Hiccups are very common in newborns and are usually not a cause for concern. They are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle and can occur frequently after feeding. Newborns hiccup as their digestive system matures and do not indicate an underlying medical issue. However, persistent hiccups in newborns that last for more than a day may warrant medical advice. Here are some tips and remedies to try to get rid of hiccups in newborns.
Understand Newborn Hiccups
It is very common for newborns to get hiccups, especially right after feeding. This happens because feeding increases abdominal pressure and air swallowing, which then irritates the diaphragm and causes it to contract repeatedly, resulting in hiccups. Other common causes of newborn hiccups include:
- Overfeeding or eating too fast – This can cause them to swallow excess air which leads to hiccups.
- A reaction to a new food – If introducing solids or new formula, it could irritate the digestive system and cause hiccups.
- Being overtired or upset – Crying episodes and fussiness can also bring on hiccups.
- A developmental stage – Hiccups tend to peak around 2 months and then taper off as their digestive system matures.
In most cases, newborn hiccups go away on their own after a few minutes. As long as the baby is feeding well and gaining weight normally, there is no need for concern. However, if hiccups last longer than an hour or the baby seems distressed, contact your pediatrician.
Wait it Out
For quick bouts of hiccups post-feeding, the simplest solution is to just wait it out. Here are some tips while waiting for the hiccups to subside:
- Remain calm and gently rock or sway your baby to soothe them.
- Pat or rub baby’s back in a steady rhythm until the hiccups stop.
- Offer a pacifier to stimulate sucking and shift their focus to helping the hiccups end.
- Swaddle your newborn to help them feel secure and keep them from getting worked up.
- Play soft music or white noise to calm and distract the baby from the hiccups.
Be patient during this time, as reacting anxiously can prolong the hiccups. Stay relaxed and comfort your little one until the muscle spasms stop.
Try Feeding Techniques
Since hiccups often occur around feedings, trying different feeding techniques or positions may help in the following ways:
- Feed slowly and burp frequently – This reduces gulping of air which causes hiccups.
- Express and feed breastmilk – Breastmilk has antibodies that aid digestion and gut health.
- Feed in an upright position – Holding baby more vertical can minimize reflux issues leading to hiccups.
- Give smaller feeds more often – Smaller volumes lower pressure on the stomach and abdominal area.
- Change feeding position – Alternate arms or use a cross-cradle or football hold.
- Formula adjustment – Consult your pediatrician on potential formula switches.
Always exercise safe feeding practices and never overfeed to try stopping hiccups. Small feeding modifications can gently realign your baby’s digestive rhythm without disrupting their diet.
Attempt Physical Remedies
There are a few physical techniques you can try that can disrupt the hiccup reflex arc and stop the spasms. These include:
- Massage their abdomen gently – Lightly rub the stomach downwards to aid digestion and relieve gas buildup.
- Briefly apply cold or warm compress – Place a warm or cool wet towel on the upper chest which can “shock” the system and halt the spasms.
- Give their arms a tug – Gently pull the arms upward to stretch the torso and disrupt diaphragm contractions.
- Lay baby flat on your lap – Position them facedown and apply gentle back pats to relax the muscles.
- Hold upright briefly – Let gravity help shift gastrointestinal contents downward and hinder hiccups.
Always be extremely gentle when handling a newborn. Never shake or restrain too firmly. These remedies momentarily alter physical sensations to stop the hiccup reflex.
Try Old Wives’ Tales Home Remedies
There are many odd old tricks and home remedies said to cure hiccups in babies that parents swear by, including:
- Putting a paper towel or cloth over the baby’s face for a few seconds.
- Having dad hold the baby skin-to-skin.
- Letting the baby suck on your pinky finger.
- Rubbing a teaspoon of honey on the baby’s lips or under the tongue.
- Having the baby smell crushed fennel seeds.
- Placing a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice in the mouth briefly.
- Giving 1-2 drops of gripe water orally.
While these may seem odd, the strong scents and tastes involved can overwhelm the hiccup reflex. Always exercise caution and avoid potential choking or aspiration risks when trying these techniques.
Medications and Probiotics
If hiccups don’t seem to subside with home remedies, there are some over-the-counter products that may help including:
- Infant gas drops – These contain simethicone which breaks up gas bubbles causing hiccups.
- Gripe water – This can soothe GI irritation and contains herbs like fennel and ginger.
- Probiotic drops – These promote good gut bacteria to improve digestion and reduce reflux issues.
Always consult your pediatrician before giving any new medication or supplement to an infant. Make sure dosing is weight-appropriate. They can recommend the safest products for a newborn’s immature system.
When to Call the Doctor
While most infant hiccup episodes are harmless, contact your pediatrician if:
- Hiccups occur immediately after every feeding
- Episodes consistently exceed an hour with no pause
- Hiccups prevent proper feeding or sleep
- There is associated gagging, coughing, or vomiting
- Your baby seems in pain or discomfort
- Hiccups occur with other symptoms like fever or breathing issues
Prolonged hiccups lasting over a day in newborns can signal an underlying medical problem requiring evaluation. It is also key to rule out contributing conditions like GERD or food allergies.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Rush your newborn to emergency care if the hiccups are accompanied by any of the following:
- Choking or turning blue
- Irregular breathing patterns
- Wheezing or other respiratory distress
- Altered consciousness or extreme lethargy
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
These signs can indicate a potentially dangerous blockage of the airway or other medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.
Preventative Measures
While hiccups in general are benign, you can take proactive steps to lower their frequency including:
- Burping regularly during and after feeds
- Smaller but more frequent feedings
- Proper feeding position to reduce air ingestion
- Introducing new foods slowly to avoid GI upset
- Pacifier use to promote rhythmic sucking
- Limiting noisy or stimulating environments during feeds
Maintaining a peaceful feeding routine minimizes sudden changes that can contribute to hiccups. Always ensure your baby is properly latched as well.
Alternative Medicine Approaches
Some parents find success using alternative medicine techniques including:
- Infant massage – Lightly massaging the chest or abdomen can aid digestion.
- Acupuncture – Gentle stimulation of specific pressure points may help.
- Chiropractic – Minor spinal adjustments can reduce nerve irritation linked to hiccups.
- Herbal teas – Gentle chamomile or lavender teas have calming properties.
- Warm bath – Bathing in warm water can have a relaxing effect.
Consult your pediatrician before using any complementary therapies on a newborn. Never neglect medical advice in favor of alternative medicine.
When to Worry
In most cases, hiccups in newborns are not a cause for worry. However, pay close attention if hiccups are:
- Associated with distressed breathing or coughing fits
- Disrupting sleep for prolonged periods
- Causing feeding difficulties or poor weight gain
- Occurring with other signs of gastrointestinal issues
- Lasting over an hour with no pause
- Accompanied by lethargy, fever or other concerning symptoms
While an occasional prolonged hiccup bout may be normal, repeated or severe episodes warrant medical evaluation to identify any underlying disorders requiring treatment.
Parental Tips
Here are some additional tips for parents to manage newborn hiccups:
- Remain calm – Your anxiety can stress the baby and prolong hiccups.
- Be consistent with soothing techniques – Find what works best and stick with it.
- Burp after every 1-2 ounces during feeds – This minimizes air ingestion.
- Feed in quiet, peaceful settings – Loud environments can irritate baby.
- Hold baby upright 20-30 minutes post feeding – Lets gravity aid digestion.
- Avoid overfeeding – Pressuring baby to overeat makes hiccups worse.
- Discuss concerns with your pediatrician – They can allay worries and identify any problems.
While scary for parents, hiccups are transient and typically harmless. Stay positive and patient, and they will pass. Your pediatrician can advise you if interventions are needed.
Conclusion
Newborn hiccups are very common, especially after feeding or crying episodes. Try simple soothing techniques like gentle rocking or pacifier use to help them resolve. Adjusting feeding position or volume can also help. Persistent or severe hiccups may warrant medical evaluation. Contact your pediatrician if hiccups interfere with feeding, sleep or breathing. With patience and care, you can minimize hiccup bouts and aid your baby’s developing digestive system.