How to help newborn with hiccups?

Hiccups occur in babies under a year old and are not a concerning matter. Many babies even get hiccups when they are in the womb. If you have ever felt a rhythmic jerking sensation during late pregnancy, it could be due to baby hiccups. Frequent hiccups should not cause harm to your baby. In fact, some babies even sleep straight through bouts of hiccups. 

Why does my newborn always have hiccups?

A hiccup occurs when the muscle below the lungs of your baby contracts. The exact cause of baby hiccups is still unknown, but hiccups are sometimes linked to:

• Drinking and eating, especially if air is swallowed at the same time
• Eats too quickly
• Eats too much 

In babies, persistent hiccups are linked to bringing up milk after a feed (reflux). Babies get reflux because the muscular valve at the end of the food pipe hasn’t developed properly yet, which acts to keep food in the tummy. This means that when your baby’s tummy is full, acid and food can come back up. This can cause the baby to hiccup and bring up small amounts of milk.  

Reflux is normal, and as long as your baby is otherwise well, you don’t need to worry. Both breastfed and formula-fed babies can have reflux. Make sure to have a tissue or muslin cloth to hand after a feed. 

How to get rid of newborn hiccups?

The reaction of a newborn to hiccups is different. Some find them interesting. Others don’t seem to notice them. However, some babies get irritated by the hiccups. If you feel hiccups are a distraction to your baby when you are trying to nurse or that they are making your baby uncomfortable, here’s what to do when newborn has hiccups:

• Burping your baby: When you find newborn hiccups after feeding, burping is a good place to start. Burping your baby can relieve pressure that’s causing the stomach to irritate the diaphragm. GP Glenroy at Magnus Medical often recommends burping a bottle-fed baby after every two to three ounces. On the other hand, breastfeeding babies should be burped when switching sides. 
• Give your baby a pacifier: Babies can develop hiccups even without feeding. Sucking on a pacifier may soothe the diaphragm and help stop hiccups. 
• Wait for newborn hiccups to stop on their own: You don’t need to do anything if your baby is not upset by the hiccups; they usually stop on their own. However, if the hiccups happen too often or last for a long time, then you need to talk with your doctor. 

How to prevent baby hiccups newborn?

There are several ways to prevent newborn hiccups. However, it’s hard to prevent your baby’s hiccups as the causes are not yet clear. They may even have some benefits, although research is still needed to confirm this. Try these methods to prevent hiccups:

• Remember to ensure that your baby is calm when you feed them. Don’t wait too long and start feeding your baby before they become extremely hungry. 
• Avoid heavy activity with your baby after a feeding to avoid hiccups after feeding newborn. 
• For 20 to 30 minutes after each meal, make sure to keep your baby upright. 

When are hiccups cause for concern?

1. Normal occurrences – Hiccups are very common in babies, even before birth. Most of the time, they are harmless.
2. When to be cautious – You should consult a doctor if hiccups are frequent and the baby seems upset or agitated, as this could indicate a medical concern.
3. Specific warning signs to seek medical help:
   • Breathing or feeding difficulties
   • Blue-colored lips (sign of low oxygen)
   • Hiccups interfering with sleep
   • Hiccups are still happening often after the child’s first birthday
   • Hiccups lasting longer than 2 hours

In short, occasional hiccups are normal, but persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms should be checked by a doctor.

Conclusion

Hiccups are a normal, short-lived part of your baby’s early development and, with a little patience and some simple tips, they tend to pass quickly. They usually resolve themselves, but burping, offering a dummy and keeping your baby calm can help. See your doctor at Magnus Medical Centre Glenroy if your baby’s hiccups are frequent, last a long time, or are accompanied by warning signs such as difficulty breathing or blue lips.

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