Best Way to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups: Top 4 Methods
Baby and newborn hiccups are a common occurrence in the lives of new parents, and while they can sometimes seem bothersome or concerning, they are a natural part of a baby’s development. Infant hiccups are a result of diaphragm spasms meaning the diaphragm contracts involuntarily, and in babies, this can happen more frequently due to their still-developing digestive systems. Though baby hiccups often resolve on their own, there are a few simple methods parents can try to help alleviate their little ones’ hiccups.
Among these techniques is burping the baby during and after feedings, especially for bottle-fed babies. Rubbing the baby’s back in a circular motion, and using a pacifier, all of which may help release excess gas trapped in the baby’s stomach, which is a cause of baby hiccups. It is important to remember that hiccups are not usually a cause for concern, and is not a sign of a more serious medical issue. However, by familiarizing themselves with these tried-and-true hiccup-relief strategies, parents can help ensure their baby’s comfort and well-being when hiccups do occur.
Causes of Baby Hiccups
Baby hiccups are common and generally harmless. They are caused by a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. Here are some possible causes that contribute to it:
1. Swallowing air during feeding: When a baby feeds, it’s an easy way for them to swallow air along with milk or formula. This trapped air can cause their diaphragm to contract, leading to hiccups. Bottles with certain designs can trap more air than others, increasing the likelihood of hiccups (Verywell Family).
2. Eating too quickly: If a baby eats too fast, they might swallow more air. It’s important to ensure a baby eats at a comfortable pace to ensure less air accumulation and hiccups (Romper).
3. Changes in stomach temperature: Drastic variations in the temperature of food or drink consumed by a baby can trigger hiccups. For instance, if a baby drinks cold milk followed by hot rice cereal, it could lead to hiccups (The First Time Mamma).
4. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER): In rare cases, some babies may have GER, a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This can irritate the diaphragm, causing hiccups (The First Time Mamma).
Preventing Baby Hiccups
One effective way to prevent newborn baby hiccups is by burping your baby during feeding. Burping helps release excess air, which can reduce the likelihood of hiccups. Taking a burp break after every 2 or 3 ounces consumed, or burping your baby before switching sides while nursing, can make a significant difference (Cleveland Clinic).
Another strategy to prevent hiccups is by ensuring your baby is in an upright position during feedings. Sitting your baby upright allows any trapped air to escape, reducing the chances of hiccups occurring (wikiHow).
Furthermore, you can consider offering your baby a pacifier. Pacifiers can help relax your baby and sometimes stop hiccups in their tracks (Cleveland Clinic).
Here are some additional tips to prevent it:
- Feed your baby slowly to avoid swallowing too much air.
- Keep a calm and relaxed environment during feeding times.
- Try massaging your baby’s back in a circular motion to release trapped air (Verywell Family).
Techniques to Stop Baby Hiccups
There are several techniques that you can try to help your baby get rid of hiccups. These simple methods can offer relief and comfort to your little one when hiccups strike.
1. Burping: Stopping to burp your baby during feeding can help release excess air and prevent hiccups. If your baby has hiccups already, you can try gently patting their back to relieve them (Cleveland Clinic). If bottle feeding, take a burp break after every 2 or 3 ounces, and if nursing, burp before you switch sides (Verywell Family).
2. Rubbing the back: Gently rubbing your baby’s back in a circular motion can help release excess air and stop hiccups. This motion is also comforting to your baby (wikiHow).
3. Pause during feeding: Taking short pauses during feeding can help alleviate hiccups. This allows your baby to take a breather and might cause the hiccups to stop (wikiHow).
4. Use a pacifier: Offering a pacifier can sometimes stop hiccups in their tracks as it helps relax your baby and might interrupt the hiccupping pattern (Cleveland Clinic).
Remember, hiccups are generally harmless and will usually go away on their own. However, trying these techniques can help soothe your baby and make them more comfortable during their hiccuping episode.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
While baby hiccups are generally harmless and usually resolve on their own, there are some instances when it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician. Knowing when to seek medical advice can help ensure the well-being of your baby.
Firstly, if your baby’s hiccups are causing distress, such as interrupting their feeding or sleep, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician. Frequent or persistent hiccups could be a sign of an underlying issue, and it’s essential to rule out any potential health concerns.
Secondly, if your baby is experiencing hiccups accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, or difficulty breathing, these could be indications of a medical problem that requires professional attention. Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician if your baby exhibits any of these worrying symptoms.
Finally, if you’ve tried the typical hiccup remedies like burping, feeding, or changing feeding patterns without success, it might be worth discussing these concerns with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on other strategies to help manage baby hiccups or investigate the possibility of an underlying condition.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby’s health. Don’t be afraid to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s hiccups or general well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, the best strategies for getting rid of baby hiccups include burping your baby during feeding, rubbing their back in a circular motion, and taking breaks during feedings. As we learned from Verywell Family and Cleveland Clinic, burping your baby helps release excess air, which may alleviate hiccups. Furthermore, rubbing their back may not only stop hiccups but also provide comfort to your baby.
It is important to remember that hiccups are usually harmless, and they often go away on their own. However, consistently implementing the above strategies can help minimize the frequency or duration of hiccups during meal times, as suggested by wikiHow and Pampers.
Maintaining an upright position during feedings and incorporating small breaks might also be beneficial in preventing hiccups. In case the hiccups persist for more than 5 or 10 minutes, you can try feeding your baby again. This might help them relax and potentially soothe the hiccups, as mentioned by What to Expect.