Hiccups in Infants: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

The diaphragm contracts and the vocal cords quickly close, causing baby hiccups. The primary muscle that is used by the body for breathing is the diaphragm. The hiccup sound is a sound made by the vocal cords rapidly shutting. Read this article to find out how hiccups affect babies and how to get rid of hiccups in infants.

What causes hiccups in infants?

Most early babies presumably hiccup because they swallow air while being fed. Many people hiccup when pregnant and for a while after giving birth. According to one idea, infants are accustomed to using the respiratory muscles they will eventually need. If your baby has hiccups frequently or consistently, talk to a doctor since various medical issues might lead to chronic hiccups.

Are hiccups in infants normal?

Since hiccups typically irritate adults, they also upset infants. Babies, however, are usually unaffected by them. Many babies can sleep through a hiccup episode without being bothered, and hiccups rarely interfere with a baby's breathing. A 2019 study found that hiccups may aid your baby's breathing and brain development. According to doctors, infants' hiccups are another developmental tool, one of the first ones they experience while in the womb.

How to get rid of hiccups in infants?

Trying these methods can help you get rid of hiccups in babies

1. Help your baby burp -

The hiccups will go away if you stop feeding your baby and try to make the baby burp. Excess gas that causes the hiccups can be expelled by burping. Burp your infant before they switch breasts if they are breastfed. Burping is considered effective in getting rid of hiccups in infants. When your infant has hiccups, rub or gently massage their back. Avoid slapping or hitting this area too hard or roughly.

2. Using a pacifier -

Hiccups in babies don't usually occur after feedings. Allowing your baby to suck on to a pacifier will assist in relaxing the diaphragm and may stop a bout of hiccups when they occur on their own.

3. Waiting it out -

Hiccupping frequently occurs in infants under one, so it's usually better to leave them alone. Your baby's hiccups will typically go away in 5 to 10 minutes. You can just let them go if your infant isn't bothered by them. Let your baby's doctor know if the hiccups don't go away. Hiccups may, albeit infrequently, be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.

4. Changing position -

Depending on where your baby was when the hiccups began, try to lay them down or prop them into a sitting position. While changing positions can sometimes assist, it won't always halt a baby's hiccups.

5. Slow feeding -

You might be feeding your infant too quickly if you find that they always hiccup during feedings. Your baby may experience fewer hiccups if you feed them slowly and take breaks in between.

6. Gripe water -

Some people use gripe and herbal water to alleviate infants' hiccups and unsettled stomachs. Gripe water could be more efficient and safe for infant use, though. So, before using it, see your child's pediatrician. Even though many parents worldwide vouch for gripe water, studies have not found any advantages, and there is also a chance of negative effects. According to health experts like the World Health Organization, gripe water products are not strictly controlled, may interfere with nursing, and are not advised for use.

When to consult a Pediatrician?

See a doctor if your infant seems to be hiccupping regularly or if the hiccups are hurting your child. Your infant might be having stomach problems. "You must consult your doctor if the hiccups are consistently accompanied by excessive spitting up and agitation or fussing. Your pediatrician will look at the big picture, including your infant's development, and talk about whether or not gastric reflux disease (GERD) could be the cause of hiccups, "says Dr. Stempel. GERD can occasionally bring on hiccups, also referred to as acid reflux. To rule out any underlying medical concerns, a pediatrician should check your kid, especially if their hiccups are accompanied by vomiting. Also, Read11th week of pregnancy: Lime-sized baby!

Tips to prevent hiccups in infants -

Here are some suggestions for avoiding hiccup episodes. Since the causes of a baby's hiccups are still unknown, it is difficult to prevent them. Even though studies have not yet proved this, they might even provide certain advantages. Try the following strategies to aid with hiccup prevention (and for overall healthy digestion):

• When feeding your infant, ensure they are still and not moving here and there. This means that you should start your baby's feeding when the child is disturbed and screaming because of hunger.
• Avoid vigorous play or activity with your infant after feedings, such as jumping or vigorous rocking.
• After every meal, keep your infant upright for 20 to 30 minutes.

You may also read about Hiccups & 5 Steps To Get Rid Of Hiccups

Things to bear in mind -

You could find several suggestions for DIY treatments if you do a topical online search. It's vital to remember that when your infant gets hiccups, doctors advise against using many conventional treatments. For instance, avoid pulling your baby's tongue or startling them. These procedures should not be used on young children since they could be harmful. There's no need to step in if your infant appears content.

Is it normal for a baby to hiccup a lot?

Babies frequently hiccup, and there is typically no cause for concern. However, if your infant is hiccupping and you are worried, seek help from a medical professional. Know more about how to get rid of baby hiccups!Also Read:Why Do Hiccups Come At The Wrong Time?

Final takeaway -

It's not always obvious why babies have a case of hiccups, and there might be advantages that still need to be understood. Hiccups can be a normal part of development as long as your infant is under 1 year old, does not seem upset, and is not throwing up during them. Regular hiccups should be gone when your child turns one year old. If your child continues to hiccup frequently or becomes unhappy or excessively fussy, talk to your doctor. They can eliminate any other potential reasons. I hope you understand very well about how to get rid of hiccups in infants. Also Read:How to get rid of hiccups in newborns: 4 Ways to fix it.