Place the palm of your hand over baby’s stomach. Now hook your
thumb around the side of your baby, wrapping the rest of your fingers
around the chest area. Your hand should be baby’s only support. You may
rest the baby’s bottom on your knee, but allow all of the baby’s weight to
be placed on your supporting hand. Next, lean the baby over your hand. If
the baby is wiggling or needs further support, you may hold his or her
hands in your supporting hand. Cup your hand and begin patting baby’s
back. (See figure 4.1.)
Note: Whenever you pat your baby’s back as described here, do so
firmly, but avoid using excessive force.
Place your baby high on your shoulder with your shoulder placing
direct pressure on his or her stomach. The baby’s head and arms should
freely dangle over your shoulder. Remember to hold on tightly to one leg
so your baby doesn’t wiggle away from you. Pat the baby’s back firmly.
(See Figure 4.2.)
