How To Get Rid Of Baby Hiccups

So you’re worried about your little ones constant “hics” every 10 seconds? A lot of parents have probably searched “how to get rid of baby hiccups” multiple times like you. Look no further, we have all the info you need right here!

3 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Hiccups Fast And How To Do Them

Prevent Baby Hiccups From Happening Altogether

Step 1: Feed your baby in an upright position

The best way to get rid of baby hiccups is to prevent them from even starting. Baby hiccups often occur right after a feeding.

Start by feeding your babies in an upright position and make sure that they stay upright for about 20 minutes after. This prevents the food and acid from coming back up and causing an irritation in the baby’s diaphragm.

Step 2: Keep your baby in an upright position for 15-30 minutes after feeding

Some babies are prone to spitting milk or food back out especially when they are full. Keeping them upright 15-30 minutes after feeding helps prevent reflux from happening.

Step 3: Feed more frequently but in smaller portions

Feeding your children frequently but in smaller portions can also help prevent baby hiccups. It avoids overfeeding and gives enough time to get rid of excess air by burping.

Distract Your Baby

Step 1: Give your baby a pacifier

Distraction is a good diversion and, surprisingly, can help stop hiccups. Give your baby a pacifier to suck on. This should help relax the diaphragm and, hopefully, stop the hiccups.

Step 2: Make your baby laugh

Try making weird faces or playing peek-a-boo. This should easily keep your baby’s mind off the hiccups. Plus, who would not want to hear their babies’ sweet laugh, right? Win-win.

RELATED: Baby Constipation Relief | 9 Tips And Home Remedies

Wait It Out

Step 1: Just wait for the hiccups to pass

Sometimes, there really isn’t anything else to do but to just weather the storm. If the hiccups don’t seem to be bothering your baby, then just let it run its course. Your baby should be hiccup-free in no time.

Don’t try to hold their breath for them. Some cultures say that pressing the eyeballs or pulling the tongue will help stop hiccups. These are not proven techniques, though.

Gripe water for hiccups seems to be the go-to medicine for some, but again, this too has not been proven true.

Step 2: If all else fails, consult a doctor

If you feel like baby hiccups are running too long or are making your child uncomfortable, then it is best to see the doctor. A consultation can determine the underlying cause:

Overfeeding

When a baby is overfed, the stomach bloats which, in turn, stretches the diaphragm. This sudden expansion causes the irritation in the diaphragm giving your baby the hiccups.

Gulping too much air

This can cause the same effects as overfeeding. It bloats the stomach and stretches the diaphragm. That is why an especially long bout of crying often leads to hiccups.

Reflux

Hiccups may also be caused by a disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a condition that causes babies to regurgitate the food that they consume —bringing up small amounts of milk after feeding. This condition is normal and common and should not be a cause of too much concern. Most of the time, babies outgrow this condition as their body continues to develop during those early stages.

Having a hard time burping your baby? Check out NYU Langone Health’s newborn burping techniques:

A hiccup is a simple irritation in the diaphragm that will relieve itself in time. If you think that your baby’s hiccups are caused by something else, consult a physician immediately. Do not try to self-medicate as it might cause more harm than good.

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