baby on the floor. In either case, do not leave Baby unattended. Unfasten the diaper. If there has been a bowel movement, use the diaper to wipe most of it away. Then, fold the diaper under Baby with the unsoiled side up to act as a protective surface and clean Baby's front thoroughly. Next, lift both legs and clean Baby's bottom. Finally, slip the soiled diaper out and a fresh diaper under Baby's bottom, and fasten the diaper.
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