The hiccups of newborns are typical in newborns younger than 12 months and can occur every day in some infants.
A surprising finding from research in 2019 is that the hiccups could help your infant’s development in the brain as well as breathing functions. Consider them to be nature’s early developmental tools, one that babies start experiencing prior to their birth.
Although the cause isn’t completely understood however, there is one thing that’s for sure that hiccups shouldn’t be taken seriously as a sign of trouble.
However, if the hiccups of a newborn are bothering either of you, there are methods to stop these hiccups. Learn more about them. For further assistance, you can reach out to the best pediatric hospital in Janakpuri.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
Hiccups can be caused by muscle spasms or cramps within the diaphragm – – a huge muscle located beneath the rib cage which can move up and down when breathing. The spasms cause a rapid closing of the vocal cords creating the hiccup’s distinctive “hic!” sound.
Although hiccups are more frequent in infants without evident reason, certain feeding habits can trigger diaphragm slurps. This could include:
- The babies are fed too much and they become overfed.
- Fast eating
- Inhaling too much air when eating
These actions could cause the baby’s stomach to expand and press against the diaphragm, causing spasms that can cause baby crying.
The majority of hiccups don’t cause any discomfort to the little one, however frequently occurring hiccups may indicate some health issue that’s underlying like gastroesophageal resuscitation disease (GERD). This is a condition that occurs when digested foods and stomach acid are reabsorbed through the alimentary tract. When these compounds pass through into the diaphragm, irritation could be felt, which can cause spasms or the appearance of hiccups.
Be on the lookout for any other indications of GERD:
- Coughing
- Spitting up
- Crying during feedings
- The arching is constant and continues to back
If you observe these signs or issues, a visit to a doctor can determine if your child suffers from GERD and determine the best method to calm them. For expert advice and treatment, you can consult Dr. Sanjay K. Jain at the best pediatric hospital in Janakpuri, Maccure Hospital.
How to Stop Newborn Hiccups?
After you have a better understanding of the reasons behind hiccups in newborns, let’s concentrate on the best way to treat infant hiccups to end.
1. Let hiccups take their course
Infants often have hiccups, and the majority of them are harmless. Although adults may find the hiccups alarming, babies tend to rest peacefully during them their breathing remains unaffected.
The majority of the time these hiccups disappear within 5-10 minutes of their own. Therefore, unless your baby appears to be distressed, let nature do its thing.
If you notice that the hiccups last longer than 10 minutes, or appear to be causing discomfort for your baby take a trip to the physician.
2. Feed the baby and burp it while you feed.
If your child’s stomach is full of air, it could cause the diaphragm to be pushed against, triggering tiny spasms or the appearance of hiccups. The habit of regularly burping your child, particularly during feeding, could help in releasing trapped air and preventing hiccups.
According to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s best for infants to drink their bottle between 2 and 3 ounces. For breastfed infants, it is recommended to burp when changing breasts.
Tips for Hiccups: Gently rub or pat your baby’s back to alleviate hiccups. Avoid using too much force or slapping the area.
For Best pediatric care in Janakpuri, consider Maccure Hospital.
3. Rub or massage the baby’s back
To eliminate air trapped in the tummy of your baby Try massaging your baby’s back with circular motion. Also, gently pat their backs and gently rock them around to ease and stop the spasms that are that cause hiccups.
4. Utilize the Pacifier
Hiccups can happen at any time but not just after eating. If your child is experiencing sudden hiccups Offer them a pacifier to chew onto. It will soothe the diaphragm, and help stop the hiccups.
5. Make sure the baby has grips on water.
The gripe water, a mix of water and herbs, has been used for centuries as a treatment for stomach and colic problems. The common herbs that are found in gripe water include ginger, fennel and the chamomile plant, and cinnamon.
Although some people believe it could help with stomach issues, research hasn’t yet confirmed this. But, because of the small risk that are involved, it’s a good idea to give it a try.
READ: 5 Important Tips for Handling a Newborn
What Not to Do in Newborn Hiccups?
If you type in “how to stop infant hiccups via the web, you could find a variety of ideas and DIY remedies. However, it is important to realize that a lot of these suggestions do not have scientific backing and may even cause harm.
Examples include:
- Jumping up and down when you are carrying your child
- The baby may start to cry.
- Your baby’s tongue is being pulled
- Sitting your baby down with water while lying upside down
The methods you choose to use can be stressful or even hurt your baby and will not end the crying. Instead of attempting remedies that haven’t been tested seek advice from your child’s physician for the most reliable advice, and will rule out the medical issues that cause the intermittent hiccups.
How to Prevent Newborn Baby Hiccups?
The complete prevention of newborn hiccups may be challenging, because the underlying cause is not clear. But, there are several strategies to select to help reduce the likelihood of having hiccups and to promote good digestion in your child:
Make sure your child is in a calm state when the feeding. Don’t wait until your baby is angry and hungry prior to starting the feeding time, because the hiccups can be triggered.
- Instead of big meals Consider feeding your child smaller portions more frequently.
- After a meal, you should choose moderate activities, and avoid jumping or playing with high energy.
- Make sure your child is upright for 20-30 minutes after each meal.
- The bottle should be adjusted to remove any air that is near the teat.
- Check your baby’s mouth is correctly tied across the entire the nipple.
When is the Time to Consult a Doctor?
Although hiccups are normal among infants (both within and out from the womb) however, excessive hiccups in particular when they are accompanied by disturbance or anxiety, is a reason to seek an appointment with a physician. It could be a sign of the presence of medical issues.
Take immediate medical attention for:
- Your baby is struggling to breathe, or feed.
- Their lips change color (cyanosis) which suggests low levels of oxygen.
- Your baby’s hiccups may be disrupting their sleep.
- The frequent hiccups continue to linger after the first birthday of your child.
It is not uncommon for them to continue having problems for that exceeds two hours.
While most infant problems with hiccups don’t cause much concern, it’s better to take your time and seek medical help if there are doubts. Doctors can assist in ensuring your infant’s health as well as overall well-being. For expert guidance and care, consider consulting Dr. Sanjay K. Jain.
Take Away
Hiccups in newborns are a common and regular occurrence during the first year. These are usually related to food and are generally not a reason alarm.
A proper diet will make a difference as well as some tried-and-tested solutions at home can provide relief.
Consult a doctor for advice if you:
They can last more than an hour or are experienced regularly all period of the.
It is possible that your baby may be distressed or uneasy due to hiccups.
Other indicators like vomiting anxiety, and fever are often associated with hiccups.
They continue to irritate you beyond the first year.
Always consult your doctor if there are concerns regarding your baby’s health as it is the best course of action. For expert pediatric care in Janakpuri, consider Dr. Sanjay K. Jain at Maccure Hospital.