Seeing your baby hiccup can make you worry a bit, right? It’s super common and usually, it’s nothing to stress over. Babies get hiccups.
It happens because their diaphragm (that’s the muscle that helps them breathe) gets a bit of a glitch and causes a quick little hic. And yes, it can happen anytime, even during or right after feeding.
So, why do babies get hiccups so much? And is there a way to help them feel better? If your baby got hiccups, you can,
- Let the hiccups pass on their own
- Burp your baby
- Give them a pacifier
We’re going to talk about what causes those cute hiccups and how you can help your little one. Plus, we’ll touch on when hiccups are just a normal baby thing and when you might want to check in with a doctor.
Stick around, and let’s know all about baby’s hiccup and how to prevent them.
What Is Baby Hiccups?
Ever notice how babies hiccup a lot? It’s pretty normal and kind of interesting. Before you start searching about how to get rid of baby hiccups, you need to understand it.
Those hiccups are like a mini-workout for your baby’s diaphragm. That’s the muscle that helps them breathe. Every now and then, it gets a bit jumpy and hic! out comes a hiccup.
So, what’s behind these hiccups? A couple of things:
- Maybe your baby swallowed some air while feeding or crying.
- Drinking something cold might surprise their stomach and trigger hiccups too.
Babies get hiccups a lot, especially in their first year. But guess what? Most of the time, hiccups don’t usually bother them. Even if they seem a bit weird to us.
Hiccups are just one of those things that show your baby is growing and figuring out how to breathe and eat. They’ll get them less as they get older. Their body gets used to everything.
So, there you have it. Baby hiccups are totally normal and just another part of their adventure in growing up.
Best Measures You Should Take To Stop Newborn Hiccups
New parents will find that the internet is awash with advice on handling baby hiccups. However, a few tried and tested methods stand out for their effectiveness and ease of application. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Burp Your Baby
One of the simplest ways to prevent and stop hiccups is to burp your baby. Burping helps to release excess air swallowed during feeding. This might reduce the frequency and intensity of hiccups. Make it a routine to burp your baby midway through and after each feeding.
To help your baby burp, try these simple positions. Hold them over your shoulder. Or, sit them upright on your lap. You can also lay them on their belly across your lap. These positions can prevent hiccups.
2. Try a Pacifier
The sucking motion can help relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccupping. Give a pacifier to your baby when the hiccups start. It can be an immediate and effective solution. It soothes the hiccup caused by calming the reflex that makes them suck.
3. Change Position
Sometimes, a change in your baby’s position can help stop the hiccups. If your baby starts hiccupping during feeding, try holding them in an upright position.
Keep them upright for 20-30 minutes after they eat. This stops hiccups before they start. It eases pressure on their breathing muscles .
4. Rubbing the baby’s back
Gentle, circular motions on the baby’s back can be soothing for them. This simple trick may help relax the diaphragm, thus easing the hiccups. This method not only helps with the hiccups but is also a comforting gesture that can reassure and relax your baby. It’s a gentle approach that works wonders in providing relief.
This is also a year of practice from our ancestors. And today this is a proven effective trick. Whenever your baby starts hiccups you can simply rub their back. Gently continue doing this, and after a while they will stop themselves.
5. Feeding them gripe water
Gripe water is an incredible remedy passed down through generations. This is well-known for its ability to ease various infant discomforts, including hiccups.
It’s a blend of water and herbs, which is believed to soothe the stomach and potentially reduce hiccupping. However, it’s crucial to consult with a pediatrician before giving your baby gripe water. Its effectiveness and safety can vary, and there is no proof. Also, it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that could be harmful to your baby.
Some Precautions To Prevent Hiccups In Babies
Though there is no severe issue with baby hiccups. But as new parents your concern is justified too. So, try to prevent it from the very beginning. It is always better to be ready with some precautions. We have highlighted 4 safety measures you should take.
Don’t rush feedings: If you rush while feeding it can cause your baby to swallow more air, increasing the likelihood of hiccups. Take your time and let your baby set the pace.
Avoid sudden changes: Also, cold food or drink immediately after warm food can trigger hiccups. Try to keep feeding temperatures consistent.
Don’t scare them: The old wives’ tale of scaring someone to stop their hiccups doesn’t work, especially with babies. It might upset them more than the hiccups do. So, do not try this trick on your little one. This can have a negative effect on them.
Skip the back patting: While gentle, circular back rubs can soothe, hard patting is not recommended during a hiccup. This is because it might not help and could make your baby uncomfortable.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Is your little one experiencing difficulties with breathing or feeding? It’s concerning if their lips appear bluish, as it could be a sign of low oxygen levels. There are some more signs by which you can know when to consult medical advice.
If your baby’s hiccups are interrupting their sleep, that can be quite bothersome. It’s also worth noting if the hiccups persist frequently even after their first birthday. Or, if they last for more than 2 hours, go to the doctor.
Some babies cry more often than usual when feeding and spit up more often than usual. When you experience anything unusual like these, then we advise seeing a pediatrician. You never want to take risks with your .
Conclusion
Hiccups in babies are pretty common, and usually, they’re not something to worry about. Most of the time, these hiccups don’t bother your baby, even if they seem odd to us. But as parents it is pretty normal you get worried.
If your baby does get hiccups, you’ve got some simple tricks to try. Letting hiccups pass naturally is fine, but if you want to help, you can burp your baby, offer a pacifier, change their position, or gently rub their back.
However, if hiccups are causing your baby to have trouble with breathing, eating, or they seem distressed, it’s a good idea to check with a doctor. Especially if hiccups are frequent, last a long time, or continue past their first birthday.
With a little patience and some simple techniques, you can help your baby through them.
