Hiccup Hiccups In Newborns: What's Normal After Feeding?

Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns and babies, and they are usually nothing to worry about. They are caused by the diaphragm becoming irritated and spasming, which causes the vocal cords to close quickly and creates the familiar hiccup sound. Hiccups can be more common after a baby has finished feeding, and they usually go away on their own after a few minutes. If you want to help relieve your baby's hiccups, you can try burping them, changing their position, or offering them a pacifier.

Hiccups are harmless and usually stop on their own

Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns and babies, and they are usually harmless. They are often caused by irritation to the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs, which then goes into spasms and causes the vocal cords to clamp shut, creating that distinctive "hic!" sound.

Developing babies can get hiccups in the womb, and they are especially common in newborns, particularly after feeding. While the exact cause is not known, hiccups may be caused by increased gas in the stomach. If a baby overfeeds or gulps air during feeding, this can cause the stomach to expand and rub against the diaphragm, generating those hiccups.

Hiccups are generally nothing to worry about and will usually stop on their own after a few minutes. They do not harm a baby and tend to cause less distress in babies than in adults. It is usually fine to leave a baby to stop hiccupping on their own. If the hiccups don't stop on their own, you can try some gentle measures to help alleviate them.

If your baby gets hiccups during feeding, stop and try to burp them or change their position. You can also try feeding them again after 5 or 10 minutes, which may help bring relief. Other methods to help soothe hiccups include rubbing their back, rocking them, and ensuring they are in an upright position.

If hiccups happen frequently and cause distress, they may be a sign of an underlying health condition such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In these cases, it is important to speak to a doctor.

Hiccups are caused by irritation to the diaphragm

Hiccups are a reflex action and cannot be controlled. They occur when the diaphragm, the thin muscle between the chest and the abdomen, contracts or spasms. This involuntary, sharp contraction of the diaphragm causes a sharp intake of breath, which results in the vocal cords closing quickly and creating the familiar 'hic' sound.

Hiccups are most likely caused by irritation to the diaphragm, which can be triggered by various factors. One common cause is increased gas in the stomach, which can occur when a baby overfeeds, eats too quickly, or swallows a lot of air during feeding. This can cause the stomach to expand and rub against the diaphragm, leading to irritation and spasms.

Another possible cause of hiccups is a sudden change in stomach temperature, such as when a baby is fed something hot and then cold, or vice versa, in quick succession. This can trigger irritation in the diaphragm and lead to hiccups.

In some cases, hiccups in newborns may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When a baby suffers from GERD, partially digested food and acidic juices flow back up into the oesophagus, causing burning and discomfort. As the oesophagus passes through the diaphragm, irritation can occur, leading to hiccups. However, hiccupping alone is not a definitive sign of reflux, and other symptoms should be present if this is the case.

While the exact cause of hiccups may not always be clear, it is important to note that they are generally harmless and typically resolve on their own within a few minutes.

How to stop hiccups: burping, changing position, gripe water

How to Stop Hiccups in Newborns

Burping

Taking a break from feeding to burp your baby can help get rid of excess gas that may be causing the hiccups. If your baby is bottle-fed, it is recommended to burp them every time they consume 2-3 ounces. For breastfed babies, burp them while switching between breasts.

Changing Position

After feeding, sit your baby upright for 20-30 minutes. Changing their position by gently patting their back, rocking them, or offering a pacifier may also help soothe them and cause the hiccups to stop.

Gripe Water

Gripe water is a mixture of herbs and water traditionally used to treat colic and other stomach issues. It is believed that if stomach issues are responsible for hiccups, gripe water may help. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this treatment, and it is not recommended for babies under six months old. Always consult your doctor before giving your baby anything new.

How to prevent hiccups: slow down feedings, minimise swallowing air, burp frequently

It is completely normal for newborns to get hiccups, and they are usually harmless. However, if you want to prevent your baby from getting hiccups, there are a few things you can do:

Slow down feedings

Feeding your baby too quickly can cause them to swallow excess air, leading to stomach distention and hiccups. Slowing down feedings can lower the chances of your baby getting hiccups. This also includes taking breaks during feedings to burp your baby so that their stomach doesn't fill up too quickly.

Minimise swallowing air

Swallowing air can be a trigger for hiccups. To minimise this, you can ensure that your baby is calm and not crying during feeding. If your baby is upset, the milk may not go down smoothly, which can irritate their oesophagus. You can also ensure that the nipple of the bottle is completely full of milk before feeding, as the extra air in the nipple can make hiccups worse.

Burp frequently

Burping your baby during feeding can help to prevent hiccups. Propping your baby upright and gently tapping their back can help to release excess gas that may be irritating their stomach and causing hiccups.

Hiccups could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Hiccups are generally harmless and normal in newborns, but they could occasionally be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe (oesophagus or esophagus).

GERD is a more severe and long-lasting form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). While GER is common in babies under 2 years old, it usually resolves by the time they are 12-18 months old. If symptoms persist past this point, it may be a sign of GERD.

GERD can cause heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Other symptoms include:

• Spitting up and vomiting
• Refusal to eat and difficulty eating or swallowing
• Irritability during feeding
• Wet burps or hiccups
• Failure to gain weight
• Frequent coughing or recurrent pneumonia
• Gagging or choking

If you suspect your baby may have GERD, consult a doctor or healthcare provider. They may suggest lifestyle changes or, in some cases, medication or surgery.

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