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.
