As a new parent, you’re probably wondering why your precious little one keeps getting hiccups. You may even worry that it could be a sign of something serious. Don’t fret just yet! Hiccups are actually quite common in newborns and can occur for various reasons. In this blog post, we’ll explore Why do newborns get hiccups? and provide tips on how to stop them. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of newborn hiccups!
What are hiccups?
Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm muscle that cause an abrupt inhalation, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords. This results in the well-known “hic” sound. Hiccups can occur at any age, but they’re especially common in newborns.
Newborn hiccups typically last only a few minutes and may happen several times a day or even multiple times per hour. They’re usually harmless and don’t require medical attention. However, excessive hiccups could be a sign of an underlying condition.
While hiccups aren’t generally concerning, they can be uncomfortable for babies because their tiny bodies haven’t yet learned how to control this reflex. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help calm your little one’s hiccups.
Holding your baby upright during feedings and burping them frequently can reduce the likelihood of getting hiccups as it helps release any trapped air in their digestive system which is often associated with causing these spasms.
If your baby does get hiccups despite taking preventative measures, there are several techniques you can use to stop them quickly. We’ll explore these methods in detail later on in this post!
Why do newborns get hiccups?
Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns and can happen at any time of the day or night. Although they may seem worrying to new parents, hiccups are often harmless and do not require medical attention.
There are several factors that can cause hiccups in newborns. One of the most common is feeding, particularly when babies swallow air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This can lead to irritation of the diaphragm muscle, which causes it to spasm and trigger hiccups.
Another factor that can contribute to hiccups in newborns is gastroesophageal reflux (GER), where milk or stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This irritates the nerves that control breathing, causing spasms in the diaphragm muscle.
In some cases, hiccups may also be caused by changes in temperature or sudden movements. Additionally, certain medications taken during pregnancy or childbirth may increase a baby’s likelihood of getting hiccups after birth.
While hiccups are generally harmless and will usually go away on their own within a few minutes, there are some steps you can take to help prevent them from occurring. These include ensuring your baby is properly positioned during feedings and burping them frequently throughout.
It’s important for new parents to remember that occasional hiccuping is completely normal for babies and should not be a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or difficulty breathing.
How to stop hiccups in newborns?
Hiccups in newborns are usually harmless and do not require any medical intervention. However, they can be uncomfortable for your little one. Here are some tips on how to stop hiccups in newborns:
1. Give them a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help calm down the diaphragm muscles that cause hiccups.
2. Burp them: Hiccups may occur due to swallowing air while feeding, so try burping your baby during and after feedings.
3. Change their feeding position: If your newborn is bottle-fed, try changing their feeding position or angle of the bottle to reduce the amount of air they swallow.
4. Gently massage their back: Lightly patting or rubbing your baby’s back can help relax their diaphragm muscles and alleviate hiccups.
5. Offer small sips of water: For babies who have started solids, offering small sips of water can sometimes help relieve hiccups.
Remember, it’s important not to panic when your newborn gets hiccups as they will often go away on their own within a few minutes or hours without any intervention needed!
When to worry about hiccups in newborns?
As new parents, it’s understandable to worry about every little thing when it comes to your newborn. Hiccups are one of those things that can cause concern for many parents. But when is it time to really start worrying?
First of all, it’s important to note that hiccups in newborns are completely normal and usually nothing to be concerned about. In fact, most babies get hiccups multiple times a day.
However, if your baby seems uncomfortable or the hiccups last for an unusually long time (more than 10-15 minutes), then it may be worth consulting with your pediatrician just to rule out any underlying issues.
Additionally, if your baby is experiencing other symptoms such as vomiting or difficulty breathing along with the hiccups, this could be a sign of something more serious and you should seek medical attention immediately.
While hiccups in newborns may seem concerning at first glance, they’re typically nothing to worry about. However, if you have any doubts or concerns about your baby’s health at any point in time – always consult with a healthcare professional for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns and usually don’t pose any serious health concerns. They can be caused by various factors such as overfeeding, air swallowing or even changes in temperature. Fortunately, there are several simple remedies that can help alleviate your baby’s hiccups including burping them after feeding, giving them smaller but more frequent feedings or gently patting their back. However, if you notice that your baby’s hiccups persist for an extended period of time or occur very frequently throughout the day and night it may be best to seek medical advice from your pediatrician as this could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
As always, if you have any concerns about your baby’s health it is important to trust your instincts and reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.
