Introduction
When a baby's diaphragm tightens and their vocal cords close quickly, they get hiccups. The primary muscle the body uses to breathe is the diaphragm. The sound of hiccups is made when the vocal cords close quickly. Since hiccups are usually annoying to adults, one might think they are also annoying to babies. Most babies, though, do not get sick from them. Many babies can sleep through hiccups without being bothered, and hiccups rarely affect a baby's breathing. Few studies found that hiccups may be important for the baby's breathing and brain development. Infants' hiccups are likely another way they learn and grow and one of the first things they learn in the womb.
Why Do Babies Get Hiccups?
No big surprise, but hiccups in babies are not that different from hiccups in adults. When the diaphragm starts to tighten up, it can cause hiccups. The diaphragm is a skeletal muscle that is located between the chest and the abdomen. It moves up and down as we breathe.
When the diaphragm begins to spasm, the vocal cords quickly close, letting out extra air, which makes the hiccup sound. No one knows why hiccups happen. The brain tells the diaphragm what to do, so when someone hiccups, the brain tells the membrane to move down hard. though the reason for the signals yet needs to be researched. Most babies have hiccups when they are fed. Though the reason for the signals still needs to be researched, this can happen if the baby is fed too fast, takes in too much air, or is fed too much. These things can make the baby's stomach grow, pushing it against the diaphragm. That can lead to spasms that cause hiccups.
Sometimes, hiccups in newborns can be due to an underlying condition which can be:
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Gastroesophageal Reflux: Sometimes, hiccups often come with pain. It can be a sign of a deeper problem like gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux happens when food that has been partially digested and stomach acids move back up the food pipe. Because the food is acidic and moving upward, it irritates the diaphragm, causing it to spasm and cause hiccups. Gastroesophageal reflux is not a big deal for babies, and it usually goes away after 12 months as long as the baby is growing, happy, and content.
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Change in Temperature: Sudden changes in the temperature of the stomach can cause hiccups. It can happen if they give the baby cold milk after something warm or the other way around. It is not usually something to worry about.
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Excess Air Removement: In a 2012 study, it was suggested that hiccups might be a way for the stomach to get rid of extra air. According to that study, when the baby ingests, the air they swallow goes into the stomach, making it contract. The diaphragm then moves down with force, letting the air out in a way that is similar to a burp.
How to Prevent Infant Hiccups?
In general, babies are not in danger when they have hiccups once in a while. The baby will have them from time to time, and they will go away on their own. Still, if the baby starts to hiccup, try the following ways to stop them.
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Rub the Back of the Baby: This method can help the baby stop hiccupping by rubbing their back in a circular motion. The baby may find comfort in this motion even if they keep going.
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Let the Baby Burp: Stop feeding the baby and give them a burp if they start to hiccup. Burping will help get rid of extra air, which will make them feel better and may stop the hiccups.
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Change Baby’s Position: Depending on where the baby was when the hiccups started, it is fine to try to lay them down or help them sit up. Changing a baby's position might not stop the hiccups every time, but it can help.
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Give the Baby a Pacifier: If a baby is hiccupping, sucking on a pacifier may help calm them down and stop the spasms in the diaphragm.
Note:
Remember that some home remedies that work for adult people and older children can be dangerous for newborn babies. Do not give the baby water, scare them, pull their tongue, hold them upside down, or try to make them hold their breath when they are hiccupping. Some people use gripe water, which is water with herbs added to it, to help babies with hiccups and upset stomachs. But babies should not use gripe water because it is not very helpful or safe. So, talk to the child's doctor before giving it to them.
A lot of parents all over the world swear by giving gripe water to it. But studies have not shown that it helps, and it could even worsen things. Health experts, like the World Health Organization, do not recommend it because gripe water is not strictly regulated and can make it hard to breastfeed and bottle feed well.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Hiccups in Babies?
Even though hiccups are usually harmless, there are ways that parents can help keep their babies from getting them. They can try some of the following things if the baby hiccups a lot or seems uncomfortable when they do.
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Tracking the Time: First, write down when the baby is having hiccups. For instance, if they only happen after the baby eats or when they lay them down in a certain way, these things could be causing them. Try changing when and how the baby is fed or how they are positioned.
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Feeding Less and More Often: Some research shows that hiccups can happen if the baby is fed too much or too quickly. Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, giving the baby a little less at each feeding may help. Also, watch how quickly they are nursing or drinking from a bottle. If they drink too quickly, they might take in air along with the milk or formula. This can make them get hiccups.
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Burping After Every Feed: Often burp the baby every time they are fed. Hiccups can happen when too much air gets stuck in the baby's throat while they are eating. Gas bubbles can get stuck in their esophagus. Burping can help get rid of them.
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Checking Baby’s Bottle: If the baby has a lot of hiccups, it could be because of the bottle. During feedings, some bottle shapes will keep more air in than others. Try different brands or types that can make the bottle hold less air.
When to Consult a Pediatrician?
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If the baby seems to be hiccupping a lot and the hiccups are hurting them, the baby may have digestive issues. It is advisable to see a pediatrician in such cases.
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Talk to the child's doctor if the hiccups always come with a lot of spitting up, fussing, or being cranky.
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The baby's doctor will look at the whole picture, including how big they are getting, and talk with them about whether something like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be causing the hiccups.
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A pediatrician should check the baby out if it has hiccups and is frequently vomiting.
Conclusion
Hiccupping is a normal body function that starts long before a person is born. There are a lot of ideas about why babies have hiccups, but no one has found the real reason yet. In general, hiccups are very common in babies, especially when they are very young. As the baby gets older, the hiccups will go away. Consult a pediatrician if the baby's hiccups seem painful or uncomfortable or if other symptoms like vomiting accompany them.
