Just In
- 4 hrs ago Happy Choti Holi 2024 Wishes: Top 40 Quotes, WhatsApp, Instagram Status Messages, Images, Posters, Greetings
- 11 hrs ago Delhi Metro Holi Update: Planning To Travel On Holi Via Metro? Know The Special Timings, Schedule
- 12 hrs ago Shahid Kapoor's Rugged Avatar From Deva Movie Is Impressive, Tips To Ace The Macho Fashion
- 15 hrs ago Priyanka Chopra Dons Yellow Saree For Her Ayodhya Visit, Know The Cost Of Handloom Saree Here!
Don't Miss
- Automobiles Hero Maestro Scooter Discontinued In India: Replacement Model Patented
- Sports IPL 2024 KKR vs SRH: How Harshit Rana Emerged Kolkata Knight Riders' Unlikely Hero In Famous Eden Gardens Victory Over SRH
- Movies Yesha Rughani Birthday: 5 Times Rabb Se Hai Dua Actress Wooed Fans With Her Indian Dresses
- News Digvijaya Singh, Ajay Rai, And Karti Chidambaram In Congress's 4th List Of Lok Sabha Candidates
- Finance DGCA Slaps Air India with Rs 80 Lakh Fine for FDTL Violations
- Technology Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S23 FE: The Battle of Samsung’s Premium Mid-rangers!
- Travel Learn About the Types of US Visas Available for Indian Immigrants and the Visa Process
- Education UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Recruitment 2024; Apply Online for 1930 Posts, Know more
Hiccups In Babies: Causes, Tips To Stop And Prevent It
Hiccups can occur at any age, even under the age of one. It can come at any time of the day causing minor inconvenience; however, as adults, we drink water to stop the short-term hiccups but when hiccups happen to babies, it can be a different experience. This is because babies don't know what's happening and might be startled by the hiccups, and they could experience some discomfort as well.
In this article, we'll talk about what causes hiccups in babies, the tips to stop and prevent hiccups and when to see a doctor.
What Causes Hiccups In Babies?
Hiccups occur when the baby's diaphragm (the muscle below your baby's chest that separates the abdomen from the chest) contracts causing the air to forcefully come out through closed vocal chords, creating the hiccupping sound [1] [2].
Hiccups are very common in babies under 12 months of age. In fact, newborns often get hiccups in the womb even before they are born. In newborns, the hiccupping reflex is very strong and they spend 2.5 per cent of their time in the newborn stage hiccupping. And then as they reach the infant stage, the hiccups gradually decrease continuing throughout adulthood [1].
Hiccups are a reflex action, which means we can't stop it from occurring or control it. It is usually not serious and in most cases, it goes away in a few minutes.
Health experts aren't sure about the exact cause of hiccups in babies. But, it is believed that hiccups can occur in babies due to the following reasons:
- While eating and drinking if too much air is swallowed at the same time hiccups can occur.
- When the baby eats too quickly.
- When the baby is overfed.
- Strong emotions, such as excitement or stress in babies can also cause hiccup.
These factors can cause the baby's stomach to expand and as the stomach expands, it pushes against the diaphragm, triggering the spasms that cause hiccups.
A study published in the JAMA Pediatrics reported that hiccups can occur after a baby has been nursing and the milk curd particles are thrown back up into the oesophagus, causing irritation in the oesophagus and leading to hiccups. It was observed that infants may start to hiccup shortly (within about 10 minutes) after the milk flows backwards into the mouth after nursing [3].
Nutritionist's View On Baby Foods: The Right Foods For Each Stage
How To Stop Hiccups In Babies?
Hiccups can cause your baby to feel uncomfortable; here are some tips to stop hiccups in babies:
- Burp your baby - Hiccups can be triggered by excess air that gets trapped in the stomach while your baby is eating. When the stomach is filled with air, it may push the diaphragm, causing spasms and leading to hiccups. Take a break from feeding to burp your baby to help get rid of hiccups [4].
- Use a pacifier - If your baby starts to hiccup on their own and not after nursing, try allowing your baby to suck on a pacifier as this may help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccupping.
- Try feeding your baby gripe water - Gripe water is a blend of herbs and water; herbs such as chamomile, cinnamon, ginger and fennel are used. You can consider trying gripe water if your baby feels discomfort. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before giving your baby gripe water.
- Rub your baby's back - Rubbing or gently patting your baby's back and rocking your baby back and forth can help stop hiccups.
- Feed a relaxed baby - Do not feed your baby only when they cry for food, as this could lead to excessive ingestion of air when the baby gulps down food due to hunger. Feed your baby when they are calm and relaxed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that burping your bottle-fed baby not only after feeding but during feeding as well. If you are breastfeeding your baby, make them burp while switching between your breasts.
What Is Hindmilk? Why Is It Important For Babies?
Things You Should Avoid Doing To Your Baby To Stop Hiccups
- Do not give your baby sour candies.
- Do not smack your baby's back.
- Do not pull your baby's tongue, arm or leg.
- Do not make loud unexpected sounds to get rid of hiccups as this might terrify your baby.
- Do not put pressure on your baby's eyes.
Having Trouble Bottle Feeding Your Baby? Try These Tips
Prevention Of Hiccups In Babies
- Feed your baby frequently in small amounts.
- Hold your baby in an upright position for 20 minutes after each feed.
- Try to feed your baby in an upright position.
- Feed your baby when they are calm. Don't wait for your baby to feel hungry.
- If you are bottle-feeding your baby, try to minimise the amount of air they swallow. Tilt the bottle so that the milk completely fills the teat before feeding your baby.
- After feeding do not indulge in any physical activities with your baby, such as bouncing your baby up and down.
- Avoid overfeeding your baby.
- While breastfeeding, ensure that your baby's mouth is latched onto the nipple properly.
Baby Food: When And How To Introduce Cow's Milk To Your Infant?
When To See A Doctor
Hiccups in babies aren't usually a concern if the baby stops hiccupping within 5-10 minutes. But, if the hiccups don't stop within a couple of hours, you should consult a paediatrician.
In addition, if the baby is having frequent hiccups it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause frequent, uncomfortable hiccups in babies [5].
- insync100 Popular Hindu Baby Names For Girls And Boys That Start With The Letter M
- pregnancy parentingExclusive: Born Too Soon! How Navigating Prematurity With Courage And Collaboration Saved A Little Girl
- pregnancy parentingExpert On Importance Of Screening Newborns For Lung Cancer
- fashionChildren's Day 2023: Bollywood Celebs Prefer Comfy And Cute Outfits For Their Babies, Get Inspired!
- pregnancy parentingHow To Calm An Irritable Baby In Under 1 Minute? Tips For New Parents
- pregnancy parentingVaginal Tears During Childbirth: How To Take Care Of It At Home?
- pregnancy parentingTeenage Pregnancy: The Effect On Babies Mentally, Emotionally, Socially And Physically
- pregnancy parentingSummer Baby Care: How To Avoid Dehydration In Babies
- babyIs Jaggery Safe For Babies? When Can You Start Giving Your Kid Jaggery?
- babyWinter Soup For Babies: Benefits And 2 Recipes (Veg & Non-veg)
- babyAmazon Great Indian Sale On Baby Products: Car Seats, Carriers And Other Baby Travel Essentials
- pulseUnusual Names For Babies And Their Meanings