1. What are baby hiccups
Infant hiccups are a spontaneous hiccup reaction caused by excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract. This phenomenon is common after birth, especially after feeding. Under normal circumstances, hiccups will not have any impact on the baby\’s health, but if they occur frequently or last for too long, parents need to pay attention.
2. Why do babies hiccup?
1. Swallowing too much air: When the baby swallows milk, he may swallow a large amount of air at the same time, and these gases will accumulate in the stomach and form bloating.
2. Immature digestion: The digestion of newborns has not been fully developed, so they cannot effectively digest and absorb food. This is also one of the main causes of gas and hiccups.
3. Improper posture: If the baby\’s posture is incorrect or the feeding utensils are used improperly during feeding, it will easily lead to excessive gas accumulation in the stomach.
4. Reflux disease: Some babies suffer from reflux disease, and hiccups are also prone to occur in this case.
3. How to prevent hiccups in babies
1. Food intake: Every time you feed, make sure your baby is full but not overly full to avoid swallowing too much gas.
2. Correct feeding posture: Keep the baby\’s head slightly higher when feeding, which can reduce the possibility of swallowing air.
3. Use appropriate equipment: Use bottles and nipples suitable for your baby\’s age and size to avoid nipples that are too large or too small.
4. Let the baby eat quietly: Maintain a quiet environment during feeding to avoid disturbing the baby\’s eating.
4. How to help babies relieve hiccups
1. Burp method: Gently patting or gently massaging the back can help the gas to be discharged smoothly.
2. Change the position: Placing the baby on the stomach or lying on the side can reduce the pressure on the stomach and facilitate the discharge of gas.
3. Massage the abdomen: Gently massaging the abdomen with fingers can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote the discharge of gas.
5. When Do You Need Medical Treatment
If your baby hiccups frequently, or hiccups for too long, or is even accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain and other symptoms, you need to seek medical attention in time. These symptoms may be a sign of digestive problems and require further testing and treatment.
6. Conclusion
Although infant hiccups are common, they also need to be paid attention to by parents. With the correct prevention and relief methods, the incidence of hiccups in your baby can be effectively reduced. If any abnormality occurs, timely medical treatment is required.
