Newborn and baby hiccups are normal, common and harmless. Learn why they get them and how to get rid of baby hiccups or, better yet, prevent them altogether.
Just like in adults, infant hiccups are caused by spasms of baby’s tiny and developing diaphragm, the large muscle that runs across the bottom of the rib cage and moves up and down as we breathe. Though nobody knows for sure why we hiccup , these spasms can be triggered by many things.
In addition to feeding-related triggers, once in a while, a case of constant baby or newborn hiccups can be caused by something entirely different. The culprit is usually, or GER as it’s often called. When baby suffers from gastroesophageal reflux, partially digested food and acidic juices from the stomach flow back up into the esophagus causing burning and discomfort. Since the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, it can get irritated and lead to lots of baby hiccups.
That said, babies who are hiccuping as a result of reflux may be prone to vomiting; if your little one seems to be having a painful GER episode, try keeping them upright. It’s always best to consult with your doctor if you have concerns.Now that you know why they can happen, you’re probably wondering: How do you get rid of baby hiccups? Even if baby hiccups are almost always harmless, it’s normal for you to want your child to get some relief from those incessant spasms.
• Forgenie recommends stopping halfway through a bottle to burp baby and then complete the feeding after a 5- to 10-minute break. “Completing the feeding while baby is relaxed can actually end the hiccupping,” she says. • Many people recommend pulling on baby’s tongue and pressing on their forehead or anterior fontanelle , Forgenie says, but this can hurt baby. “Overall, the best thing to do is to wait it out and rest assured that the hiccups will resolve on their own,” she says.Of course, you may want to try a few tricks to prevent baby hiccups from happening in the first place.
• “Holding baby up for a few minutes after feedings before putting them down can help prevent baby hiccups,” Jacobson says, since how you position baby can impact any reflux.
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