Hiccups, which develop in adults due to conditions such as stomach problems, can also be seen in infants. However, contrary to popular belief, hiccups in babies are not a bad thing, but an indication of a healthy condition. However, intense and repetitive hiccups can sometimes make babies cranky. This causes parents to worry. So, what causes hiccups? What can be done when babies hiccup a lot? Details in our article.

Hiccups Start in the Womb

During pregnancy, babies occasionally swallow the amniotic fluid in the womb. After swallowing the liquid, hiccups occur as a result of the sudden and involuntary repeated contraction of the diaphragm muscle that separates the abdomen and chest of babies. The vibrations that the expectant mother feels from time to time around the 4th month of pregnancy are the baby’s hiccups. Hiccups, which develop as a result of this diaphragm contraction, continue from the newborn period until the age of 1 year and gradually decrease over time.

What is hiccups in babies?

Hiccups in newborn babies is a healthy condition, although it worries parents. Hiccups in newborn babies are not as uncomfortable as in adults. But it can be disturbing for parents. If the baby hiccups during this period, it indicates that the organs of the digestive system in particular are functioning properly. The hiccup reflex is caused by the contraction of the diaphragm muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. As a result of these contractions, the sound waves produced by the vocal cords coming closer together create the sound of hiccups. A study found that babies can hiccup for an average of 4.5 minutes.

When and Why Does Hiccups Happen in Newborn Babies?

Hiccups in newborns often occur after breastfeeding. When the body begins to digest the breast milk received with breastfeeding, the nerves in the diaphragm are stimulated. This DA causes the baby to hiccup reflexively. Another cause of hiccups in newborn babies is an indication that the baby’s stomach is growing. The baby may also hiccup when the gas is not passing well, during sudden changes in temperature, after swallowing air or when the baby is excited for any reason.

How Does Hiccups Pass in Newborn Babies?

What can be done when hiccups are encountered in babies can be listed as follows:

• If the baby hiccups before a long period of time has passed, breastfeeding can relieve the hiccups. If the hiccups do not go away with breastfeeding, the baby can be rubbed on the back by sitting a little upright.
• Giving anything other than breast milk to relieve hiccups is not good for the newborn baby’s health.
• The right breastfeeding method can prevent hiccups. For a correct breastfeeding position, the mother should position the baby’s lips on the breast in such a way that there is no air gap when sucking. In this way, hiccups can be prevented by preventing the baby from swallowing air during sucking.
• When breastfeeding is finished, the baby should be burped. This prevents a possible development of hiccups.
• An environment that is cold for the baby can increase hiccups. Therefore, if the environment is cold when the baby starts hiccupping, moving to a warm place can relieve the baby.
• As a result of prolonged hiccups in newborn babies, babies may become irritable and cranky. In this case, massaging the baby with gentle movements by calming the baby with breast milk or distracting the baby with other points of attention can relax the baby.
• Newborn babies can hiccup even if they only receive breast milk. Because some foods eaten by the mother also have an effect on hiccups.
• It is not correct to use medicines for hiccups in newborn babies. However, if the hiccups are persistent and occur at very frequent intervals, consult your pediatrician for advice.
• After the newborn has grown a little, hiccups can also develop as a result of eating fast. In these cases, it is enough to hold the baby a little upright and pat the baby on the back.

Hiccup Newborn Baby is Not Given Water and Lemon Juice!

To relieve hiccups in babies, methods such as giving water or drinking lemon water are frequently applied among the people. This is a common misconception. It can cause some negative effects on the health of babies.

Because the pH value of lemon is not suitable for the baby. Putting lemon drops in the baby’s mouth because of hiccups can cause permanent stomach upset and vomiting. Therefore, it is always the right thing to consult a pediatrician for every different condition that occurs in babies.