Hiccups are normal for children, as well as adults. Most of the time, they don’t cause any harm. Sometimes, we think that the baby is uncomfortable because of it, but in fact, the baby doesn’t feel anything when he hiccups. But of course, we can’t help but ask how to get rid of baby’s hiccups?
Baby hiccups
How to get rid of baby’s hiccups?
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm contracts and the vocal cords close rapidly. This is what causes hiccups in English.
Besides, did you know that babies don’t wake up even when they hiccup? It really doesn’t have any negative effects for them. But if you’re really bothered by your child’s hiccups, it’s important to know what ways to get rid of hiccups? Find out the right ways in this article.
How to get rid of baby’s hiccups? Causes of baby’s hiccups
A 2012 study suggests that the hiccup reflex may be a way for a baby to expel excess air from their stomach.
However, according to the medical community, no one really knows why babies get hiccups.
Hiccups in babies occur when something causes the diaphragm to spasm and the vocal cords suddenly stop functioning properly. Air is forced out through the closed vocal cords, creating the baby’s hiccup sound.
No one really knows what causes baby hiccups, but they are sometimes linked to diaphragm spasms. This can happen when you feed your baby a lot, your baby eats quickly, and if he swallows air.
These things can cause the baby’s stomach to expand. As it expands, it pushes air into the diaphragm, triggering a spasm that causes the baby to hiccup.
Dr. Jennifer Tiglao, a pediatrician from Makati Medical Center, agreed that hiccups may be related to the baby’s diaphragm.
“ Hiccups are normal. It also happens and has something to do with the nerves in the diaphragm. Sometimes it gets triggered, when that’s triggered, the nerves in the diaphragm get hiccups, ” he explained.
Additionally, when a baby has frequent hiccups and they are causing distress and anxiety, there may be another cause or disease causing them, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
This happens when a baby eats foods that are high in acid. When these fluids pass through the diaphragm, they can irritate it and trigger spasms.
Babies with GER usually experience nausea and drooling. If this is a sign of GERD or a disorder, they may experience other symptoms.
If your baby has GERD, remember that he may not only experience hiccups. Symptoms include coughing, drooling, irritability, and frequent crying.
If you notice these symptoms in your child, it is best to consult a doctor immediately and not ignore it.
Baby hiccups medicine: Tips on how to get rid of baby hiccups
How to get rid of baby’s hiccups? What is the best way to get rid of baby’s hiccups? Here are some effective remedies for baby’s hiccups.
If your baby doesn’t have reflux symptoms, you shouldn’t worry about your baby’s hiccups. But if your baby’s hiccups are causing you concern or discomfort, here are some effective remedies for baby hiccups.
What is the best way to get rid of baby hiccups?
1. Change the baby’s breastfeeding position
Try to breastfeed your baby in a more upright position. It can also help to use a sling so that the baby is not lying flat. This will reduce the amount of excess air he takes in while breastfeeding.
2. Baby hiccups remedy: Burp baby
Most of the time, there is no need for medication for a baby’s hiccups. The only solution is to make them vomit .
Sometimes, a baby hiccups while drinking milk. When this happens, stop feeding the baby and burp him first. This helps to stop the hiccups.
It also helps to hold the baby upright so that the gas can quickly escape from his stomach.
Tip: Gently massage their back from waist to shoulder while baby is sitting. If that doesn’t work, try gently patting their back. It’s best to do this on a sturdy, non-shaking chair.
3. What is the best way to stop hiccups? Give baby a pacifier!
If burping your baby doesn’t work, you can use a pacifier to help stop hiccups. This is because a pacifier helps relax his diaphragm.
How to get rid of baby’s hiccups? | Image from Dreamstime
4. How to get rid of baby’s hiccups? Breastfeed baby
If you want to postpone giving your baby a pacifier, it’s better to breastfeed him when he’s hiccupping. This is also Dr. Tiglao’s advice. “I advise mothers to breastfeed . When your baby hiccups, you breastfeed him until he forgets to hiccups.”
5. How to get rid of baby’s hiccups? Make baby laugh
If your baby’s hiccups don’t go away, you can make them laugh or distract them so they don’t notice that they’re hiccuping. You can also rock your baby to help them relax.
Tip: Find an activity that will calm your baby instead of making him fussy.
6. Give baby gripe water
Gripe water is an over-the-counter blend of herbs used to treat colic and stomach pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can help relieve hiccups in babies.
7. How to get rid of baby’s hiccups? Just wait for it to go away
If nothing works, it’s best to let your baby’s hiccups go away. Hiccups usually go away within 10 minutes.
But if it takes too long for your baby’s hiccups to go away, and they seem to be uncomfortable because of it, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor.
Tip: Don’t ignore your baby’s hiccups. Most of the time, they will go away if you just let them go.
How to get rid of baby’s hiccups?
Threading the forehead and other things you shouldn’t do
According to elders, when a child hiccups, they can put a thread or write lipstick on his forehead. However, Dr. Tiglao clarified that this method has no medical basis and is just a belief of the elders.
Hiccups come from the diaphragm and have nothing to do with the forehead. However , if you’re doing this to distract your baby, you can try it if you want.
Here are some things that won’t help when your baby has hiccups:
- Do not squeeze your baby’s nose because it can hurt him, and he may not be able to breathe.
- For babies under six years old, avoid giving them water to drink.
- Do not cover the baby’s nose and mouth because he or she will not be able to breathe.
- Avoid giving your baby peppermint, lemon, vinegar, peanut butter, or pickle juice because they can be harmful to his health.
- Don’t surprise your baby because it might just make him more difficult and tired.
If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for medication for your baby’s hiccups. They will be able to give you the right treatment and advice on how to get rid of them.
How to prevent baby from having hiccups?
Hiccups can’t always be prevented, but following these strategies can help both baby and you .
- Feed baby before he’s hungry, so he’ll calm down.
- It can also help to feed your baby frequently but only in small amounts.
- Feed your baby slowly. If you notice that your baby is having hiccups while eating, it is probably a result of eating too quickly. Feeding your baby slowly can reduce the chances of hiccups.
- It may also help to have your baby sit upright, an hour after eating.
- Changing the position of the bottle (if baby is bottle-fed) can also help prevent air from entering his stomach.
- Make sure his entire mouth is latched onto the entire nipple or his feeding bottle.
- Make sure your baby’s feeding bottle is full of milk if he or she is going to be bottle-fed. Also, remove any extra air from the nipple of the feeding bottle first, as this can cause hiccups.
- Choose the right nipple size if your child will be bottle-feeding. It is also important to note whether the flow of milk from the nipple is too fast or too slow. It is a good idea to change the nipple of the feeding bottle every month. This is because the right flow of milk for the child depends on the age of the child.
When should you see a doctor?
Photo from Pexels by Laura Garcia
Hiccups in babies are not a cause for concern, especially for babies under 12 months. However, if your child experiences any of the following, they may need to be seen by a doctor:
- If hiccups occur frequently and last more than 10 minutes.
- When it causes vomiting or excessive irritation.
- If accompanied by difficulty breathing or other symptoms.
If your baby is experiencing any unusual symptoms or you notice that hiccups are occurring too frequently, it is a good idea to consult your pediatrician for proper advice. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if he or she is experiencing them frequently.
There may be an underlying condition that causes this. Like the one mentioned earlier, GER.
Signs of GER in a baby include the following:
- Crying more often than usual, especially when being held.
- Vomiting more than normal.
If you suspect your child has GER, go to the doctor immediately to get him treated.
Additionally, it is important to consult a doctor if your baby has been hiccupping for a long time and it doesn’t stop. You can also inform your doctor about your baby’s hiccups if they are causing the child discomfort.
Remember to be careful when using home remedies for baby hiccups. There are websites that list home remedies for hiccups. However, these may be for adults who have hiccups and are not suitable for babies. A baby’s esophagus and stomach are still sensitive, so it is important to be careful when using home remedies to ensure their safety.
Even if your baby’s hiccups are normal, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor if your baby’s hiccups are persistent or don’t go away. Especially if they cause your baby to be irritable and cry. If your baby’s hiccups are making you feel uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor because they could be a sign of another medical issue.
Also consult a doctor if your child is experiencing difficulty breathing and blue or black lips. Also if the hiccups are disturbing the child’s sleep. If your child is over a year old and still hiccups frequently, it is also a good idea to see a pediatrician to find out if there are other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Image from Shutterstock
Other things to note
Hiccups are normal in babies, so if they don’t cause your child any discomfort, there’s no need to worry. Hiccups will usually go away on their own without treatment.
Remember that there are many home remedies that can be read on the internet to supposedly get rid of hiccups. However, most of them are not suitable for babies, such as pulling the tongue. Do not do this to your child.
This method is not suitable for babies and instead of making them feel better, it may cause more problems.
If you are concerned about your child’s hiccups, it is best to see a doctor rather than trying any home remedy. Remember that babies’ health is sensitive and not all home remedies you read about on the internet are safe for your child.
GER and GERD in children
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach contents move up into the esophagus. Many people between the ages of one and 18 years old experience it.
GER may be asymptomatic, but it can sometimes cause heartburn, also known as acid indigestion. It can also cause nausea.
Additionally, GER is also called acid indigestion, acid reflux, or acid regurgitation. It is normal and common for children to experience GER. However, when GER causes repeated symptoms and leads to complications, it is called GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe and long-lasting form of GER. Any child can develop GERD, but it is more common in children who are overweight or obese.
Additionally, children with conditions that affect the esophagus, nervous system, or lungs are also at high risk for developing GERD.
Hiccups are one of the symptoms of GERD . In addition to hiccups, your baby may also experience the following:
- abnormal neck and cheek movements
- feeling bloated or having difficulty swallowing
- being irritable especially when feeling nauseous
- loss of appetite or unwillingness to eat
- complications such as low weight, cough, and fatigue
- vomiting
If your child experiences the above symptoms, consult your doctor immediately for proper treatment.
There are other conditions that have similar symptoms to GERD. Your doctor may recommend tests to determine whether your child has GERD or another health problem.
It is also important to call your doctor immediately if your child experiences other symptoms that could be caused by a serious health problem. Observe if your child experiences the following:
- excessive irritability
- crying more than usual
- low weight of the child or the child does not seem to be gaining weight despite increasing age
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- signs of dehydration such as a full diaper in just three hours
- lack of energy or weakness
- vomiting, especially if it is projectile vomiting
- vomiting blood
- rectal bleeding or bloody stools
- if the child is under 6 months old and often vomits
GERD diagnosis in children
According to WEB MD, GERD in children is usually diagnosed simply by looking at or knowing their medical history. Especially if GERD often causes discomfort to the child. In addition, the doctor may also look at your child’s growth chart and diet history.
In other cases, the doctor may recommend that your child undergo some tests to see if they have GERD or another medical issue.
Here are some of the tests that may be done on the child:
- pH probe
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Barium swallow o upper GI series
- Gastric emptying study
Medication for pediatric GERD
Here are some things you can do if your baby has GERD:
- Raise the head of the baby’s crib.
- Hold the baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding.
- If bottle-feeding, supplement the milk with cereal. But ask your doctor first if this is appropriate for your child’s condition. Do not do this without the doctor’s approval.
- Try to feed your child solid food. But remember to do this only with the doctor’s approval.
For older children, here are some things to do:
- Raise the head of the child’s bed.
- Let the child sit or stand upright for two hours after eating.
- Instead of three large meals, feed it many small meals throughout the day.
- Limit eating fatty and spicy foods.
- Encourage your child to exercise regularly.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
