Parents always encounter minor problems in infants. They also become worried because many things are new for them in newborn babies. New parents have concerns about newborn hiccups because it is time to care for their dear ones. Many times, parents are curious to know what causes hiccups in newborns. Newborn babies look adorable when they experience hiccups. It is a normal part of the day-to-day routine of infants.
A pediatrician says baby hiccups are common and never thinks hiccups are a problem in an infant. Parents calm their nerves while the baby has hiccups.
Why do infants get hiccups?
No one knows the primary cause of hiccups. The primary reason for hiccups is irritation in the diaphragm. The bases of the lungs are muscles, and they twitch. When a baby breathes, it moves up and down, so many factors trigger spasms. The vocal cords create a voice hic, and it helps parents to know that the baby is suffering from hiccups.
There are many other reasons for newborn hiccups, such as overfeeding, consuming lots of air, quickly taking food, and many more. These habits directly lead to stomach bloating. Experts explain that when stomach distension moves against the diaphragm. It is the reason that causes spasms, and as a result, the baby gets hiccups.
There is a reflex in an infant’s body that results are reflexive action. We cannot stop hiccups, as they are just coughing and sneezing. There is overexcitement in babies, or a temperature change also causes infant hiccups.
Gastroesophageal reflux
There is gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in babies. GERD signs in infants are irritability, crying, coughing, and spitting up. When you know the main reason for reflux, it helps in dealing with it with the help of doctors. It is crucial to understand that hiccups are not a sign of reflux. Parents get clues from these signs, such as.
- Frequently, crying newborns.
- Baby arches at the time of breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
- More spitting than natural.
When your baby has these symptoms, it is best to consult your pediatrician.
What is the duration of the baby’s hiccups?
The duration of hiccups differs from baby to baby. Multiple times, infants get hiccups that last for 10 minutes or more. It is necessary to understand that it is not a disease. There is no need to worry about baby hiccups. It naturally goes away after a few minutes. Doctors advise you to let hiccups resolve themselves on their own.
Is it possible to put a baby down with hiccups?
Parents always want to know what to do when the baby has hiccups. We understand hiccups create irritation in infants, so the baby feels uncomfortable. It is good to put an infant on their back. It is good to hold your baby upright till the hiccups are gone.
When a baby has hiccups because of reflux, there is a chance of vomiting. People also put their babies down. It is best to keep your baby upright until it completes the episode.
How to Get Rid of Newborn Hiccups?
Research says when there is a shrinkage of a diaphragm and a quick closing of the vocal cords. It is the reason for causing hiccups. When vocal cords rapidly close, it creates the sound of hiccups. Many infants also sleep during an episode of hiccups. It is necessary to understand that hiccups rarely interfere with breathing. Studies also reveal that hiccups are essential for brain development and breathing.
When the baby continues to have hiccups and feels uncomfortable. Parents can follow these tips so that the baby feels relaxed. Get expert solutions from our nurse, Elena Thénard, RN.
Baby Burping
You can easily burp your baby, which helps to calm your baby. It is advisable to take some time off from feeding as well. Burping in babies is also good because it helps to get rid of extra gas. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents burp their babies. It also recommends doing it after breastfeeding or bottle feeding and during feeding as well. It is always good to pat your baby’s back gently but not hit the area roughly.
Pacifier
Infant hiccups also appear on their own, not only because of feeding. It is good to use pacifiers for infants. When the baby sucks on a pacifier, the diaphragm is relaxed and helps in managing the episode of hiccups.
Gripe Water
Gripe water is a mixture of herbs and water. It is used to relieve intestinal discomfort and colic. It also helps with baby hiccups because it relaxes the baby. Herbs used in gripe water vary from company to company. Most of the time, there is cinnamon, ginger, fennel, chamomile, and many more. It is a kind of supplement, so it is best to check all the ingredients before using gripe water.
Hiccups stop Normally
There is no need to get worried about regular hiccups in babies. It happens to all babies and needs to be relaxed. It is also good that hiccups will stop on their own. Parents will relax about baby hiccups because it is not a medical problem.
How to Stop and Prevent Newborn Hiccups?
Multiple ways can help in preventing or stopping newborn hiccups. With these methods, we do not completely control baby hiccups. It helps us handle these episodes.
- It is necessary to make sure that we relax the baby at feeding time.
- When feeding is complete, avoid heavy activities such as high-energy plays or bouncing up and down.
- It is always good to keep your baby in an upright position for 20 minutes or more.
Are baby hiccups a matter of concern?
The baby hiccups are not a matter of concern. It also occurs when the baby is in the womb. If your baby has regular bouts of hiccups and they do not stop, you can discuss it with your doctor. Sometimes it is a sign of a medical problem. When a baby’s sleep is disturbed by hiccups, you can consult experts.
Sum Up
The primary reason for the occurrence of baby hiccups is unknown to us. It is a sign of development in infants until there is no vomiting. Most of the time, regular hiccups in babies will stop on their own. If the baby feels uncomfortable or gets irritated, take advice from your child’s specialist. Parents will get more information from New Baby N You. Click here to read next article about newborn baby hiccups.
