Hiccups in Newborns

Hiccups are characterized by a distinctive sound, which is caused due to irritation of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscular sheet that separates the chest and the abdominal portion. It plays a major role in carrying out respiration and other metabolic processes. For example, the diaphragm pulls and pushes at regular intervals to allow entry and exit of air during respiration. This muscular structure functions normally, until and unless it is hampered by some internal or external factors.

Under certain conditions, the diaphragm becomes irritated resulting in sudden pulling of this muscle sheet (spasm) and forceful sucking of air. Following this, closure of the vocal cords take place. As the inhaled air meets the vocal cords, it produces the unusual hiccup sound. Hiccups are an annoying condition that affects people of all ages. In fact, hiccups in babies is a commonly reported problem. Let's discuss in brief about the causes and remedies for hiccups in newborns.

What Causes Hiccups in Newborn Babies?

Newborns are highly prone to the development of hiccups, especially during the first few weeks after birth. As of now, the exact cause of hiccups in newborn infants is not identified. It is believed that they develop hiccups in the same way as adults do. As mentioned earlier, hiccups in adults are caused due to uncontrolled and involuntary tightening of the diaphragm. Following are some of the probable causes of newborn hiccups.

• The most common cause of hiccups in a newborn baby is swallowing of air during bottle-feeding.
• Excitement of the nerves that regulate the diaphragm can also result in newborn hiccups.
• In newborns, drinking milk and/or baby formula triggers hiccups.
• An upset baby tends to drink her milk very quickly, thus resulting in hiccups.

Several possibilities have been cited regarding the incidences of newborn hiccups. Nevertheless, a very few theories are medically accepted. Doctors are of the opinion that newborn hiccups are a sign of immature neurological system.

How to Get Rid of Hiccups in Newborn Babies?

Speaking about hiccup treatment for newborns, there are no effective options as such. Hiccup remedies for adults are not safe for performing in newborns. Hence, such remedial measures for hiccups are strictly not recommended for babies and toddlers. In order to get rid of newborn hiccups, you can consider the following tips.

• Always monitor the newborn baby during bottle-feeding and ensure that she drinks slowly.
• Frequent burping the baby while feeding (during breastfeeding and bottle-feeding) is an effective way to stop hiccups.
• Change the feeding position and try to comfort the baby, so that she gets distracted from repeated hiccups.
• Feeding the newborn before she is very hungry minimizes the chances of developing hiccups.
• Make sure that you feed the baby when she is calm and not excited, so that she drinks it slowly.
• In case hiccups started during feeding, withdraw the bottle, pat the baby, and allow her to relax before feeding again.
• Do not overfeed the baby at once, rather feed her in small amounts at regular intervals.

Hiccups in newborn infants is considered a normal behavior and/or reflex. A common query among concerned parents is how to prevent hiccups in newborns. Feeding warm water in a bottle helps in reducing the same. However, consult a qualified pediatrician, in case the baby experiences persistent hiccups or hiccups lasting for more than two days. As long as the baby is happy, smiling, eating, and sleeping properly, there is no need to worry.