Why Do Newborns Get the Hiccups? | Common Causes

Newborns get hiccups due to diaphragm spasms, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes.

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Hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns, and while they may seem worrisome to new parents, they're usually harmless. Most of us have experienced hiccups at some point, but watching a tiny infant repeatedly hiccup can raise plenty of questions. In babies, hiccups result from diaphragm contractions, and there are several reasons why they occur more frequently in newborns than in older children or adults. Understanding why newborns get hiccups can offer peace of mind and shed light on whether any action is necessary to help them.

How the Diaphragm Works in Newborns

The diaphragm, a large muscle located at the base of the lungs, plays a critical role in breathing. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward, creating space for the lungs to fill with air. When we exhale, it relaxes and moves upward, pushing the air out of the lungs.

For newborns, this process is still developing. Their nervous systems are immature, and the diaphragm is more easily stimulated. If something irritates or overstimulates the diaphragm, it can lead to spasms, resulting in the familiar “hic” sound. This is a normal part of a baby’s growth and shouldn’t usually cause concern.

Common Causes of Newborn Hiccups

Several triggers can lead to hiccups in newborns, many of which are linked to their feeding patterns and general digestive development. Here's a closer look at the most common causes:

1. Overfeeding

• How It Happens: When a baby’s stomach is too full, the expanding stomach can push against the diaphragm, causing it to spasm.
• Why It Matters: Babies have tiny stomachs, so even small amounts of milk can fill them up quickly. Overfeeding often happens when a baby eats too quickly or swallows more than their stomach can handle in one feeding session.

2. Swallowing Air

• During Feeding: Babies frequently swallow air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If they gulp down too much air, it can lead to hiccups. Using bottles with anti-colic features or ensuring a proper latch during breastfeeding can help minimize this.
• Burping Importance: This is why burping a baby after feeding is crucial. It helps release trapped air and prevents hiccups and discomfort.

3. Immature Digestive System

• Still Developing: A newborn’s digestive system is still getting the hang of processing milk. Digestive processes like gas formation and acid reflux can irritate the diaphragm.
• Sensitive Nerves: The nerves controlling the diaphragm are sensitive in newborns, making them more prone to spasms.

4. Temperature Changes

• Environmental Factors: Sudden temperature changes, like moving from a warm room to a cooler one or being wrapped in a blanket and then unwrapped, can cause the diaphragm to spasm.
• Internal Temperature: Drinking cold milk or feeling a sudden chill can also contribute to hiccups.

Each baby is different, and what triggers hiccups in one infant may not have the same effect on another. It’s about observing patterns and understanding potential triggers specific to the baby’s routine.

Do Hiccups Bother Newborns?

Unlike adults, newborns aren’t typically bothered by hiccups. They rarely seem distressed or uncomfortable when hiccupping, which is a good sign. Hiccups are simply a reflex and don’t indicate pain or serious discomfort.

In fact, hiccups are so natural to babies that they even experience them in the womb. Many mothers have felt their unborn babies hiccuping during pregnancy, a testament to how common this reflex is. So, while it can look or sound distressing to parents, babies usually remain happy and content through hiccup bouts.

When to Worry About Newborn Hiccups

Although hiccups are generally harmless, there are a few scenarios where they may signal an underlying issue:

1. Persistent Hiccups

• If a baby’s hiccups last for several hours or become very frequent throughout the day, it’s worth consulting a pediatrician. Persistent hiccups could be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue or reflux that needs medical attention.

2. Feeding Difficulties

• If hiccups are regularly interfering with feeding or causing a baby to spit up excessively, there could be a concern. Feeding problems, combined with hiccups, may suggest issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

3. Signs of Discomfort

• Hiccups accompanied by crying, arching the back, or other signs of distress might indicate that they’re more than a benign reflex. In these cases, professional evaluation can help identify any underlying conditions.

Regular hiccups without other symptoms are usually part of a baby’s normal development, but any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Strategies to Minimize Newborn Hiccups

While there’s no surefire way to prevent hiccups, certain strategies can help reduce their frequency or duration. Here are some practical tips:

1. Burp Frequently During Feedings

• Why It Helps: Regular burping during and after feeding can help release swallowed air before it leads to hiccups.
• How to Do It: Try burping the baby every 2-3 ounces if bottle-feeding or when switching breasts during breastfeeding. Gentle pats on the back can work wonders.

2. Adjust Feeding Positions

• Upright Feeding: Holding the baby in an upright position during and after feedings can help milk settle and reduce the risk of hiccups. Gravity works in favor of keeping milk down.
• Angle of the Bottle: If bottle-feeding, make sure the bottle is tilted enough so the baby isn’t swallowing air along with the milk.

3. Pace Feedings

• Slow Down: Feeding the baby slowly can help prevent overfeeding and reduce the amount of air swallowed.
• Smaller, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, try offering smaller, more frequent feedings to keep the baby comfortable.

4. Comfort Techniques

• Sucking Reflex: Offering a pacifier can help relax the diaphragm and sometimes stop hiccups in their tracks.
• Gentle Rocking: Light rocking or holding the baby in a comfortable position can help them settle down and sometimes ease the hiccup reflex.

It’s all about experimenting with different techniques and finding what works best for the baby.

Myths and Misconceptions About Newborn Hiccups

Hiccups have been around as long as humans, and with them come a fair share of myths and misconceptions. Let’s set the record straight:

1. “Hiccups Mean the Baby is Cold”

• There’s a common belief that hiccups are a sign that a baby is cold. While temperature changes can trigger hiccups, hiccups themselves don’t necessarily indicate a baby is feeling cold. Always check a baby’s temperature by feeling their chest or back, not their hands or feet.

2. “Hiccups Indicate Hunger”

• Hiccups don’t mean a baby is hungry. They’re usually related to the diaphragm and are more likely to occur after a feeding when the stomach is full or when air is trapped.

3. “You Should Try to Stop Hiccups”

• In most cases, there’s no need to intervene to stop a baby’s hiccups. They usually go away on their own. Trying to forcefully stop hiccups can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Understanding these myths helps parents avoid unnecessary worry and focus on what’s truly important for the baby’s well-being.

Table: Quick Hiccup Facts

Fact	Explanation
Hiccups are common	Most newborns experience frequent hiccups, even in the womb.
Usually not uncomfortable	Babies don’t seem bothered and often sleep through hiccups.
Linked to diaphragm spasms	Caused by involuntary diaphragm contractions.
Feeding triggers	Overfeeding or swallowing air can lead to hiccups.
Rarely indicate a problem	Persistent hiccups may need a doctor’s evaluation.

These quick facts offer a snapshot of what’s normal and when to consider medical advice.

Conclusion – Why Do Newborns Get the Hiccups?

Newborns get hiccups because their diaphragms are still developing, making them prone to spasms from common triggers like feeding or temperature changes. While these hiccups may look concerning, they’re usually a normal part of infancy. Burping frequently, pacing feedings, and holding the baby upright can help reduce hiccup episodes. Still, it’s reassuring to know that most newborns remain blissfully unaware of their hiccups. Understanding these little quirks makes the early days of parenting a bit easier and highlights the beauty of a newborn’s development.