How to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups: Safe and Simple Tips for Parents

How to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups: Safe and Simple Tips for Parents

One of the trifles that accompany early parenthood is baby hiccups. They usually surprise you and make you suspect something or feel like something hurts your baby. The good news is that hiccups are nearly always harmless. They’re just part of the growth and development of your little one as their diaphragm and breathing patterns develop.

Nevertheless, it is understandable that parents want to get rid of those small "hics." In several little steps, you may usually manage to get your baby more at ease. In this guide, we are going to discuss what causes your baby to hiccup, how to get rid of baby hiccups, and when they might require special focus.

Key Takeaways

  • • Most babies experience the problem of hiccups in the first few months.
  • • They are not severe, and the majority of them resolve themselves.
  • • Feed position, swallowing air, and even excitement may cause Hiccups.
  • • Light remedies like burping, sitting up, or music can help.
  • • In rare cases, the hiccups can be a pointer to a possible problem; see your pediatrician if they are constant or painful.

What Are Hiccups?

An image of a newborn on mom's arms.

Hiccups occur when the muscle that aids breathing (the diaphragm) abruptly contracts. This fast vibration causes the vocal cords to snap together and this is the little hic sound that we are all familiar with. It may be shocking when it occurs to your newborn, more so when it happens in the middle of feeding or play.

Hiccups are likewise very prevalent in the case of babies, since their diaphragm is not yet fully developed but is still learning to operate effectively. Because their small bodies are adapting to new beats, they are highly likely to hiccup compared to adults. The silver lining is that they are virtually always benign.

To ensure your little one remains safe and comfortable during these early months, you might also want to read How to Hold a Newborn Safely and Comfortably.

What Causes Hiccups in Newborns and Babies?

Reasons that your baby may have hiccups are quite a few, and most are perfectly normal. Because little ones are still trying to figure out how to feed and breathe in an easy manner, it is easy to have their little systems a little out of whack.

The triggers can include:

  • Eating air when you are feeding, particularly when your baby eats fast.
  • In case of overfeeding, the stomach may overstretch and push against the diaphragm.
  • Excitement or sporadic temperature change that sometimes results in spasms.
  • A not-yet-well-developed digestive and breathing system, which makes hiccups more probable in newborns.

Hiccups in Babies: How Early Do They Start?

However, the surprising thing is that babies can hiccup, even when they are still in the womb. When pregnant, most mothers experience soft rhythmic movements in the belly which are normally little fetal hiccups. They are totally healthy things about being and are not something to fear.

The hiccups may set in very early in life, as early as in the early weeks of life. And the digestive and breathing systems of your baby are not yet well-developed, hence the prevalence of hiccups during the first months. This might be very melodramatic, but they are ineffective most of the time and this disappears once your little one becomes stronger.

How Long Do Newborn Hiccups Last?

Infant hiccups do not last long and will fade away after a few minutes. In some cases, they can be 10-15 minutes, however, and that might sound like a long time when you think about your newborn. One should not forget that hiccups are not likely to cause pain and harm.

Hiccups do not trouble babies much, no matter how dramatic the sound may be. Most of them continue feeding, playing, or even fall asleep while hiccuping. The number and length of hiccups are likely to decrease with the growth and strengthening of the diaphragm of your baby. It only takes time, patience, and calmness, normally.

How to Get Rid of Baby and Newborn Hiccups

An image of a baby playing with mom.

Are you asking how to get rid of baby hiccups? The good news is that there are easy simple tricks that can help. The majority of these remedies aim at ensuring that your baby is calmed and that excess air is not trapped in his or her tummy.

Try these techniques at home:

  • Feeding should be avoided and your baby should be burped to release the air swallowed.
  • Sit your baby in the sitting position for at least 20-30 minutes after being fed.
  • Give a pacifier, as sucking will soothe the diaphragm.
  • Smaller, more frequent feeds should be provided to prevent overstretching the tummy.
  • Providing a warm, cozy environment using such items as a Baby Sound Machine will help your baby remain at ease.

Preventing Hiccups

Prevention is often the easiest way to handle hiccups, and a few simple changes can make a big difference. By creating calm feeding routines and keeping your baby comfortable, you can often reduce how often hiccups happen.

Here are some helpful tips:

What Should You Not Do for Baby Hiccups?

A close-up image of a baby biting his or her hands.

There are also some old tricks, such as pulling on the tongue of your baby, shocking them or giving water to a newborn, which is not safe and should be avoided. Such tricks are unable to prevent hiccups and can be harmful. Rather, aim at soft, baby-friendly methods that will ensure that your baby is comfortable and at ease.

When Should You Be Concerned About Hiccups in Newborns?

The majority of hiccups are harmless, but there are cases when it is possible to say that it is time to visit your pediatrician. In case your baby hiccups after each and every feeding, in case the episodes appear to distress your baby, or in case they are accompanied by frequent vomiting, it is worth seeking advice. Constant hiccups are uncommon, but they should indicate a reflex or another problem that requires resolution.

When to See Your Pediatrician About Baby Hiccups

An image of a baby looking at mom.

In case hiccups appear persistent, abnormally strong, or obviously uncomfortable to your baby, then you should call your pediatrician. Generally, the hiccups are considered normal unless the doctor is required to investigate the reflux or other digestive issues. You have to trust your gut and always remember that being reassured is always the correct option in the name of your peace of mind.

FAQs about Baby Hiccups

An image of a newborn crying while being held by mom.

Do Hiccups Mean Baby Is Too Full?

Sometimes. Hiccups can be caused by overfeeding which can stretch the stomach. When they occur frequently after feedings, attempt to feed her smaller, very frequent meals and allow a rest between meals.

What Is the Best Position for Baby Hiccups?

It is normally good to hold your baby in an upright position. Either hold them against your chest, or on your lap with support. This stance assists the air to rise and relaxes the diaphragm.

What Triggers Hiccups in Newborns?

This can be caused by swallowing of air during feeds, sudden excitement, a change in temperature or just an immature diaphragm. The majority of them are benign and are outgrown by your baby.

Is It Ok to Let Newborns Sleep with Hiccups?

Yes. Babies normally do not mind the presence of hiccups and some even sleep during them. There is no need to wake your baby as long as they are comfortable.

Are Hiccups After Breastfeeding Normal?

Yes. The babies hiccup when they have eaten, particularly when they swallow air. Burping your baby in between feeds and after feeds tend to assist.

Should You Ignore Newborn Hiccups?

When your baby looks relaxed and happy, then there is no harm in letting hiccups to pass by themselves. They nearly never come back without being intervened with.

Conclusion

It is only natural that baby hiccups can sound a bit shocking but almost always it is a natural stage of the development of your little one. With the in-depth knowledge of the typical causes, prescribing mild remedies, and knowing when to visit your pediatrician, you will be in a position to manage hiccups with a lot of confidence and comfort. In the majority of cases, all that your baby requires is patience and mere calming down.

And to maintain your little one as comfortable as possible, such items as the Baby Nasal Aspirator Collection could help clear small airways, whereas the Baby Sound Machine Collection helps to build a quiet atmosphere and rest. Hiccups are an easy thing to forget when you provide the proper care and comfort to your baby, and it will be a mere moment in the healthy development of your baby.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.

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