Some parents may be concerned about hiccups that are experienced by their newborn babies. However, this may be very common occurrence and may be considered to be normal not only among new born babies but to all individuals regardless of their age. It does not mean though that mothers take the hiccupping of their newborn babies for granted. Their understanding about the nature and the things that they can do may help their babies overcome this annoying problem.
Hiccups may occur when the vocal cords are shut because of forcefully inhaling air and the muscle sheet experiences some sort of a sudden pull that at times may feel like spasm. Hiccups may occur especially when the muscular sheet or the diaphragm gets irritated. Hiccups are produced when the air coming in gets in contact with the vocal cords. Newborn babies are prone to experiencing hiccups for a variety of reasons and they may have it for just a few minutes though at times they can have it for some hours. Babies who are bottle-fed tend to swallow more air so they can have hiccups more often. Sometimes the milk formula itself can trigger the problem. Other causes may include upset babies who suck in their milk forcefully and quickly and babies who are affected by gastro-esophageal reflux problem.
Parents especially mothers may help their newborn babies prevent hiccups by checking how they feed their babies with their infant formula. They have to see to it that their babies are drinking or sucking their milk slowly. Mothers may help their newborn babies to burp after every feeding. They may also try to change the way they hold the baby while feeding so that the newborns are comfortable. Mothers may monitor the feeding interval so they can prepare the milk formula just before their newborn babies get hungry. They also have to see to it that their infants are calm and relaxed before they start breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them.
Mothers may have lesser problems with hiccups among their newborn babies if they feed them in smaller quantities but at more or less regular intervals. They may try to feed their babies with warm water to lessen the problem. Although hiccups are considered to be a normal occurrence even among infants, it is still best for mothers to know how to prevent it for the convenience of their babies. They may bring their newborn babies to their doctors in case their problems on hiccups occur for over 48 hours.
