Facing Baby Hiccups

Hiccups in babies can make parents panic, especially for parents who have new babies. Actually facing a hiccuping baby does not need excessive action, because generally, it can disappear by itself. However, there are some signs of baby hiccups that require more attention.

Hiccups are actually a diaphragm reaction, which is a muscle that separates the chest cavity and the stomach, precisely under the rib cage, which is useful to help control breathing. This reaction causes the diaphragm to tighten suddenly and unconsciously, closing the vocal cords in the esophagus, producing a characteristic hiccup sound in the upper part of the throat. When a baby hiccups, he can also experience spit-up.

Reasons for Hiccups

Medically, hiccups are called singultus. Triggers for hiccups in infants include consuming too much food, ingress of air when chewing or when the baby feels tense.

Hiccups generally occur when the baby sucks excessive air when suckling. Making a baby burp after breastfeeding is one way to expel air from the stomach so that the baby avoids the risk of hiccups and other discomforts.

Even though some parents find the baby hiccups quite annoying, but actually not so for babies. During the hiccup that occurs does not affect the daily activities of the baby.

Every baby's condition is different. That is why some babies are more likely to experience hiccups than other babies.

Helps Overcome Hiccups

When a baby starts to hiccup when breastfeeding, there is no need to panic. Give a short break while calming the baby.

Changing positions or trying to make a baby burp can be done to stop the hiccups. If after a few minutes the hiccups don't stop, feed them because it might help stop the hiccups.

If your baby has frequent hiccups, delay the time to feed until the baby feels more relaxed and calm. However, do not delay too long until the baby becomes fussy.

However, hiccups often do not interfere with the process of breastfeeding in infants. Not infrequently babies can still sleep despite experiencing hiccups.

To help deal with hiccups, some parents give something to be smoked by the baby. Parents may do that as long as it is safe for the baby.

Avoid trying to stop hiccups in traditional ways that are risky for babies. For example, shocking the baby, pressing the eyelid gently, pulling the tongue until pressing the crown of the crown because there is no evidence that such an effort is effective.

Conditions to Watch Out for

For healthy babies, hiccups are common. It's just that for some babies, hiccups can interfere with normal breathing.

In addition, infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux may be hiccuped more frequently. Also, pay attention when the baby hiccups. If accompanied by spitting or coughing and fussing, consult a doctor about the condition.

You also need to be aware if hiccups are out of control, are too frequent or occur continuously after a child aged one year and above. Although very rare, this can be a sign of a more serious illness.

Hiccups in preterm infants who are using breathing apparatus or mechanical ventilation can cause complications. This is due to the possibility of the baby having problems with upper respiratory tract obstruction and decreased respiratory frequency.

Hiccups are physical reactions that appear suddenly. In infants, some are triggered while breastfeeding. However, look at baby hiccups if they occur too long, often, or out of the ordinary. Immediately consult a doctor about this condition.

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