What’s the reason for a newborn frequently hiccupping?

Thetubekids.com – Frequent hiccuping in newborns refers to the occurrence of consecutive hiccuping actions after feeding or during sleep. The digestive system of infants is not fully developed, which may be a common reason for hiccups. While frequent hiccups are a common phenomenon, it can still be concerning for many new parents. Below, we will explore in detail some possible reasons for frequent hiccups in newborns and solutions.

Reason 1: Baby ingests too much air

Babies may accidentally ingest too much air while breastfeeding or eating solid food, which is one of the common reasons for frequent hiccups. This air accumulates in the stomach and is then expelled in the form of hiccups.

Reason 2: Immature esophageal function

The esophagus of newborns has not fully developed, which may lead to a mixture of food and air entering the esophagus. In such cases, infants may hiccup frequently to expel excess gas.

Reason 3: Overfeeding

Some parents worry that their baby is not eating enough and may overfeed them. This can lead to an excess of food and air entering the digestive system, causing frequent hiccups.

Reason 4: Improper posture

During feeding, the baby’s posture may be incorrect, such as the head being too high or too low. This can result in food and air entering the esophagus together, causing hiccups.

Solutions and Preventive Measures

For newborns experiencing frequent hiccups, there are some solutions and preventive measures to try:

Adjust feeding posture

Ensure that the baby maintains the correct posture during breastfeeding, with the head slightly higher than the torso. This can help the food flow smoothly into the stomach, reducing the intake of air.

Control feeding amount

Follow the baby’s hunger cues and avoid overfeeding. Generally, the amount of each feeding should be determined based on the baby’s age and weight.

Avoid Distractions While Feeding

Ensure focused attention during feeding to observe the baby’s signs of fullness and prevent the baby from inhaling too much air.

Burping

After feeding, you can place the baby on your shoulder and gently pat their back to help expel excess gas from the stomach.

Keep the Baby Upright

During sleep, ensure that the baby’s head and body remain upright. Using appropriate pillows or crib mattresses may be helpful.

Frequent hiccups in newborns are a common phenomenon, typically caused by factors such as excessive air intake, immature esophageal function, overfeeding, and improper posture. Adjusting the feeding posture, controlling the feeding amount, avoiding distractions during feeding, burping in a timely manner, and maintaining an upright sleeping position for the baby can reduce the occurrence of frequent hiccups. If the issue of frequent hiccups persists or is accompanied by other discomfort symptoms, please consult a pediatrician promptly.

More: Mom and Baby