How do you deal with baby Hiccups?

Hiccups are repeated sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm. They are normal and harmless. There is nothing to worry about. Adults face hiccups and can become irritated by them, but after a few minutes, they usually disappear.

What you will find on this page:

1. Why do babies get hiccups?
2. How to prevent hiccups?
3. What to do during hiccups?
4. How to cure hiccups?
5. How long do hiccups last?
6. What remedies should you avoid during hiccups?

Newborns also experience hiccups, which can worry parents, but there is no issue if the baby experiences hiccups. It’s a common habit that your child develops and is important for your baby’s brain and mental development. Before getting scared about hiccups, try to understand why the baby gets them. Let’s learn all about baby hiccups.

Why do babies get hiccups?

Newborns or babies get hiccups for many reasons:

• Overeating: Remember, overeating is not good for babies. It can make them irritated and lead to vomiting or spitting up, which causes hiccups.
• Swallowing air: If a newborn swallows too much air while feeding, it can lead to baby hiccups.
• Feeding quickly: Quick feeding is also a cause of hiccups. You need to feed your baby slowly.
• Temperature change: Sudden changes in temperature can also trigger hiccups. Moving from a cooler to a warmer environment, or vice versa, can stimulate the nerves that control the diaphragm and cause hiccups.
• Immature nervous system: Babies are born with immature body organs, including the diaphragm, which can sometimes cause hiccups.

How to prevent hiccups?

• Burp your baby: Remember to burp your baby after feeding to remove gas from their stomach, which helps prevent hiccups.
• Stay calm: While feeding, ensure your baby is calm and relaxed.
• Change feeding positions: Alternate breasts during breastfeeding.
• Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to hiccups, so try to avoid it.
• Feed slowly: Feed your baby slowly and avoid rushing.
• Ensure proper latching: Make sure the baby’s mouth covers the entire nipple to prevent air from entering the stomach.
• Position the bottle correctly: If using a bottle, position it so that air does not gather near the nipple. Also, if feeding formula milk, keep the bottle full while the baby is sucking to prevent air from entering their stomach.
• Feed frequently: Offer small amounts of milk frequently to prevent hiccups.

What to do during hiccups?

Hiccups are harmless, but parents often worry. Here’s what you can do during your baby’s hiccups:

• Calm your baby during hiccups.
• Hold the baby upright after feeding before laying them down.
• Rub your baby’s back.
• Burp your baby after feeding.
• Offer a pacifier.

How long do hiccups last?

Hiccups are normal and typically go away on their own after a few minutes, usually within 5 to 10 minutes. So, there’s no need to worry. However, if hiccups persist and make the baby irritable or disrupt feeding or sleep, consult your doctor.

How to cure hiccups?

During baby hiccups, you don’t need to do anything because they usually resolve on their own. However, here are some ways to help cure baby hiccups:

• Massage the baby’s back to relax the diaphragm.
• Take a break from feeding and burp the baby.
• Calm your baby.
• Offer a pacifier.
• Ensure the baby is in a peaceful environment.

What remedies you should avoid during hiccups?

• Don’t give water to the baby.
• Don’t scare the baby.
• Don’t hold the baby’s nose.
• Don’t make the baby breathe into a paper bag.
• Don’t pull the baby’s tongue.
• Don’t place a coin on the baby’s forehead.
• Don’t squeeze the baby’s nose.
• Don’t give sugar to the baby.