foot and mouth Feeding time is a time of closeness. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, remember that your baby's appetite is generally a reliable measure of how much he or she needs to eat. A characteristic, demanding cry will let you know when the baby is hungry. After a few weeks or months, you'll probably be able to identify that hunger cry. ? Burping the baby helps to expel excess air that the baby has swallowed along with the milk. BURPING THE BABY As the baby nurses, from the bottle or the breast, air is swallowed along with the milk. Burping the baby helps to expel excess air and prevent discomfort. Interrupt the feeding once in the middle for a burp, and also burp the baby after a feeding. Expelling extra air in the middle of the meal ensures that the baby's stomach will not fill up with air. To burp an infant, put the baby over your shoulder, sit the baby up on your lap, or place the baby face down across your lap. Pat or rub the baby's back gently until you hear a good, solid burp. Some babies prefer one position, while others need to be moved around until they burp. If burping is difficult, experiment with different positions and combinations of patting and rubbing. Some babies will protest the interruption of the meal, but burp them anyway at midmeal. They will get more nourishment, and your life will be easier. SPITTING UP Many babies spit up either as they are being burped or a little while after a feeding. This is normal. Check with your doctor if the baby is spitting up large amounts, is having projectile vomiting (forceful, explosive vomiting), or does not appear to be gaining weight. Also consult your doctor if the baby is spitting up and seems hungry all the time, or becomes limp and not alert. To reduce spitting up, try burping the baby more often during a feeding or changing the feeding position slightly so that the baby is more upright. It may help to have the baby rest quietly in an infant seat for a few minutes after feeding, rather than laying the baby down or encouraging active playing.? THE PACIFIER Babies need to suck for a certain amount of time each day. If your baby acts hungry but takes only a small amount of food, he or she probably just needed to suck. If this happens consistently, a pacifier may be a great help. It meets the baby's need to suck but spares you the inconvenience of trying to feed a baby who really isn't hungry. After about six months (this may vary-all babies are different), the baby will no longer need extra sucking. Then you can take away the pacifier. BREASTFEEDING Many doctors today recommend breastfeeding, if it is possible, for a number of reasons. First, breast milk is thought to pass on to the baby some of the mother's own resistance to infections. Second, many babies develop allergies to infant formulas, but it is rare for a baby to be allergic to his mother's milk. Third, breastfeeding is generally more convenient than bottlefeeding, requiring no sterilizing, mixing, or refrigeration. roseola