It’s common for newborns to get hiccups, especially after feeding. While it might seem concerning or even uncomfortable for your little one, baby hiccups are usually harmless and often resolve on their own. However, if you’re looking for ways on How To Get Rid Of Baby Hiccups or prevent them, there are several gentle and effective methods you can try.
Understanding Baby Hiccups
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle located beneath the lungs that plays a crucial role in breathing. These spasms cause a sudden intake of breath, which is abruptly stopped by the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound. While the exact reasons why babies, both in the womb and after birth, experience hiccups aren’t fully understood, there are some generally accepted triggers.
What Causes Baby Hiccups?
Doctors understand the mechanics of hiccups, but the specific causes in newborns are still being researched. It’s known that a hiccup occurs when a baby’s diaphragm experiences spasms, forcing air through closed vocal cords. This can be triggered by various factors, often related to feeding:
- Overfeeding: When a baby eats too much, their stomach expands. This expansion can press against the diaphragm, leading to spasms.
- Eating Too Quickly: Similar to overfeeding, rapid feeding can cause the stomach to distend quickly, irritating the diaphragm.
- Swallowing Air During Feeding: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, babies can swallow air along with milk. This swallowed air can also contribute to stomach expansion and diaphragm irritation.
Essentially, anything that irritates the diaphragm can potentially cause hiccups. It’s important to remember that newborn hiccups after nursing or feeding are rarely a sign of a serious medical problem.
Are Baby Hiccups Normal?
Yes, baby hiccups are considered a normal physiological reflex in newborns and infants. Most babies experience hiccups frequently, and it’s usually not a cause for alarm. They don’t typically indicate pain or discomfort in babies, and many babies continue their activities, even sleeping, through a bout of hiccups.
However, while usually benign, it’s worth noting when hiccups are particularly frequent, prolonged, or seem to distress your baby. In rare cases, frequent hiccups might be associated with conditions like GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), also known as acid reflux or heartburn. If you have concerns about the frequency or duration of your baby’s hiccups, or if they seem uncomfortable, consulting with your pediatrician is always a good step.
How to Stop Baby Hiccups: Quick Remedies
While baby hiccups often stop on their own, there are some gentle techniques you can try if you feel your baby is bothered by them, or if they are interrupting feeding. These newborn hiccups cures are simple and generally effective:
Burp Your Baby
Burping is often the first and most recommended approach to address baby hiccups. The idea behind burping is to release any trapped air in the baby’s stomach. This reduces the pressure against the diaphragm, which might be causing the spasms.
- How to Burp: There are several burping positions. You can hold your baby upright against your shoulder, sit them on your lap supporting their chest and head, or lay them face down across your lap. Gently pat or rub their back in any of these positions to encourage air release.
- When to Burp: For bottle-fed babies, it’s recommended to burp them after every 2-3 ounces of formula or milk. Breastfed babies should be burped when switching breasts. You can also try burping your baby midway through a feed if they seem fussy or are showing signs of discomfort.
Offer a Pacifier
Giving your baby a pacifier can be another effective way to stop hiccups. Sucking, in general, can help relax the diaphragm. The rhythmic sucking motion on a pacifier can potentially soothe the diaphragm spasms and resolve the hiccups. This method is especially helpful if your baby develops hiccups between feedings.
Wait it Out
Often, the simplest solution is to simply wait. In many cases, baby hiccups will stop on their own within a few minutes without any intervention. If your baby seems comfortable and the hiccups aren’t disrupting their feeding or sleep, you can simply let them run their course.
When to Consult a Doctor: While most baby hiccups are normal and harmless, it’s important to be aware of when to seek medical advice. Consult your pediatrician if your baby:
- Has hiccups very frequently.
- Experiences hiccups that last for a long time (longer than 15-20 minutes).
- Seems distressed or uncomfortable during hiccups.
- Has other symptoms along with hiccups, such as spitting up excessively, coughing, or irritability after feeding, which could be signs of GERD.
Preventing Baby Hiccups in Newborns
Prevention is always better than cure. If your baby is prone to hiccups, especially newborn hiccups after breastfeeding, there are some proactive steps you can take to minimize their occurrence. These strategies primarily focus on feeding practices:
Feeding Techniques to Prevent Hiccups
- Feed Before Baby is Extremely Hungry: When babies are excessively hungry and agitated, they are more likely to feed quickly and gulp air, increasing the chances of hiccups. Try to feed your baby before they reach this stage of extreme hunger.
- Feed Smaller Amounts More Frequently: Overfilling the stomach is a common trigger for hiccups. Feeding your baby smaller amounts more often can help prevent stomach distension and reduce the likelihood of hiccups.
- Ensure Proper Latch During Breastfeeding: A good latch during breastfeeding is crucial not only for efficient feeding but also for minimizing air intake. Ensure your baby’s mouth is latched correctly over the entire nipple and areola to prevent swallowing excess air. If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple flow is appropriate for your baby’s age to prevent gulping.
Post-Feeding Care
- Avoid Vigorous Play Immediately After Feeding: Bouncing or active play right after feeding can disrupt digestion and potentially trigger hiccups. Avoid high-energy activities immediately following a feeding session.
- Keep Baby Upright After Feeding: Maintaining an upright position for about 20-30 minutes after feeding can help prevent reflux and reduce pressure on the diaphragm. This can be achieved by holding your baby upright, using a baby carrier, or positioning them in an inclined seat (always under supervision).
Baby Hiccups and Sleep: Is it Safe?
It’s natural for parents to worry about their baby’s safety, especially when it comes to something like hiccups during sleep. Many parents wonder, “Can I leave my newborn lying down with hiccups?”
Generally, if your baby is breathing comfortably and doesn’t seem distressed by the hiccups, it is safe to let them lie down or even sleep with hiccups. Hiccups themselves do not pose a direct threat to a baby’s breathing or safety. However, as mentioned earlier, keeping your baby upright for a short period after feeding is generally recommended to aid digestion and potentially reduce hiccups.
If you notice any signs of breathing difficulty or distress in your baby while they have hiccups, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician immediately.
Talk with Your Pediatrician About Newborn Hiccups
While this guide provides information on how to get rid of baby hiccups and preventative measures, every baby is unique. If you have persistent concerns about your newborn’s hiccups, especially if they are frequent, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and ensure there are no underlying issues contributing to the hiccups.
