Question
What should parents do and how can they prevent hiccups in newborns after feeding?
Answer
Newborns should not lie down immediately after eating, as this may lead to hiccups due to the air inhaled during feeding not being expelled. It is recommended to hold the baby upright after feeding, with the baby leaning against the parent’s shoulder, gently patting the back for about half an hour before allowing the baby to lie down. This helps to expel the air in the body and reduce hiccups. Additionally, adopting a feeding method of small, frequent meals and paying attention to burping during feeding can also effectively prevent hiccups. If the baby has already started hiccuping, you can try giving a small amount of warm water to alleviate the symptoms.