Newborn hiccups are a common and usually harmless occurrence that can leave new parents puzzled and sometimes concerned. Seeing your tiny baby suddenly start hiccupping can be surprising, but rest assured, it’s a normal physiological process for infants. Just like adults, babies experience hiccups, but it might seem more frequent in newborns. Let’s delve into the reasons behind newborn hiccups, how to soothe them, and when you should consult a healthcare professional.
What Exactly Are Newborn Hiccups?
Hiccups in newborns, just like in adults, are caused by involuntary spasms of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs that plays a crucial role in breathing. When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air. When you exhale, it relaxes and moves upward, pushing air out.
Normally, these diaphragm movements occur in a smooth, rhythmic pattern. However, when this rhythm is disrupted, it leads to a hiccup. This disruption causes the vocal cords to suddenly close, producing the characteristic “hic” sound. Think of it as a brief interruption in the regular breathing process, resulting in that familiar jerky sound we all recognize as hiccups.
Decoding the Causes: Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
While the exact mechanism triggering hiccups isn’t fully understood, several factors are commonly associated with hiccups in newborns. According to Dr. Ameera Nauman, a pediatrician at OSF Medical Group – Pediatrics, feeding is a primary trigger.
“With newborns, hiccups mostly happen because of eating,” Dr. Nauman explains. “The baby might eat a little too fast or a little too much. Their belly gets full and starts to touch the diaphragm and cause those spasms. Sometimes, they ingest air while taking a bottle or breastfeeding. Sometimes, there’s a little reflux involved.”
Here’s a closer look at the common causes:
- Overfeeding or Rapid Feeding: A newborn’s tummy is small. When a baby eats too much or too quickly, the stomach can become distended. This distention can press against the diaphragm, irritating it and triggering spasms that lead to hiccups.
- Air Ingestion: Babies can swallow air during feeding, whether from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This swallowed air can also expand the stomach and irritate the diaphragm. Improper latch during breastfeeding or air in the bottle nipple can increase air intake.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): Reflux, or spitting up, is common in babies. It occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. This reflux can sometimes irritate the esophagus and trigger hiccups. While occasional reflux is normal, frequent or forceful reflux might be a sign of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which should be discussed with a pediatrician.
It’s important to note that hiccups can sometimes occur for no apparent reason, and that’s perfectly normal too.
Soothing the Hiccups: How to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups
While newborn hiccups are usually short-lived and resolve on their own, there are gentle techniques you can try to help your baby feel more comfortable and potentially shorten a hiccup episode.
Burping is Key: Since feeding and air ingestion are common triggers, burping your baby is often the most effective way to stop hiccups.
- During Feedings: If you are breastfeeding, burp your baby when you switch breasts. If you are bottle-feeding, burp your baby about halfway through the bottle.
- After Feedings: Continue to burp your baby after feeding is complete. Gently pat or rub your baby’s back while holding them upright or over your shoulder.
Take a Feeding Break: Sometimes, simply pausing the feeding can help. Dr. Nauman suggests, “Sometimes, the baby needs a break so their tummy has time to digest. When they stop feeding and relax, they’ll stop hiccupping.” Give your baby a moment to rest and allow their tummy to settle.
Consider Gentle Movement: Gentle rocking or walking with your baby can sometimes help to relax their diaphragm and ease hiccups.
Avoid Home Remedies for Adults: While adults might try holding their breath or drinking water, these methods are not suitable or safe for newborns. Focus on gentle, baby-appropriate techniques like burping and feeding breaks.
Preventing Hiccups: Proactive Steps You Can Take
While you can’t entirely prevent hiccups, you can take steps to minimize the likelihood of them occurring, especially related to feeding practices.
- Proper Bottle Feeding Technique: Ensure the bottle is held at an angle so that the nipple is always filled with milk, minimizing air intake. Choose nipples with an appropriate flow rate for your baby’s age.
- Optimal Breastfeeding Latch: A good latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and reducing air swallowing. Ensure your baby is latched deeply onto the areola, not just the nipple. If you are struggling with latch, consult a lactation consultant.
- Feed Baby in an Upright Position: Feeding your baby in a more upright position can help prevent air from being swallowed and reduce reflux.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and avoid overfeeding. Learn to recognize when your baby is full and stop feeding.
- Keep Baby Upright After Feeding: After feeding, keep your baby in an upright position for about 15 to 20 minutes. This can aid digestion and reduce the chance of reflux and hiccups. Gentle back rubbing during this time can also be soothing.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Newborn Hiccups
In most cases, newborn hiccups are perfectly normal and not a cause for concern. They are not painful or harmful to your baby, even if they last for a little while. However, there are situations when you should consult your pediatrician about your baby’s hiccups.
Dr. Nauman advises, “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. Sometimes the baby might spit up a lot. If they have a lot of reflux, keep an eye on how they’re gaining weight.”
Consult your pediatrician if your baby:
- Has frequent or persistent hiccups: If hiccups occur very often or last for extended periods (longer than 15-20 minutes repeatedly).
- Shows signs of discomfort during hiccups: Such as fussiness, irritability, crying, or arching their back, particularly during or after feeding.
- Has other symptoms alongside hiccups: Including excessive spitting up, forceful vomiting, poor weight gain, or signs of respiratory distress like coughing or wheezing.
- Hiccups start suddenly and are very different from usual: If there’s a noticeable change in the pattern or intensity of hiccups.
While hiccups alone are rarely a sign of a serious problem, when accompanied by other symptoms, they could indicate underlying issues like GERD or other medical conditions that require evaluation and management by a healthcare professional. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and discuss any concerns you have about your baby’s health with their pediatrician.
In Conclusion:
Newborn hiccups are a common and typically benign occurrence. Understanding the causes, practicing good feeding techniques, and knowing when to seek medical advice can help you navigate this common baby behavior with confidence. For the vast majority of babies, hiccups are simply a normal part of early infancy that will become less frequent as they grow older. If you have any concerns, always reach out to your pediatrician for personalized guidance and reassurance.
