Hiccups in newborn babies are common and even a significant developmental milestone. Read on to learn more about when babies begin hiccupping and what to look out for to ensure healthy development and safety.
When Do Babies Start to Hiccup?
Babies start hiccuping in the womb. This is referred to as in-utero or fetal hiccups, and the fetus can begin as early as the first trimester (9-10 weeks gestation).
Once born, hiccups can continue from the first day of birth. It happens as a normal reflex and as the brain's control of the baby's diaphragm continues to mature. After birth, your newborn can have hiccups multiple times daily, lasting 5 to 10 minutes or even longer.
Why Do Babies Get Hiccups?
The possible causes of baby hiccups include:
- Overfeeding
- Fast feeding
- Bottle feeding
- Feeding the baby when irritable, crying, or moving around
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
How to Prevent Baby Hiccups
If hiccuping persists for an extended period and starts causing discomfort to your baby, there are ways you can help. Here’s how to stop hiccups in newborn babies:
- Slow down feeds: Take breaks between feedings.
- Practice paced bottle feeding: This gives your baby control over the feeding pace, allowing them to take breaks.
- Tip your baby's feeding bottle: Tipping the feeding bottle helps limit the amount of air your child swallows.
- Hold your baby upright when feeding and immediately after: Positioning the infant upright when feeding, and a few minutes after feeding can reduce hiccups.
- Feed the baby when they're calm, rather than when crying or irritable: It helps prevent hiccup triggers.
- Ensure your baby latches properly: A good latch helps prevent babies from swallowing air as they breastfeed.
- Post-feeding rest: Limit your baby's movement and activities immediately after feeding.
Conclusion
Hiccups are seldom a sign of an underlying medical issue, but it's still important to be mindful of them, as they can sometimes be disruptive. As babies grow, hiccups naturally become less frequent, and by 6 to 9 months, you’ll likely notice them occurring far less often.
If your baby's hiccups persist and cause distress, visit your paediatrician or a medical practitioner for further examination. To support your baby’s early development, it is also advisable to acquire reliable health insurance to ensure you get quality healthcare services without worrying about the associated expenses.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.