Do you know why newborn babies hiccup? It’s actually a pretty common phenomenon, and there is a good reason for it.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of newborn hiccups and what you can do to help your baby stop hiccupping. We will also dispel some of the myths that are out there about newborn hiccups.
So, if you’re curious about why newborn babies hiccup, keep reading!
Why Do Newborn Babies Hiccup?
Newborn babies hiccup for many reasons, but the most common are:
1. Ingested air – Babies take in a lot of air when they feed, and some of that air can get trapped in their stomachs, causing hiccups.
2. Immature diaphragm – A baby’s diaphragm is still developing, so it is much more susceptible to spasms than an adult’s diaphragm. The nerves in a babies diaphragm is the part that is developing which can cause hiccups.
3. Crying – Crying can also be a trigger for newborns hiccuping as it causes muscular contractions in their chest which can lead to hiccups. When babies cry they swallow air which can lead to the little hiccups they get after crying.
Hiccups can be an annoyance for babies, but luckily there are simple things you can do to help them stop.
If the hiccups persist for more than 24 hours or seem to be accompanied by other symptoms then contact your pediatrician immediately.
How to Stop Baby Hiccups
1. Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids throughout the day: Babies can get hiccups when their bodies are dehydrated, especially if they’re a bit overtired. As such, ensuring that your baby is well hydrated by providing them with plenty of water or other healthy fluids during the day can help reduce the likelihood of hiccups occurring in the first place.
2. Try feeding your baby smaller meals more often: Babies who overeat may be at an increased risk for hiccups due to the amount of air they swallow while eating. To prevent this from happening, try breaking up their feedings into smaller meals and snack times to keep them from overloading their stomachs and gulping in too much air.
3. Give your baby gripe water: The sweet treat triggers a nerve response that can help stop their hiccups quickly and safely.
4. Swaddle your baby snugly: A tight swaddle can help prevent the muscles spasms that lead to hiccups by soothing them and providing comfort. Just be sure to not make the swaddle overly tight as this could cause more discomfort than relief if done incorrectly.
5. Try singing to your baby: It may sound strange, but singing or speaking softly to your little one can be effective in calming them down and stopping their hiccups. You can try singing a soothing lullaby or simply talking to your baby in a quiet, low voice.
If none of these methods work, don’t worry – most cases of baby hiccups are harmless and will pass on their own eventually. But if the hiccups persist for more than an hour then it is best to consult with your doctor for further advice.
Can You Lay a Baby Down With Hiccups?
It is not uncommon for babies to experience hiccups, and although it can be alarming for parents, generally the hiccups are short-lived and do not cause any health concerns. However, in some cases, hiccups may last quite a while or recur frequently.
If your baby has persistent hiccups, you should consult your pediatrician to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
As far as laying a baby down with hiccups goes, it’s usually safe to do so.
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle that usually require no intervention beyond time passing before they resolve on their own.
If the hiccups last more than a few hours and do not seem to be subsiding, contact your pediatrician for advice. In some cases, it may be beneficial to try soothing methods such as feeding, burping, or rocking the baby before laying them down.
It is important to always use safe sleep practices when putting a baby down for naps or bedtime. This includes placing babies on their back in an empty crib with no pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, etc., and ensuring that there are no loose items that could pose a choking hazard while they’re sleeping. Your pediatrician can provide additional tips on how you can ensure your baby is sleeping safely and securely.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding your baby’s hiccups, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician. They will be able to best advise you on how to handle the situation and provide reassurance that everything is okay. From time-to-time hiccups are simply an annoyance, but with the right guidance they can easily be managed. Good luck!
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