To take away newborn hiccups, try methods like burping your baby, offering a pacifier, or changing feeding positions to help relax their diaphragm. Hiccups are normal in newborns and usually go away on their own.
How to Take Away Newborn Hiccups | Safe and Easy Techniques to Help Your Baby
Newborn hiccups are a common occurrence, and I remember feeling concerned the first time I saw my baby hiccuping after feeding. But the good news is that hiccups are generally harmless and tend to go away on their own. Hiccups happen when your baby’s diaphragm contracts involuntarily, often triggered by feeding or swallowing too much air. So, how do you take away newborn hiccups? Simple techniques like burping during feeds, offering a pacifier, or switching feeding positions can help. In this article, we’ll explore various effective ways to relieve newborn hiccups and provide some insight into why they happen in the first place.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, a muscle located between the chest and abdomen that plays a key role in breathing. When the diaphragm spasms, it causes the vocal cords to close suddenly, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.
Common Triggers for Newborn Hiccups
Several factors can trigger hiccups in newborns, most of which are related to feeding and digestion:
- Overfeeding: Feeding too much or too quickly can cause the stomach to expand, irritating the diaphragm and leading to hiccups.
- Swallowing Air: Babies often swallow air during feeding, especially if they latch poorly or feed quickly from a bottle. This trapped air can lead to hiccups.
- Sudden Temperature Changes: A quick change in temperature, such as moving from a warm room to a cooler one, can sometimes cause hiccups in newborns.
- Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.
While hiccups are usually harmless, understanding these common causes can help you adjust your baby’s feeding routine or environment to reduce their frequency.
Table 1: Common Triggers of Newborn Hiccups
| Trigger | Description | How to Manage It |
| Overfeeding | Stomach expands quickly, irritating the diaphragm | Feed smaller amounts more frequently |
| Swallowing Air | Air gets trapped during feeding | Burp your baby during and after feeds |
| Sudden Temperature Changes | Quick shifts in temperature affect the diaphragm | Keep the environment warm and stable |
| Reflux (GER) | Stomach contents irritate the esophagus and diaphragm | Consult a pediatrician if reflux is frequent |
How to Take Away Newborn Hiccups: Practical Solutions
While hiccups will usually resolve on their own, there are several safe and simple techniques you can use to help take away newborn hiccups faster. These methods are gentle and designed to soothe your baby’s diaphragm, stopping the hiccups naturally.
1. Burp Your Baby During and After Feedings
One of the easiest ways to prevent and stop newborn hiccups is to burp your baby frequently during feedings. This helps release any trapped air in the stomach, which is a common cause of hiccups.
- How to Do It: Try burping your baby halfway through a feeding session and then again after the feed. Hold your baby upright against your chest and gently pat their back until you hear a burp.
- Tip: If you’re breastfeeding, burp your baby when switching between breasts to release any swallowed air. If bottle-feeding, burp them every few ounces.
2. Offer a Pacifier
Sucking on a pacifier can help relax your baby’s diaphragm and stop the hiccups. The rhythmic sucking motion can soothe your baby’s diaphragm and help it return to normal function.
- How to Do It: Simply offer your baby a pacifier when hiccups start, and let them suck on it until the hiccups subside.
- Tip: Pacifiers can also help prevent hiccups if your baby tends to get them after feeding, as sucking without swallowing air can calm their diaphragm.
3. Adjust Feeding Position
The way you position your baby during feeding can have a big impact on whether they swallow air or not. Keeping your baby more upright during feedings can reduce the likelihood of hiccups.
- How to Do It: Hold your baby at a slight angle when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, ensuring their head is higher than their stomach. This position helps prevent air from being trapped in their tummy.
- Tip: After feeding, keep your baby upright for at least 20 minutes to aid digestion and reduce the chances of hiccups and reflux.
Table 2: Techniques for Reducing Newborn Hiccups
| Technique | How It Helps | Practical Tips |
| Burping During and After Feeds | Releases trapped air that can cause hiccups | Burp halfway through and after feeds |
| Offering a Pacifier | Soothes the diaphragm with rhythmic sucking | Offer a pacifier when hiccups start or after feeds |
| Adjusting Feeding Position | Reduces air swallowing by keeping baby upright | Hold baby at a slight angle during feeding |
4. Feed Smaller Amounts, More Frequently
Overfeeding or feeding too quickly can lead to hiccups, so one effective strategy is to offer smaller, more frequent feeds. This helps prevent your baby’s stomach from expanding too much at once, reducing the chance of hiccups.
- How to Do It: If your baby is prone to hiccups after large feeds, try offering smaller amounts of milk or formula more frequently throughout the day.
- Tip: Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues, such as turning away or slowing down, to avoid overfeeding.
5. Gripe Water for Hiccups
Gripe water is a natural remedy often used to soothe digestive issues like colic and hiccups in babies. It contains a blend of herbs, such as ginger and fennel, which are thought to relax the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups.
- How to Do It: Always consult your pediatrician before giving your baby gripe water. If approved, follow the dosage instructions carefully.
- Tip: Gripe water can be helpful if your baby experiences frequent hiccups related to digestive discomfort or colic.
6. Time Feedings to Avoid Overfeeding
Timing your baby’s feedings can play a key role in reducing the risk of hiccups. Feeding your baby before they become too hungry and start gulping down milk too quickly can prevent overfeeding and air swallowing.
- How to Do It: Feed your baby at regular intervals based on their hunger cues rather than waiting until they are very hungry. This helps them feed calmly and reduces the chance of hiccups.
Table 3: Preventive Strategies for Newborn Hiccups
| Strategy | Benefit | How to Implement |
| Feed Smaller Amounts | Prevents overfeeding and stomach distension | Offer smaller, more frequent feedings |
| Use Gripe Water | May relax the diaphragm and reduce hiccups | Consult pediatrician before using, follow dosage |
| Time Feedings Carefully | Reduces fast feeding and air swallowing | Feed baby at regular intervals to avoid overeating |
When to Be Concerned About Newborn Hiccups
While hiccups are usually harmless, there are times when frequent hiccups could signal an underlying issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or other digestive problems. If your baby’s hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician.
Signs to Watch For:
- Frequent Hiccups After Every Feeding: If your baby gets hiccups after almost every feeding, it could indicate an issue with digestion or reflux.
- Vomiting or Spitting Up Frequently: Hiccups that are paired with frequent spitting up, arching of the back, or signs of discomfort may be related to GER or other digestive concerns.
- Crying or Fussiness During Hiccups: If your baby seems distressed, uncomfortable, or is crying during hiccups, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
In most cases, hiccups are normal and don’t require medical attention, but if you’re concerned about the frequency or duration of your baby’s hiccups, a healthcare professional can offer guidance.
FAQs – How to Take Away Newborn Hiccups
How long do newborn hiccups usually last?
Newborn hiccups typically last anywhere from a few minutes to about 10-15 minutes. In most cases, they resolve on their own without intervention.
Can newborn hiccups be harmful?
No, hiccups are usually not harmful to newborns. They are a normal reflex and don’t cause any pain or distress to the baby, even if they seem uncomfortable to parents.
Is it normal for newborns to get hiccups every day?
Yes, it’s normal for newborns to get hiccups frequently, even multiple times a day. As long as your baby is otherwise healthy and comfortable, there’s no need to worry about daily hiccups.
Can hiccups affect my baby’s sleep?
Hiccups generally don’t disturb a baby’s sleep. In fact, many babies continue to sleep through hiccups without any issues. If hiccups wake your baby, try using some of the methods outlined in this article to stop them.
Should I stop feeding if my baby gets hiccups during a feed?
If your baby develops hiccups during a feed, try pausing to burp them. After the hiccups subside, you can continue feeding. There’s usually no need to stop feeding altogether.
Can gripe water help with newborn hiccups?
Gripe water is sometimes used to relieve newborn hiccups, but its effectiveness varies. Always consult your pediatrician before giving your baby gripe water to ensure it’s safe and appropriate.
Are hiccups more common in breastfed or bottle-fed babies?
Hiccups can occur in both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. However, bottle-fed babies may be more likely to swallow air, which can lead to hiccups, especially if the bottle’s nipple is too fast-flowing.
How do I prevent hiccups after feeding?
To prevent hiccups after feeding, burp your baby regularly during the feed, keep them upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding, and avoid overfeeding by offering smaller, more frequent feeds.
Can reflux cause frequent hiccups in newborns?
Yes, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can cause frequent hiccups in newborns. If your baby experiences frequent hiccups along with other symptoms like spitting up or discomfort, consult your pediatrician.
When should I consult a doctor about my baby’s hiccups?
If your baby’s hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms like frequent vomiting, poor feeding, or discomfort, or if they occur excessively after every feeding, it’s best to consult a doctor.
Conclusion: How to Take Away Newborn Hiccups
Gentle Solutions for a Common Issue
Newborn hiccups are a normal part of early infancy, and while they might seem concerning, they’re usually harmless. Techniques like burping your baby, offering a pacifier, or adjusting feeding positions can help reduce hiccups and prevent them from happening as often. Remember that hiccups often resolve on their own, but if they become frequent or are accompanied by other symptoms, consult your pediatrician for further advice. By using the strategies outlined in this article, you can manage your baby’s hiccups effectively, ensuring they stay comfortable and happy.