How to Get Rid of Hiccups in a Newborn

Newborn babies often experience bouts of hiccups. Luckily babies don't seem to be bothered by the hiccups much. When a baby is in utero and for the first year of his life, several rounds of hiccups during each day is normal and usually not anything to worry about. If your newborn's frequent hiccups are causing you some concern, you can try a few simple steps to help her get rid of them.

Treat Hiccups

Nurse your baby. Breastfeeding can help your child's diaphragm relax and stop hiccups quickly.

Burp your infant. Burping between feedings brings up trapped air from your infant's stomach and can help relieve gas and stomach upset that could lead to hiccups.

Hold your baby in an upright position. Change positions while feeding your child and hold her upright after eating to help gas rise and pass naturally.

Give your child something to suck on. Sucking on a pacifier can help relieve your newborn's hiccups.

Prevent Hiccups

Sweating While Breastfeeding

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Feed your baby when he's calm. Don't let him get to the point where he is so hungry he is crying. An overly hungry baby will suck in air while crying, which can lead to hiccups and gas problems.

Avoid foods that may trigger hiccups. If you are breastfeeding, some foods in your diet may be likely to cause gas and hiccups in your nursing newborn. Try eliminating dairy products from your diet if your child suffers from very frequent hiccups. Dairy is the most common contributor to breast milk sensitivities in newborns.

Keep your baby warm since hiccups are often caused by a sudden temperature change that causes a baby to become cold.

Tips

If all else fails, relax and wait. Hiccups in newborns are normal and will eventually go away on their own. They do not bother your child and you don't have to do anything to help them go away.

Warnings

Do not try and get rid of your infant's hiccups by startling her or using any other folk remedies.

If your newborn's hiccups are accompanied by spitting up or coughing, take him to the doctor to make sure he isn't suffering from a digestive illness.