Is It Normal for Newborns to Hiccup a Lot?
- Why Do Newborns Hiccup So Much?
- What Can Parents Do About Newborn Hiccups?
- When to See a Doctor
- Preventing Hiccups
- Conclusion
New parents often find themselves worrying about every little thing their newborn does, including hiccups. Is it normal for newborns to hiccup a lot? The short answer is yes. Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns and are usually nothing to worry about. In fact, many babies hiccup frequently, even while still in the womb.
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle at the base of the lungs, contracts involuntarily. This contraction causes a quick closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound. In newborns, hiccups are often triggered by feeding, either because they are eating too quickly, swallowing air, or because their stomach is full. It’s a normal reflex and typically doesn’t bother the baby.
Why Do Newborns Hiccup So Much?
One of the reasons hiccups are so common in newborns is that their digestive and nervous systems are still developing. Hiccups can help remove excess air from the stomach, which is beneficial for their digestion and overall comfort. Some studies suggest that hiccups might even play a role in the baby’s brain and respiratory development.
What Can Parents Do About Newborn Hiccups?
While hiccups are generally harmless, there are a few strategies parents can use to help reduce their frequency or stop them when they occur:
- Burping the Baby During and After Feedings: This can help release any trapped air in the baby’s stomach that might cause hiccups.
- Feeding at a Slower Pace: If your baby tends to hiccup during feedings, try to slow down the feeding process. This can prevent them from swallowing too much air.
- Using a Pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccups.
- Holding the Baby Upright After Feeding: Keeping your baby in an upright position for 20-30 minutes after feeding can help with digestion and reduce the likelihood of hiccups.
When to See a Doctor
In rare cases, hiccups can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If your baby’s hiccups are persistent, last for more than a few hours, or seem to cause discomfort, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician. Additionally, if the hiccups interfere with the baby’s sleeping or feeding, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Preventing Hiccups
Preventing hiccups entirely might not be possible, but there are some steps parents can take to minimize their occurrence:
- Ensure Calm Feedings: Try to feed your baby before they become too hungry and upset, as crying can cause them to swallow air.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding can stretch the baby’s stomach and trigger hiccups. Be mindful of the quantity and frequency of feedings.
- Use the Right Bottle Nipple: If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple flow is appropriate for your baby’s age to reduce air intake.
Conclusion
Newborn hiccups are a natural and common part of development. They usually do not cause any harm or discomfort to the baby. By following simple feeding practices and being mindful of the baby’s cues, parents can help reduce the frequency of hiccups. However, if there are any concerns about the baby’s health or if the hiccups seem unusual, consulting a healthcare professional is always a good idea.
Sources
Hiccup: Mystery, Nature and Treatment:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3325297
Event-related potentials following contraction of respiratory muscles in pre-term and full-term infants:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245719312362
