Holding him close to you not only provides your baby the nourishment from food but also provides closeness and security only his parents can provide. Both kinds of nourishment are very important for a happy baby. To begin feeding, hold your baby in your lap with his head in the bend of your elbow, close to one breast whether you breast or bottle-feed your infant. He may choke in this position. This is a time for you to relax and enjoy your baby.
Burping is necessary to remove swallowed air from the baby s stomach.
Usually burping your baby after every 1-2 ounces of formula or after finishing each breast is adequate. Hold the baby with his head over your shoulder or hold him in a sitting position on your lap with his head supported, and gently pat his back until he burps. Hiccups may occur frequently during the first few months and should cause no concern. Crying is your baby s way of asking for help. Crying may mean your baby is hungry, but babies also cry because they are tired, wet, cold, ill, bored or have air in their stomach.