Baby hiccups are adorable
While at first you may fawn over them and their confused little faces, new parent brain might kick in and have you worrying if they mean something more.
While most of the time they’re not a problem, if you find yourself on edge every time they happen, there are a few things you can do.
Of course, if you’re still worried about your baby don’t be afraid to contact your GP with any concerns.
Why do babies get hiccups?
Most hiccups are caused when the diaphragm, the muscle under the lungs, is irritated causing it to cramp and spasm.
That causes the vocal cords to clamp shut, creating that distinctive “hic!” sound you know and don’t exactly love.
Some babies even get hiccups before they make their debut in the world with some mothers reporting feeling the tell-tale flutters.
How to stop baby hiccups
Change feeding positions: Try feeding your little one in a more upright position, propping them up on a pillow so they aren’t lying flat may help them take in less air
Burp more frequently: Burp your baby during feeding to prevent hiccups from striking. If you’re nursing, burp your baby before you switch sides. If they already have the hiccups, you can try to relieve them with some gentle back pats.
Reach for the dodie: Pacifiers can sometimes stop hiccups before they raise their ugly heads. Reach for the dodie and see what happens.
Give gripe water: Gripe water is a the-counter blend of herbs marketed as a treatment for colic and tummy troubles. Some parents find it helps with hiccups, too.
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