Infant hiccups are a common and generally harmless occurrence that many parents experience with their newborns. If you’ve ever wondered why your little one seems to get hiccups so frequently, you’re not alone. It’s a question that often crosses the minds of new parents. Rest assured, in most cases, hiccups are a normal physiological process in infants and usually resolve on their own within a few minutes.
What Exactly Are Hiccups?
To understand why babies get hiccups, it’s helpful to know what hiccups are in the first place. A hiccup is essentially a spasm of the diaphragm, which is a large, dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs that plays a crucial role in breathing. When you inhale, your diaphragm contracts, allowing air to be drawn into your lungs. When you exhale, it relaxes, pushing air out.
Normally, these diaphragmatic movements occur in a smooth and rhythmic manner. However, when this rhythm is disrupted, it leads to a hiccup. This disruption causes the vocal cords to suddenly close, creating the characteristic “hic” sound.
Common Causes of Hiccups in Infants
While the exact reason for hiccups isn’t fully understood, several factors are known to trigger them in infants. One of the most common culprits is related to feeding.
Feeding Too Quickly or Overfeeding
“With newborns, hiccups mostly happen because of eating,” explains Dr. Ameera Nauman, a pediatrician. Infants, especially newborns, may sometimes feed a bit too rapidly or consume slightly more milk or formula than their stomach can comfortably hold at that moment. This rapid intake or overfilling can cause the stomach to distend.
A distended stomach can press against the diaphragm, irritating it and triggering those involuntary spasms that result in hiccups. Think of it like a gentle nudge to the diaphragm, prompting it to react.
Swallowing Air During Feeding
Another feeding-related cause is the ingestion of air during feeding. Whether your baby is breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, they can inadvertently swallow air along with their milk. This swallowed air can also contribute to stomach distension and irritate the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)
Sometimes, infant hiccups can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux, commonly known as reflux or GER. Reflux occurs when stomach contents, including stomach acid, flow back up into the esophagus. This backflow can irritate the esophagus and, in some cases, may also irritate the diaphragm, potentially triggering hiccups.
It’s important to note that occasional reflux is normal in infants. However, if reflux is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms like excessive spitting up, fussiness, or poor weight gain, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician.
How to Help Your Baby Get Rid of Hiccups
When your baby has a bout of hiccups, you might be wondering how to make them stop. While hiccups are usually short-lived and don’t bother babies, there are a few things you can try to help them subside.
Burping is Key
Burping is often the most effective way to get rid of baby hiccups, especially if they are feeding-related. Burping helps to release any trapped air in the baby’s stomach, which can alleviate pressure on the diaphragm and potentially stop the hiccups.
- During Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, try burping your baby when you switch breasts.
- During Bottle Feeding: If you are bottle-feeding, burp your baby about halfway through the feeding, and again at the end.
There are various burping techniques you can try, such as:
- Over the shoulder: Hold your baby upright against your shoulder and gently pat or rub their back.
- Sitting on your lap: Sit your baby upright on your lap, supporting their chest and head, and gently pat or rub their back.
- Lying across your lap: Lay your baby face down across your lap, supporting their head and chin, and gently pat or rub their back.
Take a Break During Feeding
Sometimes, simply pausing the feeding can be beneficial. Giving your baby a short break allows their tummy some time to digest the milk and can help to relieve the distension that might be contributing to the hiccups. When they stop feeding and have a chance to relax, the hiccups may naturally subside.
Steps to Help Prevent Baby Hiccups
While you can’t always prevent hiccups, there are some strategies you can employ to minimize their occurrence.
Proper Bottle Feeding Techniques
If you are bottle-feeding, ensure that the bottle is held at an angle so that the nipple is always filled with milk and not air. This minimizes the amount of air your baby swallows while feeding. Also, check that the nipple flow rate is appropriate for your baby’s age; a nipple that flows too quickly can cause your baby to gulp milk and air.
Ensure a Good Latch During Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, make sure your baby has a good latch. A proper latch helps to minimize air intake during feeding. A good latch means your baby’s mouth is wide open, taking in not just the nipple but also a significant portion of the areola.
Keep Baby Upright After Feeding
After feeding, avoid laying your baby down immediately. Keeping them in an upright position for about 15 to 20 minutes can aid in digestion and reduce the likelihood of hiccups. You can hold them upright, use a baby carrier, or position them in an inclined bouncer or swing. Gently rubbing their back in an upright position can also be soothing and may help to alleviate hiccups.
When to Consult a Doctor About Baby Hiccups
In most cases, baby hiccups are perfectly normal and not a cause for concern. They are not physically harmful to your baby, even if they last for a longer duration, such as 10 minutes or more.
However, there are instances when persistent or frequent hiccups might warrant a consultation with your pediatrician. According to Dr. Nauman, “Hiccups can be a little more concerning if the child also has other signs, such as being really fussy or arching their back a lot while feeding or after feeding.”
Other signs to watch out for include:
- Excessive fussiness or irritability: If your baby seems unusually uncomfortable or distressed during or after hiccups.
- Frequent spitting up: More than the usual amount of spit-up, especially if it’s forceful or projectile.
- Arching the back during or after feeding: This can be a sign of discomfort related to reflux.
- Poor weight gain or feeding difficulties: If you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain or they seem to be struggling with feeding.
If you notice these accompanying symptoms along with persistent hiccups, or if you are simply concerned about your baby’s hiccups, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. While hiccups are usually benign, your pediatrician can assess your baby and rule out any underlying issues, such as significant reflux or other medical conditions. They can provide personalized advice and reassurance based on your baby’s specific situation.
In conclusion, infant hiccups are a common and typically harmless occurrence, often related to feeding habits. By understanding the potential causes and implementing simple techniques like burping and proper feeding practices, you can help manage and potentially prevent hiccups in your little one. And remember, if you have any concerns, your pediatrician is always there to provide guidance and support.
