Question
How should one handle a newborn’s persistent hiccups?
Answer
Newborn hiccups may be due to an underdeveloped gastrointestinal function, or because of eating too fast or swallowing too much air. Therefore, it is important to hold the baby upright during feeding. If the baby is being fed formula milk, make sure the nipple is filled with milk to prevent the intake of excessive air. After each feeding, gently hold the baby upright and pat their back for at least half an hour until you hear them hiccup, then gently put them down. Consider giving probiotics orally and gently massage the baby’s abdomen. Additionally, adopt a feeding method of small meals more frequently. As the baby grows, the frequency of hiccups will gradually improve.