Hiccups are very common in babies. There may be different reasons why babies get hiccups. So, what can be done to relieve hiccups in babies? Our topic; hiccups in babies.
What Causes Hiccups in Babies and How Does It Pass?
First, let’s answer the question of what hiccups are: Hiccups are caused by the contraction of the diaphragm muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. As a result of this contraction, the vocal cords come closer together and a hiccupping sound is produced.
Causes of Hiccups in Babies
In fact, there is no clear scientific evidence as to the cause of hiccups. It could be said that it is just a reflex. However, the possible causes of hiccups in babies can be listed as follows:
- Too full stomach
- Failure to burp
- Swallowing air while sucking or drinking breast milk or formula from a bottle
- Sudden room temperature change
- Don’t get excited
If You Have Hiccups, Could They Be Growing?
When a baby hiccups, comments such as ‘the tummy grows’ / ‘the inside expands’ are common among the people. Actually, this interpretation is not wrong. Because as the stomach grows, it presses and can cause hiccups by stimulating the vocal cords.
Hiccups in the womb
The baby’s first hiccups begin around the 4th month in the womb. However, we have to wait until the 8-9th month before we can hear it hiccup. So it is possible for babies to hiccup in the womb. Especially in the last month close to birth, these hiccups can be heard. On the other hand, hiccups can also occur after birth. It usually decreases after the age of one year.
How Does Hiccups Pass in Babies?
Hiccups are not a disease or a disorder. The baby’s hiccups should not be perceived as a problem. However, there are a few effective methods for the question of how to relieve hiccups in babies.
Suggestions for relieving a baby’s hiccups:
- Breastfeed
- Very little water can be given. This is because getting the baby to swallow relieves the sudden spasm of the diaphragm muscle.
- Applying a little lemon on the finger and letting the baby taste it can also prevent a sudden taste shock and hiccups. (lemon juice is not suitable for the baby’s digestion at this early stage. Therefore, give only enough to taste)
- Massaging the inside of the foot can also help.
Source: Child Health and Care in the First 2 Years of Life-Prof. Dr. Gülbin Gökçay