Question
Newborns occasionally experience hiccups, which usually resolve on their own. However, what should be done if a newborn continues to hiccup without stopping?
Answer
When a newborn has hiccups, you can try using toys or playing soft music to distract their attention, which may reduce the frequency of hiccups. Newborn hiccups are generally benign and self-limiting, with less discomfort compared to adults. They usually resolve on their own in a short period of time. Prevention is the primary strategy for dealing with newborn hiccups. It’s not advisable to feed the baby when they are upset or crying. During breastfeeding, proper posture and positioning should be maintained. For breastfed newborns, it’s important to avoid a fast flow of milk during feeding. For formula-fed infants, they should also avoid eating too quickly, or at temperatures that are too cold or too hot, and should suckle and swallow slowly.