Babies hiccough (or 'hiccup') quite frequently in utero, and they usually continue to hiccough once they are born. This is very normal, and is generally caused by the sudden, irregular contractions of their immature diaphragm (the muscle that supports their lungs). As the baby grows older, their diaphragm and the muscles between their ribs and in their abdomen (all involved in breathing), become stronger and more synchronised. Then the hiccoughs will not be as frequent.
Most babies are 'happy hiccupers' and will carry on as normal. Hiccoughs are not caused by how you are feeding or burping your baby (or not burping them). However, you may find that your baby has the hiccoughs more often when they are feeding. You don't need to do anything special when your baby has the hiccoughs, as they will usually stop on their own. However, if you want to try and stop them, there are a few things that might help. These can include:
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Sitting your baby up, until the hiccoughs stop. |
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Offering them the breast again, or bottle (if bottle feeding) or a dummy (if using one). Swallowing may help to stop them. |
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Slightly elevating the head of their cot or bassinette. You can use telephone books to do this. This will help prevent milk coming up with the hiccups. Likewise, you can place them in the pram (or stroller) with the head section elevated into a semi-reclining position. |
NOTE:Many babies will hiccough in their sleep. This does not worry them and should not be a reason to pick them up or disturb them.
Lumps and bumps
Babies often have tiny, moveable lumps and bumps under their skin. They can be anywhere on their body, but are more commonly found on their head, jaw, cheekbones behind their ears and on the back of their neck.