What causes hiccups in newborns?

Hiccups in newborns are one of the common problems faced by many new parents. While hiccups are usually harmless, understanding their causes can help parents better manage and relieve their infant\’s discomfort. This article will discuss the causes of hiccups in newborns and related solutions. Definition and manifestations of hiccups Hiccups are brief, periodic hiccups caused by the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. When newborns hiccup, they will make sounds such as \”gurgling\” and \”uh-uh\”, which are reflected in the rhythmic contractions of hiccups. Hiccups usually occur after a meal and are short-lived, but may sometimes last longer. Causes of Hiccups: Overeating: Newborns have a small stomach capacity and are prone to gastric bloating due to overeating. When a baby breathes in too much gas, gas builds up in the stomach and causes hiccups. Swallowing too much air Newborns may swallow too much air while feeding. Breathing in too much air can enter your baby\’s stomach, causing bloating and burping. The digestive system of newborns with dyspepsia is not fully developed and their digestive function is relatively fragile. Indigestion can cause gas in the stomach, which can lead to burping. Improper posture The newborn\’s posture while eating may also affect the occurrence of hiccups. If the baby\’s posture is incorrect when feeding, gas will enter the digestive tract and cause hiccups. Imperfect development of the central nervous system: A newborn\’s central nervous system is not fully developed, which can lead to poor muscle coordination, which can cause hiccups. Encyclopedia of Newborn Baby Care Download Ultra-clear epub Solution to control food intake Parents should control the baby\’s food intake to ensure that the baby is full but not overeating. Avoiding overeating can reduce the occurrence of gas and burping. Feeding posture Correct feeding posture is very important to prevent hiccups. The baby should keep his or her head higher than the stomach to help gas pass from the stomach. Feeding Interval Parents should pay attention to controlling the feeding interval to prevent the baby from feeding too quickly. Give the baby enough time to swallow food and reduce the chance of swallowing air. Bedtime Activities Before feeding, the baby can be allowed to perform some gentle activities, such as gently massaging the back or giving moderate exercise to help the baby pass gas. Burping After feeding, parents should pick up the baby and burp it gently to help the baby expel gas accumulated in the stomach. Conclusion Hiccups in newborns are a common phenomenon and are usually harmless. Understanding the causes of hiccups can help parents better manage and relieve their infant\’s discomfort. Controlling food intake, paying attention to feeding posture, adjusting feeding intervals, doing bedtime activities and burping are all effective ways to relieve hiccups. If the hiccups last for a long time or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional advice from a doctor promptly.