Introduction
As a new parent, it’s no surprise to come across new and unexpected challenges with your little one. Hiccups, for instance, are a common, yet bothersome occurrence for newborns. While they can be alarming to observe, you don’t have to panic. In most cases, the sudden surprise of hiccups is just another phase of development your newborn must go through. In this article, we will go through natural remedies to get rid of hiccups in newborns, tips to prevent them, as well as essential information on potential risks and when to seek medical help.
The Common Causes of Hiccups in Newborns
Hiccups are normal for a newborn, and understanding what causes them can help ease parents who may worry about them. A major reason for hiccups in newborns is an undeveloped digestive system. When food goes through the esophagus, the muscle at the bottom(Sphincter) may often remain open, and since the system doesn’t know how to close it yet, hiccups occur.
Another common reason for newborn hiccups is overfeeding. When you feed your baby too much, their diaphragm pushes up against their lungs, and the lungs react by producing hiccups. Babies can also swallow air while feeding, causing indigestion and hiccups.
Home Remedies for Relieving Hiccups in Newborns
Fortunately, getting rid of hiccups in newborns can be straightforward with these natural home remedies. One way to relieve your baby of hiccups is by burping them every few minutes during feedings. By doing so, you help expel excess air that might accumulate in their stomach and cause hiccups.
Providing a pacifier is another way to help your baby get rid of hiccups. A pacifier soothes your baby’s sucking needs and can interrupt the hiccups’ internal cycle.
You could also try adjusting how you feed your baby. For instance, ensure they take breaks during feedings and sit upright as much as possible. Doing this can reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feedings, consequently reducing hiccups.
It’s vital not to consider any over-the-counter medications as a quick fix for your baby’s hiccups without seeking your pediatrician’s guidance first.
When to Seek Medical Help for Your Baby’s Hiccups
While hiccups in newborns generally are not a cause for concern, parents should monitor their baby’s hiccups’ frequency and duration. You may need to visit your pediatrician if your newborn hiccups last longer than usual. Persistent hiccups, especially for more than an hour or more, can indicate an underlying medical condition, and you should contact your pediatrician immediately.
Medical attention is required if your baby experiences breathing difficulties or signs of discomfort in addition to hiccups while in the hospital.
Hacks to Prevent Your Baby from Getting Hiccups
Prevention, as they say, is always better than cure. Though you may not entirely prevent every bout of hiccups, you could adopt simple tricks to reduce their frequency. One way of doing this is by not overfeeding your baby or feeding them too quickly. Slow their feeding pace down so that they have proper breathing breaks during feeding. The more they rush, the more they swallow air, which could cause hiccups.
Another hack is avoiding overstimulating your baby. Ensure your baby has enough undisturbed nap time to rest and rejuvenate. Overstimulation can cause your baby’s nervous system to go into overdrive and cause hiccups.
Frequent burping also serves as a great preventative measure. As noted earlier, burping could help expel excess air that may cause hiccups.
Discussing the Risks of Over-the-counter Remedies for Hiccups
In conclusion, while the instinct to look for the quickest solutions to hiccups may be strong, it’s important to avoid giving your baby any medication without consulting your pediatrician first. Not all medications are safe for newborns, and the wrong medication could cause health complications. In severe cases of hiccups, your pediatrician might prescribe medication to help bow down the hiccups. However, this would be under supervision to minimize any potential risks.
Conclusion
Newborn hiccups are a natural and normal occurrence. However, parents must monitor how frequent they occur. In most cases, you could help your baby get rid of hiccups by burping them, adjusting their feeding technique, or providing a pacifier. But seek medical assistance whenever you notice any abnormal behavior, and always be cautious when considering using medication. By being aware of the common causes of newborn hiccups and using the remedies highlighted, you can ease your baby’s discomfort and make the most of your baby-bonding moments.
