Hiccups are caused due to rapid contraction of diaphragm, which is present in the bottom region of the stomach. It relaxes and contracts to facilitate easy breathing. When air is swallowed while feeding, it will cause hiccups.
Hiccups are very common in infants and does not cause any harm to them. The frequency of getting hiccups will reduce as the baby grows up. If hiccups occur frequently and does not stop for a longtime, immediate medical help should be obtained.
Home Remedies For Hiccups
Feeding
Feeding the baby immediately can stop hiccups. You can breastfeed or feed the baby normally. The action of sucking liquid or swallowing food will stimulate the diaphragm and relaxes it thereby allowing it to get back to the normal position. Thus, it will stop hiccups.
Feeding will distract the baby and divert the mind to something else, which will stop hiccups immediately. Any liquid like water, milk or juice can be given. Try to give solid food like applesauce, rice, mashed bananas, etc, if the baby can take solid food.
Burp The Baby
Burping the baby in between feeding can help stop hiccups because it will release the air trapped in the stomach and will help the baby to relax.
Pressure in the stomach can worsen a short period of hiccups, so releasing the pressure due to gas will help. Hold the baby straight on your shoulders and pat the back gently otherwise make the baby sit and lean the baby forward when you pat the back gently. This will stop hiccups instantly.
Sugar
Take some sugar on your fingers or dip your finger in sugar syrup or sugar water and make your baby suck on it for a few seconds, hiccups will fade away immediately. When the baby tries to swallow the sugar or licks the finger, the diaphragm gets back to normal position thereby stopping hiccups.
Anise
Anise seeds are very effective in relieving hiccups. Take one glass of water, add one tablespoon of anise seeds to it, and boil it for 10 minutes. Cool the water and strain it.
Give one tablespoon of this water to the baby to stop hiccups. It relieves hiccup as well as cools the body and brings relief from stomach discomfort and gas problems. It is a very useful home cure for infants.
Keep The Baby Warm
When baby gets cold, it might cause hiccups occasionally. Keep your baby warm using blankets or by wrapping with warm clothing. Especially during winter, cold might cause hiccups so make sure the baby is kept warm.
Gripe Water
Giving gripe water can effectively relieve hiccups. It can give relief from minor stomach problems, cramps, sour stomach and hiccups. Give half teaspoon of gripe water.
Mix gripe water in some plain water and feed it using a dropper. It includes many components like ginger, fennel, dill etc, which are natural substances with no side effects.
Stretch Your Baby
Allow your baby to stretch by putting him or her on the ground. Allow the baby to stretch the belly and move around a little.
This will help get rid of the gas or air in the stomach, which is considered to be the main cause for hiccups. Rub the back or play with the baby for some time. This will make the baby active and will reduce hiccups.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.