Is it common for Newborn babies to have hiccups? What are the best ways to save your babies from hiccups? 

As a new parent, we tend to be extremely careful about anything that seems out of the ordinary in our kid. If the baby is having trouble breathing, is fussing over something or is suffering from hiccups. While it is best practice to consult your paediatrician if you feel like something is wrong, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

For instance, it is common for a new-born baby to have hiccups from time to time, as every baby does at some point. Some babies even have hiccups in the womb, but it is not noticeable every time. These hiccups occur when the diaphragm of your baby twitches or feels irritated. Usually, these hiccups go away automatically after some time, but there are few ways to cure them instantly.

Taking a break while feeding

While feeding your baby, it is vital to take a break and help your baby to burp. Burping pushes down the food from the throat and gets rid of any gas build-up. By removing the gas, you can reduce the chances of your baby suffering from hiccups.

It is advised to burp your baby not only after feeding but in between feeding as well, as it helps remove gas from the stomach. If you are breast-feeding, you can burp your baby before switching breasts.

Using a Pacifier

Hiccups are not only caused because of feeding and can happen at any time. In such cases, putting a pacifier in your baby’s mouth will help relax the diaphragm of your baby and stop hiccups.

Also, when the baby is sucking on a pacifier, the diaphragm tends to loosen, which will stop any irritation.

Using Gripe Water

Gripe water is a natural remedy that can help get rid of hiccups in your new baby. It is a combination of different herbs mixed in water that helps with intestinal and colic discomfort. These herbs can include ginger, chamomile, cinnamon and fennel, which have additional health benefits as well.

Gripe water helps to relax and soothe the diaphragm and reduce any irritation in it. Gripe water is a natural remedy that works in most cases, but it is wise to consult your paediatrician before giving it to your baby.

Do nothing

As bizarre as it might sound, doing nothing might be the best option as every kid under one is prone to hiccups. In most cases, these hiccups will stop on their own, and if your baby does not seem in discomfort, it is best to let it run its course.

Conclusion

The diaphragm of babies is still developing till one year of age, therefore hiccups are natural in babies. At times its little uncomfortable for babies. These hiccups stop after some time. However, if they do not, you should consult your doctor. In extreme rare cases, it is possible that hiccups are a symptom of an underlying medical issue.