What to do if Your Baby has Hiccups?

Just like adults, newborn hiccups are sudden, involuntary spasms in the diaphragm at the same time as a contraction of the voice box, or larynx, and the total closure of the glottis, which is where the vocal cords are located.

Air is involuntarily sucked into the throat and is followed by the familiar 'hic' sound that usually stops after a few minutes. The sounds and movements can occur individually or in rhythmic bursts.

Newborn hiccups, in fact, can be a good sign that your baby is healthy and developing well.

Hiccups can happen for no apparent reason but are often noticed if the baby overfeeds, eats too quickly, or swallows too much air when drinking. These factors can cause the baby’s stomach to expand quickly. As it overexpands, it pushes against the diaphragm, triggering the spasms that lead to hiccups.

Babies can have hiccups multiple times a day; your baby's diaphragm might become irritated if they eat too fast or too much. Other causes of hiccups can be excitement or nervousness.

Hiccups in babies can last for 10 minutes or even longer. However, parents do not need to worry if the baby acts happy and doesn't seem uncomfortable. Caregivers can confidently wait and allow your baby's hiccups to resolve independently.

A baby hiccup is harmless, but there may come a time when families find it best to help their little ones find some relief.

There are several ways to get rid of hiccups in the first year. Tips include regular burping and using pacifiers.

When your little one's stomach fills with air, it pushes gas against the diaphragm, causing spasms. Taking a break from feeding to burp your baby can significantly reduce this amount of air, preventing hiccups.

A good guide for infants is to take a break to burp about every 2 to 3 ounces of formula, and for breastfeeding, it is a good idea to burp the baby while switching between breasts.

Infant hiccups don't always start from breast or bottle feedings. When hiccups start independently, offering a pacifier will help relax the diaphragm spasms.

Gripe water is a mixture of natural herbs and water often used to treat colic and other digestive worries. The herbs usually contained in these homeopathic remedies include ginger, fennel, and chamomile.

Although not specifically recommended for hiccups, this natural remedy is a well-known family “cure.” If indigestion is involved in the physiology of the hiccups, it may help, as these typical herbs are known as digestive aids in herbal medicine, termed ‘carminatives.’. 

A direct method of relieving hiccups is to support your baby in an upright sitting position and gently rub their lower back up to the shoulder in circular motions.

Be gentle with your movements and pressure not to hurt your little one. These motions will help to loosen the tension in the diaphragm, which can relieve hiccups.

Generally, if your baby's hiccups are related to feeding, belly distention, or reflux, to alleviate hiccups start by offering smaller amounts more often. 

In general, try to help your little one relax. Hiccups usually go away on their own, but if they haven't gone away, it may be best to try one of the mentioned remedies before offering a bottle.

A tummy full of pressure is not the best time to introduce more liquid.

Paced Bottle Feeding is a bottle-feeding method that allows the infant to control the feeding pace. This feeding method slows down the flow of milk into the nipple and the mouth, allowing the baby to eat more slowly, take breaks, and be free of digestive worries.

Paced feeding reduces the risk of overfeeding and hiccups that may result. This feeding method is recommended for any baby receiving full or part-time bottles.

When bottle-feeding, tilt the bottle to a 40–45-degree angle. This angle allows the air to stay at the bottom of the bottle, not in the baby's tummy.

Choose your baby bottle carefully, as some trap more air than others. If the baby seems to be swallowing a lot of air or has increasing hiccups, try another baby bottle brand or style.

Breastfed littles have frequent hiccups, which can be pretty loud. Similarly, a baby's hiccups often bother the caregivers more than they seem to bother the baby and usually go away independently.

Too much milk mixed with too much air can cause infant hiccups. Correct latching ensures that your baby's lips should have a tight seal keeping air out and regulating milk flow. 

Breastfed babies also need to be burned. Burping between breasts may help bring up air bubbles and prevent some spitting up.

To burp your baby, gently rub or pat her on the back when switching breasts. Thumping your baby on the back can make your baby spit up all the milk that was just taken.

Some well-known hiccup remedies are rooted in tradition and have no scientific basis. Please steer clear of these supposed remedies. Some can distress a baby and may even be dangerous. They are doubtful to stop the hiccups.

We do not suggest making your baby jump, pulling their tongue, or placing them upside down when they drink. Please check with your medical provider before you try these, or any other home remedies, on your baby.

Reflux usually starts before a baby is eight weeks old and gets better when your little one starts the toddler years. Symptoms of reflux in babies include bringing up milk, coughing, and hiccupping during or shortly after feeding. 

Excess gas and other symptoms of acid reflux can be relieved to help prevent hiccups with the right baby formula. European organic nutrition is specifically designed for babies with reflux and can help when hiccups occur due to gastroesophageal reflux.

When digestive worries or medical situations make it hard for babies to tolerate, some of the natural properties of cow's milk anti-reflux formulas are often the answer.

Families can rest assured that most of the time, baby hiccups tend to pass independently, with very few interventions needed.

Parents and caregivers can count on The Milky Box for nutrition to soothe sensitive tummies while providing a formula that closely mimics breast milk when prevention is needed.