How to Help a Baby with Hiccups
Hiccups are diaphragmatic contractions that can be seen from time to time in all age groups. Hiccups can be observed in adults as well as infants and even newborns. So what causes hiccups in newborn babies? It is considered normal that even babies in the womb are prone to hiccups. After the 6th month of pregnancy, small spasms can be seen in the abdomen of the expectant mother. These spasms indicate that the baby also hiccups in the womb.
It is not a problem for the baby to hiccup after birth, even if the mother does not notice minor spasms during her pregnancy. But especially those who experience motherhood for the first time may perceive the hiccups of babies as an inconvenience. However, the contraction of the diaphragm and the opening and closing of the vocal cords above normal cause hiccups.
What Causes Hiccups in Babies?
Hiccups in babies begin to appear with the development of the lungs. Although the contractions of the diaphragm in the abdominal and thoracic cavity begin with the 6th month of pregnancy, the contractions continue after the birth. Hiccups in newborn babies may last more intensely in the first few months. Hiccups are an uncontrollable reflex, just like coughing or sneezing. Many doctors are not able to reach a consensus about the underlying cause of this condition.
However, there are some accepted theorems in this regard. Hiccups may occur due to the air trapped in the stomach during feeding. Most of the hiccups in newborns occur after feeding. Rapid satiety or breathing at the wrong time can trigger hiccups in babies. Hiccups don’t bother babies, as parents think. This situation seen in babies can last up to 7 minutes on average. The hiccups that start after the baby is full also prove that the baby is digesting the food they eat. In babies, the following usually trigger hiccups:
- Sudden change in room temperature
- Food consumed by the mother
- The baby is overfed
- Swallowing air during breastfeeding or bottle feeding can cause hiccups in babies.
How to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups
The breathing of babies and newborns is already irregular. When hiccups are added to this, the baby’s breathing can be prevented, even for a short time.
In short-term hiccups, the baby can struggle with this situation himself. However, if it lasts longer than 4 minutes on average, babies may be uncomfortable with the situation. If hiccups are accompanied by problems such as vomiting, it would be beneficial to seek help from a specialist. Short-term hiccups disappear with a few simple applications. During the search for a solution, the baby’s hiccups can be followed regularly.
Data such as how long the hiccups recur and how long they last can be noted down. If the same situation is repeated during or after feeding, the baby’s position during feeding can be changed. It is necessary to know that the feeding position of the baby is as important as the feeding time and form. Making the baby burp after feeding, in other words, removing the gas is effective in eliminating the problem.
Sucking the baby’s pacifier during hiccups can also solve the problem. Because the feeling of sucking calms babies. With the calming down, a relaxation occurs in the diaphragm and the hiccups stop in a short time. Change of environment can also be seen as a solution as it helps babies to calm down. But it is important to remember that cold environments can trigger hiccups. Apart from all these;
- Keeping babies calm while feeding
- Keeping the baby in an upright position and patting the back for about 20 minutes after feeding
- Not bouncing the baby up and down, especially after feeding, contributes to the prevention of hiccups.
Is Hiccups Harmful in Newborns?
The causes of hiccups in babies should be analyzed correctly. Although it is a condition seen in almost every baby, hiccups can also be seen as a symptom of discomfort in some cases. Since hiccups are actually a reflex seen in babies before they are born, it is normal for the situation to continue in newborns. However, if the baby has started to hiccup more frequently than normal, it would be beneficial to go to the doctor’s control.
Before going to the doctor’s control, it is useful to follow how often the hiccups continue and for how long. You may need to change a bottle if you experience the same distress after feeding your baby, even though you burp or change feeding position. Some bottles allow babies to swallow more air. When babies swallow air, it triggers hiccups.
Hiccups in babies are considered the most important indicator of the development of the baby’s stomach. If you observe other problems accompanying hiccups in your baby, do not neglect to go to the doctor’s control. Especially if the situation still continues with the first age, on the other hand, if moodiness and insomnia are added to it, it will be very useful to benefit from the expert opinion.
What Not to Do When Hiccups Happen in Newborn Babies
First-time parents may find that babies will be just as uncomfortable with hiccups as adults; but hiccups in newborn babies indicate that they are growing regularly. So what should be avoided during hiccups in babies? Although it is generally beneficial to drink water, it is necessary not to give water to the newborn as often. The drinking method can be used for babies 6 months and older.
It is also necessary to avoid situations such as frightening babies or pulling their tongue. Actions such as frightening or tongue-twisting can cause babies to suffer serious difficulties later in life. Holding the baby upside down and constantly bouncing are also among the actions that are not recommended when hiccups occur. Hiccups, which are in a dose that will not harm the daily life of babies, do not pose a health problem.
Keeping babies calm during hiccups and allowing time for the hiccups to go away on their own should be the priority action. Little but frequent sucking by babies can help control hiccups.