Mother panicked because she heard the little one hiccup? Calm down, bud. This is a normal condition to happen, really. Babies can even hiccup in the womb. you know. Even so, there are several ways you can deal with baby hiccups. Come on, see how here.
In adults, hiccups may be bothersome, so you think that the condition will also bother the baby. In fact, generally babies are not disturbed by hiccups, as long as the hiccups that occur do not affect their sleep and appetite.
Reasons Behind Baby Hiccups
Medically, hiccups are called singultus. Hiccups are a reaction when the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities under the ribs, tightens suddenly and without realizing it.
This reaction can cause the vocal cords in the esophagus to close, resulting in the characteristic hiccupping sound.
There are several things that can trigger a baby to hiccup, including eating too much, eating too fast, getting air in when eating or feeding, or when the baby feels tense. In newborns, hiccups can also occur because the nervous system and muscles are still developing.
Well, you need to remember that every baby's condition is different, so maybe some of them are more prone to hiccups than other babies.
Method Dealing with Baby Hiccups
Generally, hiccups in babies will go away on their own in a few minutes. However, to help stop it quickly, there are several things you can do, including:
- Gently rub your baby's back in circular motions to burp, so that excess air can escape.
- Change the position of the Little One from its initial position. For example, if he hiccups when he is lying down, you can try to prop him up to a sitting position.
- Give him something to suck on, such as a pacifier or nipple.
- Avoid stopping hiccups in traditional ways that are risky, such as giving water, surprising the baby, gently pressing the eyelids, pulling the tongue, to pressing the crown.
Although hiccups are a normal physical reaction in babies, you still need to be vigilant, especially if your little one's hiccups don't stop for a few days, or if he experiences other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, doesn't want to eat or breastfeed, seems fussy, or coughs. no stopping.
Also, watch out for hiccups that are uncontrollable, too frequent, or occur continuously after the child is 1 year old. The reason, although very rare, this could be a sign of a disease or a more serious condition, such as choking.
Complaints of baby hiccups usually subside on their own. However, if your baby's hiccups don't stop or make them seem uncomfortable, you can consult a doctor.
That way the doctor can provide appropriate treatment according to the conditions behind the hiccups in your baby.