Newborn hiccups are a common occurrence, and while they may seem concerning to new parents, they are typically harmless. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle located between the chest and abdomen, contracts involuntarily. This sudden contraction causes the vocal cords to close rapidly, resulting in the characteristic “hic” sound. For newborns, hiccups can be a frequent occurrence, often happening several times a day. Understanding why hiccups happen is the first step in addressing them.
Common Causes of Newborn Hiccups
Overfeeding
One of the most common causes of newborn hiccups is overfeeding. When a baby consumes too much milk too quickly, the stomach can expand rapidly, causing the diaphragm to become irritated. This irritation triggers hiccups. It’s important for parents to monitor feeding times and amounts to avoid overfeeding.
Swallowing Air
Babies, especially those who are bottle-fed, often swallow air while feeding. This air can accumulate in the stomach, leading to distension and subsequent diaphragm irritation. Burping your baby frequently during and after feeding can help reduce the amount of air swallowed.
Temperature Changes
Newborns are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature. A sudden drop or increase in temperature can cause the diaphragm to contract, leading to hiccups. Ensuring your baby is kept at a comfortable and consistent temperature can help prevent hiccups triggered by environmental changes.
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)
In some cases, hiccups in newborns can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This condition occurs when the contents of the stomach, including stomach acid, flow back into the esophagus. The irritation caused by the acid can lead to hiccups. If your baby experiences frequent hiccups along with other symptoms like spitting up or fussiness during feeding, it may be worth discussing GER with your pediatrician.
SEE ALSO: Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups So Often?
Feeding Techniques to Prevent Hiccups
Proper Positioning
Proper positioning during feeding is crucial in preventing hiccups. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, ensure your baby is in an upright position. This position helps reduce the amount of air swallowed and allows the milk to flow smoothly into the stomach. Holding your baby at a slight angle, with their head elevated above their stomach, can also help.
Feeding at a Slow Pace
Feeding your baby at a slow pace can prevent overfeeding and reduce the likelihood of swallowing air. If you are bottle-feeding, choose a nipple with a slower flow rate to ensure your baby doesn’t consume too much milk too quickly. If you are breastfeeding, try to regulate the flow by taking breaks and switching breasts when necessary.
Burping Techniques
Burp After Every Feed
Burping your baby after every feed is essential in preventing hiccups. This practice helps release any air trapped in the stomach, reducing the likelihood of diaphragm irritation. To burp your baby, hold them upright against your chest and gently pat or rub their back. If the first attempt doesn’t produce a burp, try changing positions.
Frequent Burping During Feeds
In addition to burping after feeding, it’s beneficial to burp your baby during feeds. Pause after every few ounces or after switching breasts to burp your baby. This can prevent air from accumulating in the stomach and reduce the chances of hiccups occurring during or after feeding.
Comforting Techniques to Stop Hiccups
Offer a Pacifier
Sucking on a pacifier can help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups in newborns. The sucking motion can distract your baby from the hiccups and may help to regulate their breathing. If your baby is prone to hiccups, offering a pacifier after feeding or when hiccups start can be an effective solution.
Gripe Water
Gripe water is a herbal remedy that many parents use to relieve infant digestive discomforts, including hiccups. It typically contains ingredients like ginger, fennel, and chamomile, which can soothe the digestive system. If your baby frequently experiences hiccups, you may want to discuss the use of gripe water with your pediatrician to ensure it’s safe for your baby.
Gentle Stomach Massage
A gentle stomach massage can help to relieve hiccups by soothing the diaphragm. To perform a stomach massage, lay your baby on their back and gently rub their tummy in a clockwise motion. This can help release any trapped air and relax the diaphragm, stopping the hiccups.
Preventing Hiccups: Proactive Measures
Feed Before the Baby is Very Hungry
Feeding your baby before they become very hungry can prevent them from gulping milk too quickly, which can lead to hiccups. When a baby is very hungry, they may feed aggressively, swallowing more air and increasing the likelihood of hiccups. By feeding at regular intervals, you can help prevent the onset of hiccups.
Avoid Overstimulation
Newborns can be easily overstimulated, which can sometimes lead to hiccups. Loud noises, bright lights, or too much physical activity can cause a baby’s diaphragm to contract. Keeping your baby in a calm, quiet environment, especially after feeding, can help prevent overstimulation-related hiccups.
Maintain a Consistent Feeding Schedule
Keeping a consistent feeding schedule can help regulate your baby’s digestion and prevent hiccups. Irregular feeding times can cause your baby to overfeed or swallow more air, both of which can lead to hiccups. Consistency helps to keep your baby’s digestive system in a steady rhythm, reducing the frequency of hiccups.
When to See a Doctor
Frequent Hiccups with Distress
If your baby experiences frequent hiccups that seem to cause discomfort or distress, it may be worth consulting with a pediatrician. While hiccups are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Hiccups Lasting Over 20 Minutes
Hiccups in newborns typically last only a few minutes. However, if your baby’s hiccups last for more than 20 minutes and do not resolve with common remedies, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. Prolonged hiccups can sometimes indicate a digestive issue or other health concerns.
Hiccups Interfering with Feeding
If hiccups are interfering with your baby’s ability to feed or are causing them to spit up frequently, this could be a sign of an issue that needs medical attention. Difficulty feeding due to hiccups can lead to inadequate nutrition and should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Newborn hiccups are a normal part of infancy and usually do not require medical intervention. However, understanding the causes and implementing strategies to prevent and stop hiccups can help keep your baby comfortable. By feeding your baby slowly, burping them frequently, and using soothing techniques, you can reduce the occurrence of hiccups and ease your baby’s discomfort when they do happen. If you have any concerns about your baby’s hiccups, it’s always best to consult with a pediatrician to ensure that your baby is healthy and thriving.
