Question
My baby often gets the hiccups. I want to know why newborns keep burping?
Answer
This is mainly because the baby swallows air while breastfeeding. Once the air enters the stomach, it is lighter than liquid and sits at the top, which easily stimulates the stomach to reverse its peristalsis and cause hiccups. When bottle-feeding, air may be present in the milk. During breastfeeding, if the lips do not completely cover the nipple, it may lead to the baby inhaling air and swallowing it into the stomach. After feeding, it is best to let the baby lie on an adult’s shoulder and gently pat the baby’s back to help expel the inhaled air, reducing the frequency of hiccups.