Stopping newborn from hiccups

 

Hiccups do not normally harm a baby. While adults may find hiccups uncomfortable, they tend to cause less distress in babies.

It is usually fine to leave a baby to stop hiccupping. If they do not stop, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor.

When a person is concerned and does not want to let newborn hiccups run their course, they may find the following strategies helpful:

Taking a break to burp the baby

When the stomach fills with air, it may push on the diaphragm, causing spasms. Taking a break from feeding to burp the baby may reduce the amount of air in their stomach. This can prevent hiccups.

If a baby is breast-fed, it is a good idea to burp the baby while switching between breasts.

Using a pacifier

Sucking on a pacifier may help to relax the diaphragm and stop hiccupping.

Feeding them gripe water

Gripe water is a mixture of herbs and water. It is traditionally used to treat colic and other stomach problems.

The herbs usually contained in gripe water include:

• ginger
• fennel
• chamomile
• cinnamon

If stomach issues are responsible for hiccups, some people believe that gripe water may help. However, no scientific evidence currently supports this treatment.

Because the risks are low, a person may decide to give gripe water a try.

Rubbing the baby’s back

Rubbing their back and rocking the baby back and forth can help them to relax. This may stop the spasms that cause hiccups.

What not to do

Some well-known remedies for hiccups are entirely rooted in tradition and have no scientific basis. These include:

• making a person jump
• pulling their tongue
• making them sip water while upside down

It is a bad idea to try these, and many other home remedies, on a baby. These supposed remedies can distress a baby and may even be dangerous. They are unlikely to stop the hiccups.

What causes hiccups in newborns?

Hiccups happen when something causes the diaphragm to spasm, and the vocal cords quickly shut. Air is forced out through the closed vocal chords, creating the hiccupping sound.

The diaphragm is a large muscle that runs across the bottom of the rib cage. It moves up and down as a person breathes.

Hiccups in babies tend to occur for no apparent reason, but feeding can occasionally cause the diaphragm to spasm. They may happen when a baby:

• overfeeds
• eats too quickly
• swallows too much air

These factors can cause the baby’s stomach to expand. As it expands, it pushes against the diaphragm, triggering the spasms that lead to hiccups.

If hiccups happen frequently and cause distress, they may result from an underlying health condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This occurs when partially digested food and stomach acid come back up through the food pipe. As these fluids pass the diaphragm, they may irritate it and trigger spasms.

Feeding or stomach issues may not always cause hiccups. The diaphragm may spasm for unknown reasons.

Prevention

Hiccups are often not preventable, but following the strategies below may help:

• feeding the baby before they become very hungry, to keep them calm
• feeding the baby frequently in small amounts
• sitting the baby upright for half an hour after each feeding
• repositioning the bottle so that no air is near the teat
• ensuring that the baby’s mouth is latched over the whole nipple

When to see a doctor

Hiccups are not normally a cause for concern in babies under 12 months old.

Speak with a doctor if hiccups are frequent or they seem to distress the baby because this can indicate an underlying health condition.

GER may cause frequent, uncomfortable hiccups. A baby may have GER if they also:

• cry more often than usual, particularly around feedings
• arch their back excessively during or after feedings
• spit up more often than usual

Anyone who suspects that a baby may have GER should speak with a doctor. The condition is easy to treat.