Hiccups are repeated contractions of the diaphragm. This is common in babies, and is usually nothing to worry about. Often babies hiccup due to overeating or swallowing too much air. Babies are generally not bothered by hiccups, but if you are worried, you can relieve it by adjusting your baby's diet and paying more attention to the problem.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Stopping Meals for a Time
Step 1. Stop feeding the baby if the hiccups persist and interfere with the baby's feeding process
Continue feeding if the hiccups have subsided, or if your baby is still hiccupping after 10 minutes, try feeding again.
Calm the baby by rubbing or patting the baby's back. Babies who are hungry and irritated are more likely to swallow air, causing hiccups
Step 2. Check the baby's position before resuming feeding
Baby's position should be slightly raised during feeding time for 30 minutes. This position will reduce pressure on the baby's diaphragm.
Step 3. Burp baby while waiting
Hiccups can be relieved a little by burping because the gas in the baby's stomach is removed. Place the baby in a slightly raised position in front of your chest so that the baby's head is slightly above your shoulders.
- Rub or pat the baby's back. This helps the gas bubbles to move.
- Continue feeding after the baby has burped, or wait a few minutes if the baby doesn't want to burp.
Part 2 of 4: Reducing Air Swallowing
Step 1. Listen to baby at feeding time
If you hear gulping sounds, your baby may be eating too fast and swallowing air. Swallowing excess air will distend the baby's stomach and cause hiccups. Take a break to slow down the baby's feeding time.
Step 2. Check if the baby's mouth is attached properly when breastfeeding
Baby's lips should cover the areola, not just your nipple. The baby will swallow air if his lips are not pressed properly.
Step 3. Tilt the baby bottle to 45 degrees
Thus, the air in the bottle will rise to the bottom of the bottle and away from the teat. You can use the inner bag of the bottle which is designed to prevent your baby from swallowing air.
Step 4. Check the holes in the bottle nipple when feeding the baby
If the bottle opening is too wide, the milk will flow too fast, and if the hole is too small, the baby will have difficulty feeding and swallowing air instead. If the hole is the correct size, a few drops of milk will come out when you touch the tip of the bottle.
Part 3 of 4: Adjusting Baby's Feeding Time
Step 1. Set a baby feeding schedule
Usually doctors recommend that babies be fed often, but the portion and time are reduced. If the baby is fed too much at once, the stomach will distend too quickly and the baby's diaphragm muscles may spasm.
Step 2. Increase pauses and burps during baby feeding
If the food given is breast milk, burp the baby before changing breasts. Burp the baby after feeding as much as 60-90 ml, if the baby is bottle-fed. Pause or stop feeding if the baby stops feeding or turns his head.
Newborns will burp more often, because the baby eats only a small portion. Newborns usually eat 8-12 times a day
Step 3. Know your baby's hunger cues
Feed your baby when he looks hungry. A calm baby will eat more slowly than a hungry baby. Babies can also swallow air when they cry.
- Signs of a hungry baby can include crying, mouth moving like sucking, or not wanting to stay still.
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Take note of any time your baby has hiccups. Write down the time and duration of each hiccup. The notes you make will help determine the pattern of your baby's hiccups and help you focus your attention on relieving the hiccups in your baby. Take note of whether the hiccups occur during or after meals. Read your notes and look for triggers.
Relieve Infant Hiccups Step 11
Part 4 of 4: Getting Medical Advice
Step 1. Give it time
Most hiccups will go away on their own. Babies are also less bothered by hiccups than adults. If your baby seems bothered by hiccups, isn't eating normally, or isn't growing normally, see a doctor right away.
Step 2. Consult your pediatrician if your baby's hiccups are abnormal
If your baby hiccups regularly for more than 20 minutes, this may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Other symptoms of GERD include spitting up and difficulty keeping still.
- Your pediatrician may be able to prescribe medication or provide recommendations on how to treat GERD.
Step 3. See a doctor if the hiccups seem to be interfering with the baby's breathing
If the baby is wheezing or breathing seems to be blocked, take the baby to the doctor as soon as possible.
Tips
- Hiccups are common in babies. Most babies will experience hiccups less and less as their digestive system develops.
- When burping the baby, make sure there is no pressure on the baby's stomach. The trick, position the baby's chin on your shoulder and support the baby between his legs, then pat the baby's back with the other hand.
