Welcoming a newborn into the world is a magical experience, but it can also come with surprises, like newborn hiccups. While these little spasms may catch you off guard, rest assured that they are perfectly normal and usually harmless. In fact, some babies even hiccup in the womb before they are born! So, let’s dive into what causes newborn hiccups, how to get rid of them, and what to do if they happen during feedings.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
Newborn hiccups are not uncommon and are not a cause for concern. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as swallowing air during feedings or as a result of reflexes. Some theories suggest that hiccups may be caused by air trapped in the stomach during a feeding or as a result of baby’s developing reflexes. Hiccups can also be a sign of infant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. However, babies with GERD typically exhibit other symptoms, such as arching of the back while feeding, crying while feeding, spitting up, and coughing. If your baby shows these symptoms, or if the spitting up is projectile or green in color, or if your baby seems to be in pain, it’s important to contact your pediatrician for further evaluation.
How to Get Rid of Newborn Hiccups
As a parent, it’s natural to want to help your baby get rid of hiccups. However, traditional hiccup remedies that work for adults, such as drinking water, are not recommended for newborns, as their immature kidneys may not be able to properly filter excess water, which could lead to health risks like drowsiness, lethargy, and seizures. Instead, it’s best to wait out the hiccups and let them resolve on their own. Rest assured that hiccups are usually more bothersome to parents than to newborns themselves.
However, if you’re concerned that your baby’s hiccups are bothering them, you can try a few tricks to help calm them down. One option is to offer your baby a feeding or let them suck on a pacifier, as swallowing or sucking may help alleviate the hiccups. Some parents also find that giving gripe water, an over-the-counter liquid supplement of sodium bicarbonate and herbs that may help ease baby gas and tummy troubles, can be helpful in calming hiccups. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult with your pediatrician before giving any supplements to your baby.
Tips for Dealing with Hiccups During Feedings
If you notice that your baby tends to get hiccups during feedings, there are a few tips you can try to help alleviate the discomfort:
- Take a break: Sometimes, a simple change of position or a gentle burp can help calm hiccups. If you notice that your baby has hiccups during a feeding, try taking a short break and gently burping your baby. This can help release any trapped air and may help stop the hiccups.
- Switch up your routine: If your baby seems to get hiccups frequently during feedings, you can try feeding your baby smaller amounts at more frequent intervals. This can help prevent your baby from swallowing as much air during each feeding, which may reduce the occurrence of hiccups.
- Try a new position: Holding your baby in a more upright position during feedings may also help reduce the occurrence of hiccups. Holding your baby at a slight angle, with their head slightly elevated, can help prevent them from swallowing as much air as they swallow milk.
- Burp more frequently: If you’re bottle-feeding, try burping your baby more frequently, such as after every 1 or 2 ounces of milk. Burping helps release any trapped air in your baby’s stomach and may help prevent hiccups during feedings.
Remember, it’s important to be gentle while burping your baby to avoid causing any discomfort or distress. Pat your baby’s back gently or try using a gentle rocking motion to help release the trapped air.
When to Seek Medical Advice
In most cases, newborn hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own. However, if you notice any other symptoms accompanying the hiccups, such as arching of the back while feeding, crying while feeding, being irritable in general, spitting up excessively, or coughing, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. In such cases, it’s best to consult your pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance.
Additionally, if your baby’s hiccups are persistent, lasting for prolonged periods of time or occurring very frequently, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Newborn hiccups are a common and usually harmless occurrence in babies. They are typically caused by swallowing air during feedings or as a reflex. While they may be bothersome to parents, they rarely cause discomfort to the baby. Most cases of hiccups in newborns resolve on their own and do not require any medical intervention.
If your baby gets hiccups during feedings, there are some simple tips you can try to help alleviate the discomfort, such as taking a break, switching up your feeding routine, trying a new position, or burping more frequently. However, it’s important to be mindful of any other accompanying symptoms or if the hiccups are persistent or frequent, as they may be indicative of an underlying medical condition.
Always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s health. With proper care and attention, you can help your baby cope with and outgrow newborn hiccups, and enjoy the precious moments with your little bundle of joy.
