How To Get Rid Of Baby Hiccups

By: Tammy Berger
Date: August 9, 2023

The question on How To Get Rid Of Baby Hiccups is a very common one. Hiccups in babies are a common occurrence. While they are generally harmless and usually go away on their own, they can sometimes cause discomfort or distress to the baby. Here’s an essay that provides factual information on how to alleviate or prevent baby hiccups:

Table of Contents

Understanding Baby Hiccups

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why babies get hiccups. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm—the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a vital role in breathing. These involuntary contractions are then followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic ‘hic’ sound.

In babies, hiccups can be triggered by:

Feeding: Overfeeding or consuming air during feeding can lead to hiccups.
Temperature change: A sudden change in temperature in the baby’s stomach from consuming a cold drink can sometimes cause the diaphragm to spasm.
Excitement or stress: Just like adults, babies can get hiccups when they are excited, anxious, or stressed.

Tips to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups:

Burp the Baby: This is the most common method to prevent and alleviate hiccups. Gently pat or rub the baby’s back after feeding to release trapped air that might be causing the hiccups. Holding the baby upright during this process can also be beneficial.
Use a Pacifier: Sucking can help relax the diaphragm and may help stop the bout of hiccups.
Gripe Water: Some parents swear by gripe water (a mixture of water and herbs) to alleviate hiccups. However, always consult with a pediatrician before administering any remedies.
Change Feeding Positions: If your baby frequently gets hiccups during feeding, try changing their position. Feeding in an upright position can be helpful.
Check Baby’s Temperature: Ensure that your baby isn’t too cold. If you suspect the hiccups might be due to a cold stomach, try wrapping the baby in a warm blanket.
Stay Calm: Remember, if the baby isn’t bothered by the hiccups, there’s no need to intervene. They will typically go away on their own after a few minutes.
Distraction: Sometimes, simply distracting the baby—like with a toy or a game—can cause the hiccups to stop.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

While hiccups are generally harmless, there are rare instances when they might indicate an underlying health issue. If the baby’s hiccups are chronic, frequent, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms like spitting up food, coughing, or signs of discomfort, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician.

Conclusion:

Baby hiccups, though common, can sometimes be a cause of concern for new parents. However, by understanding their causes and employing a few simple techniques, they can be easily managed. Always remember to handle babies gently and consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about any aspect of your baby’s health.

PLEASE READ OUR MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

The information in this article and on the site BabyCareGuru.com is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information and entertainment purposes only and has been written from parents’ experiences raising babies and educational research.

BabyCareGuru.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either Amazon affiliate photos in which we make a commission on any products purchased from Amazon, public domain creative commons photos, or photos licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with BabyCareGuru.com.