As a parent, knowing and understanding every little thing about your baby becomes your duty. One such thing that is very common but yet we don’t know much about is hiccups. While hiccups in adults are often a topic of jokes. As we consider it as a sign of a near and dear one missing us, in babies, it’s a bit different. Since their bodies are too small and fragile, a baby hiccup can cause a jolt, which can cause them discomfort.
A baby can hiccup as often as an adult and sometimes even more often. As their body is still getting accustomed to the common process of breathing. Young mothers may tend to worry about seeing their babies in similar discomfort. But here we are to help them relax and understand this common phenomenon. So, let’s learn and discover what and why’s of baby hiccoughs.Table of contents:
- Baby Hiccups In Pregnancy Womb
- Baby Hiccups Causes And Symptoms
- Advanced Tips And Tricks To Avoid Hiccups
- Are Hiccups Normal or Dangerous?
- Is There Any Need To Consult A Doctor?
- How To Stop Hiccups Instantly?
Baby Hiccups In Pregnancy Womb:
When a baby starts practising breathing, the diaphragm makes little movements; these little movements cause hiccups while the baby is still in the womb. Baby hiccups in the pregnancy womb are a phenomenon that while may be constantly experienced by few. Other moms may not experience these fetal hiccups at all.
Baby Hiccups Causes And Symptoms:
Any kind of pressure on the diaphragm can cause spasms which eventually lead to babies getting hiccups.
[ See More: How To Burp a Baby ]
Here Are Some Other Common Causes:
1. Overfeeding :
Overfeeding causes pressure on the baby’s body. As the body is still not prepared to take more food than required. This causing pressure leads to a baby hiccupping.
2. Fast Feeding :
While overfeeding can have bad effects on the baby’s body, so can fast feeding. We are often told to feed a baby slowly and patiently as they are still learning to intake food properly. Fast feeding is yet again pressuring the diaphragm leading to baby hiccups.
3. Not Burping The Baby :
The most important thing to do after feeding a baby is to make sure they burp. Only when the baby burps can it be understood that its body has accepted the food. As well, any kind of gas gets released through the burp, avoiding them getting hiccups.
4. Unkempt Hair :
Not many may know this, but even a strand of hair constantly ticking the baby’s ear or neck can cause a hiccup. The uneven sensation causes them to get irritated and then leads to hiccups.
Advanced Tips And Tricks To Avoid Hiccups:
It is crucial to keep in mind the common reasons. The baby gets hiccups because this can help you find out what to do when the baby hiccups. Here are some simple tips and tricks for baby hiccups, Gripe
a) Water :
Gripe water is a well-known option preferred by mothers. When their baby is going through any kind of changing phase and, in this case, hiccups. It will help release any discomfort and irritation.
b) Wait :
It is possible that a lot of people already know this but aren’t patient enough. Waiting is the best tip to let your baby come back to its normal non-hiccupping state because it will pass.
c) Pacifier :
While pacifiers are considered a not so good thing for the baby. Because of myths relating to babies getting used to suckling. But pacifiers, in fact, are very helpful and handy to calm the baby.
d) Burping :
Well, known and the very common trick is to let your baby burp. The burp will release any kind of pressure on the baby’s diaphragm as well as put their food in alignment.
[ See More: 1 Month Old Baby ]
Are Hiccups Normal or Dangerous?
Getting hiccups is completely normal; there is nothing to worry about as they are not dangerous. Changes in the body and the breathing pattern lead to hiccups. While it’s common to get hiccups, there may be instances where the baby never gets hiccups. In that instance, the parent or guardian shouldn’t worry as not every baby is alike, so neither are their body or eating habits.
Is There Any Need To Consult A Doctor?
A doctor should be consulted in case the baby does not stop hiccupping. The hiccups are constant and cause discomfort to the baby or if they are producing a lot of spit. In these scenarios, it is advised to consult a doctor as early as possible. So that they can diagnose any other possible reason for the hiccups and thus provide a more suitable solution.
How To Stop Hiccups Instantly?
If you are out in public or attending an event, your baby starts burping. You are left clueless and wondering how to help your baby with his irritation immediately. Then all you need is a Pacifier and burping tricks.
A pacifier helps in calming down the baby. Chewing and nibbling on the same also takes away the baby’s attention from their sudden discomfort. The pacifier helps release the stress the baby’s body might be feeling and will help relieve it instantly.Burping the baby is yet another way of instantly stopping baby hiccups. It will release any kind of pressure a baby’s body may feel due to overeating or fast eating. Burping will also release any excessive food that might have been causing discomfort and irritation.
Getting hiccups is a normal phenomenon that can be treated in various ways. Hiccups can be fatal in case they are extremely constant and abrupt. As there are chances of choking on food while eating. With the help of these simple solutions, we can take care of babies and learn better. Why do babies get hiccups?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can You Feed A Baby With Hiccups?
Ans: Hiccups, in most cases, stop after a couple of minutes, and you can wait until the same and then start feeding your baby. If you have no one to assist or help you and the hiccups are very abrupt and constant, then it is better to consult a doctor.
Q2. What Should I Do When The Baby Gets Hiccups Frequently?
Ans: Do not panic if the hiccups are very frequent and affecting the baby, consult a doctor in case the hiccups are not frequent and do not panic and wait for some time to let it pass away.
Q3. Baby Gets Hiccups After Feeding, What To Do?
Ans: Talk to the paediatrician about the same. There is a possibility that the baby might be held in a discomforting position or being overfed. If the child has other signs and symptoms that worry you, such as rashes, cough or any kind of irritation, then you must consult a doctor immediately.