Get rid of baby hiccups in 4 easy steps

New parents may often feel confused and worried if your baby experiences things that adults consider trivial. Hiccup is one of them. Then, how do you deal with hiccups in babies?

Causes of hiccups in babies

Not only adults who experience hiccups, in fact babies can also experience hiccups at a very early age. Hiccups are basically caused by contraction of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is a large sheet of muscle under the lungs, and together with the muscles between the ribs, we can breathe. Contraction of these muscles can suck air into the lungs, and the entry of air quickly causes the epiglottis to close. The epiglottis is a tissue flap in the throat that closes when we swallow to prevent food, drink, or saliva from being inhaled into the lungs. This sudden closure of the throat tissue is what causes hiccups.

Hiccups are annoying for adults, as well as for babies. Babies are usually unaffected by the presence of hiccups on them. Still, baby hiccups are a worry for parents. Many, how come, babies can still fall asleep hiccupping without being disturbed. Basically, baby hiccups have no particular adverse effect or effect on the baby's breathing or health, and can still be said to be normal.

There are several ways to deal with hiccups in babies

1. Give breastmilk and burp the baby

Breastfeeding can be one way of dealing with your baby's hiccups. The breastfeeding movement can help your child's diaphragm relax and stop hiccups. After breastfeeding, you can let the baby burp to make room for the air trapped in the baby's stomach. Well, the air is also a factor in baby hiccups.

2. Position the baby

After the breastfeeding and burping process, it's time to position the baby. Hold and position the baby in an upright, standing condition, while holding it. You can also gently pat the baby on the back. This aims to help gas in the stomach to rise.

3. Give something to smoke

Give your child something to suck on, such as a pacifier, pacifier, or mother's nipple. This method can be done to treat baby hiccups. Mouth movements and tricking the straw in the baby's stomach, are believed to stimulate belching and stop hiccups in babies.

4. Take the baby to a warm place

To deal with baby hiccups, take and place the baby in a warm and humid place. Avoid an air-conditioned room or a slightly cold temperature. Remembering hiccups in babies can be caused by temperatures turning cold.

Tips to prevent hiccups in babies

When you want to give breast milk or food to a baby, give it when the baby is calm, not crying, or even hungry. This is done to avoid air entering along with food and also avoiding the baby's flatulence.
After breastfeeding, avoid activities such as holding the baby in a bouncing up and down motion.
Keep your baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding.