Babies get hiccups due to the involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest and abdomen. This causes a sudden intake of breath followed by a characteristic "hic" sound as the vocal cords snap shut. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, several factors contribute:
Common Causes of Hiccups in Babies
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Irritation of the Diaphragm: The diaphragm, a muscle crucial for breathing, can be irritated, triggering hiccups. This irritation may stem from various sources, including excess gas in the stomach (as noted in the September 2nd, 2023 reference), swallowing too much air during feeding, or even rapid feeding. ([Reference: Babies may start hiccuping during feeding because they have excess gas that's irritating their stomach.])
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Feeding Habits: Feeding too quickly can lead to the baby swallowing more air, irritating the diaphragm and inducing hiccups. ([Reference: Having too much breast milk or formula; Feeding too quickly; Swallowing too much air.]) Slowing down the feeding process can be beneficial.
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Normal Development: Hiccups are a common, generally harmless reflex in newborns. Many babies hiccup frequently, often without any underlying cause. ([Reference: Hiccups in newborns are normal. Generally, they're very mild, and they usually go away after a few minutes.]) This suggests the spasms are a part of neurological development.
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In-Utero Hiccups: Interestingly, babies can even experience hiccups while still in the womb, beginning around the sixth month of pregnancy. ([Reference: Yes, babies can get hiccups while in the uterus. Some babies will hiccup a lot, but some might not hiccup.])
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most hiccup episodes are benign and self-limiting, persistent or severe hiccups warrant consultation with a pediatrician.
Addressing Baby Hiccups
While often self-resolving, the following strategies can sometimes help soothe a baby experiencing hiccups:
- Burping: Gently burp your baby to release any trapped air.
- Upright Positioning: Holding your baby upright can help alleviate gas pressure on the diaphragm.
- Pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier might help distract the baby and settle the diaphragm spasms.
