He hiccups It’s something we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives. Most of the time this happens after eating very quickly, although it is also possible that sometimes you are so calm and for no apparent reason you start to hiccup. This is characterized by small spasms in the diaphragm which can be quite annoying and uncomfortable. However, when this happens to a newborn, many parentsespecially the beginnersthey may become alarmed thinking that something is wrong. However, Hiccups in newborns and babies in general are a completely natural phenomenon. and, in most cases, you have nothing to worry about. In adults, hiccups often go away on their own, and the same is true in young children.
And when is a baby born? The truth is that hiccups in newborns are quite common. Actually, Some babies may have hiccups even before they are born, in the womb. It’s common for parents to notice that their little one is starting to have hiccups. after eating or even just when you are resting. And while these spasms may seem uncomfortable or bothersome, the good news is that they rarely cause any discomfort to the baby. In most cases, Newborns don’t even seem to realize they have hiccups. This is just a small part of your development, which occurs as your body adapts and learns to function outside the womb. But of course, even if we know that hiccups are not dangerous, it can be disturbing to see them in our little ones. No one wants to see how the baby sleeps and cannot rest because of hiccups or that after eating these small spasms appear. Fortunately, there are effective ways to relieve hiccups in your newborn. and prevent it from continuing for a long time. So what can we do?
Why do hiccups occur in newborns?
Hiccups in newborns occur in the same way as in adults: due to involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, followed by a rapid closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound. However, in newborns, this pathology is more common because their nervous system, which controls these spasms, is still developing. During the first months of life, The baby’s diaphragm and brain are still learning to coordinate. It is therefore not uncommon for these spasms to occur more often.
One of the most common reasons for hiccups in newborns is food. Whether they drink breast milk or formula, babies tend to swallow air while eating. This air can get trapped in your stomach and cause your diaphragm to contract, causing hiccups. Additionally, hiccups can also be triggered due to sudden temperature changes or simply because the baby is excited or overstimulated.
It is important to remember that although hiccups can be annoying for parents, It is rarely a sign of a medical problem in the newborn. In fact, many pediatricians consider hiccups simply a sign that a baby’s digestive system is working as it should. However, if the hiccups persist for hours or seem to bother your baby, it is advisable to see a doctor to rule out possible underlying complications.
Quick methods to eliminate hiccups in newborns
One of the most effective tips to stop hiccups in newborns is just take a break while eating. If you notice your baby starting to hiccup while eating, stop and let him expel any air he may have swallowed. Sometimes just letting the baby burp can help relieve hiccups. The process of burping helps release excess air trapped in the stomach, thereby reducing pressure on the diaphragm.
Hold baby up
Another simple but effective technique is Hold your baby upright during and after feeding. This position helps gravity do its job, holding the stomach contents in place and minimizing the risk of air causing the diaphragm to spasm. You can hold your baby against your chest, with his head resting on your shoulder, while you gently pat his back. Not only can this technique help soothe hiccups, but it is also a great way to promote parent-child bonding.
Avoid overeating
Feeding the baby too much or too quickly can also trigger hiccups. Newborns have very small stomachs, so eating too much in one feeding can cause discomfort and cause hiccups. If you notice that your baby tends to hiccup after eating large quantities, try feeding him in smaller but more frequent portions. Not only can this help prevent hiccups, but it’s also more comfortable for the baby.
Test the pacifier
In some cases, giving the baby a pacifier can help stop hiccups. The act of sucking relaxes the diaphragm and can interrupt the hiccup cycle. Although this technique doesn’t always work, it can be a quick and easy solution, especially if hiccups occur when your baby isn’t eating.
Stay calm and patient
The most important thing is to remember that hiccups in newborns are temporary and, in most cases, disappears on its own without intervention. Stay calm and try not to worry too much. If your baby seems happy and the hiccups aren’t bothering him, there’s probably no cause for alarm. Instead of worrying, take advantage of these moments to observe and learn more about the signals your little one is giving you. Every baby is unique, and over time you will discover which methods work best to calm your baby.
When to worry?
Although hiccups are usually harmless, there are signs that you may need to see a pediatrician. If the hiccups persist for several hours without stopping or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive vomiting, difficulty breathing or constant irritability, it is best to consult a doctor. These signs could indicate an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or another condition that requires treatment.
