Newborn Hiccups are extremely common. In fact, health researchers have found that a baby can get hiccups even before he or she is born. Newborn hiccups may seem like a cause for concern, but they usually are not. Some of the most common causes of hiccups in infants include: air swallowing, excitement, mother’s diet and a condition called GERD.
Infants have a tendency to swallow air, especially when they are being fed. Hiccups occur when that extra air is bounced back up from the diaphragm. Excitement is another one of the causes of baby hiccups. When a baby gets excited, the muscles of his or her diaphragm become stimulated. This stimulation causes the muscles of the diaphragm to contract, which causes hiccups.
Nursing mothers have to be cognizant of the fact that everything they eat affects their babies. Researchers have found that caffeine, shellfish, chocolate, wheat and eggs can cause hiccups in infants. Mothers who limit their consumption of those foods can reduce their baby’s chances of developing hiccups.
Gastroesophageal reflex disease, which is also referred to as GERD is another probably cause of baby hiccups. This is a condition that causes the contents of the stomach to backflow into the esophagus. Some of the symptoms of GERD include vomiting, spitting and coughing. Parents who are concerned should take their baby to the doctor. However, it is important to note that this condition is usually not a cause for concern because most infants grow out of it.
There are a few things that parents can do to reduce their baby’s chances of getting the hiccups. One of the things that many doctors suggest doing is keeping the baby on a regular schedule. They suggest feeding the baby until he or she is satisfied. Babies that are overfed are more likely to develop hiccups.
Experts also suggest burping the baby frequently while feeding. Burping prevents gas from building up in the stomach. It also helps bring up the excess air that the baby might have swallowed during feeding. There has also been evidence to suggest that giving a baby a pacifier can help treat hiccups.
If newborn hiccups are caused by GERD, that condition will have to be treated in order to stop the hiccups. A doctor may prescribe a medication that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach. The doctor may also suggest making changes in the baby’s lifestyle, such as feeding him or her in an upright position. A physician may also suggest feeding the baby thicker formula.
There are a number of home remedies that have been shown to potentially treat hiccups. Colic Cold Gripe water has been shown to help cure hiccups in infants. Placing sugar on the infant’s tongue can also help cure hiccups. Experts believe that the sweetness of sugar causes the diaphragm to stop contracting. Additionally, plain water has also been proven to be very effective for treating hiccups in newborn. Experts suggest giving the baby water at frequent intervals.
Hiccups are usually normal and harmless, but there are some instances where parents should be concerned. If the baby’s hiccups last for more than a few minutes, then the parents may want to consider calling the doctor. Additionally, if the hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing and vomiting, then a doctor should be consulted. Long-lasting hiccups with accompanying symptoms may be an indication of a more serious condition.
Hiccups typically become less frequent as the infant gets older. Parents can help prevent baby hiccups by burping the baby and feeding him or her as the doctor recommends. Additionally, mothers who breastfeed need to watch their diets.