Hiccups are common in babies and they are harmless (in most cases). Many babies also get hiccups in the womb. That rhythmic jerking sensation you get during your late pregnancy is a sign that your child is hiccuping. Most new mommies may get concerned with toddler hiccups. Read on to know the causes, prevention tips, and natural ways to relieve toddler hiccups.
What Causes Hiccups in Your Child?
As of now, there is no definite cause of hiccups yet. Some reports say hiccups are a result of the rapid closing of vocal cords with the diaphragm contracting at the same time. The quick closure of the vocal cords causes the sound of hiccups. Doctors also point to the possibility of irritation of the phrenic nerve.
As hiccups might irritate you, you assume it might irritate your child too. But this may not be true. Usually, hiccups do not affect babies. They can sleep peacefully without getting irritated.
However, there are other reasons too that causes hiccups in your child such as:
- Overeating or overfeeding
- Swallowing excess air
- Eating too fast
Ways to Relieve Toddler Hiccups
You may try these strategies to relieve your child from hiccups:
Allow Your Child to Burp
While breastfeeding or giving food to your child, make sure you take some time for him/her to burp. Your baby needs these burps to let out excess gas causing hiccups. If your baby is breastfeeding, let him/her burp between breast switching.
Use a Pacifier
As there are numerous reasons behind hiccups other than overfeeding, you can use a pacifier to stop them. A pacifier can help their diaphragm to relax and ease the hiccups.
Rub Your Child’s Back
Generally, hiccups go away on their own without irritating your baby. However, if it’s bothering you, rub your child’s back to stop hiccups. Rubbing your child’s back helps to stop spasms that cause hiccups.
Tips to Prevent Toddler Hiccups
Hiccups are natural, and can be prevented. Some of the tips include:
- Make sure your child is calm and peaceful while feeding.
- While breastfeeding, ensure that your child takes the whole nipple inside his/her mouth.
- Feed your baby in small amounts.
- While bottle-feeding, make sure that there is no air near the nipple.
- Burp your child properly after he/she is done eating.
- Make your child sit upright for half an hour after each eating session.
- Avoid heavy activities like bouncing up and down or playing any game that requires excess energy after being fed.
When You Need a Doctor’s Recommendation?
Hiccups are normal in children up to one year old. However, if you find the hiccups are frequent or it distresses your child then you must visit a doctor. As this may be an indication of an underlying health issue.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause uncomfortable hiccups frequently. To detect GERD, look out for the following signs:
- Spits out of vomits food
- Cries more than usual, especially while feeding
- Arch their back more than usual especially during and after feeding
- Abdominal distension
If these pointers help you identify GERD in your child, consult your doctor and get treated. This health condition is easy to treat, so don’t get scared or panic. The causes of toddler hiccups are not always clear. However, if the child is vomiting with hiccups, consult a pediatrician and get proper medication.
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