Question
My newborn has been crying and is very unstable in mood since the morning. How can I handle the constant hiccups?
Answer
Hiccup, also known as belching, is caused by spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm due to stimulation. Most cases of hiccups in newborns are not related to gastrointestinal diseases, but may be caused by the baby eating too fast, leading to an accumulation of too much air in the stomach. Since the baby’s lips are more sensitive, similar to the soles of their feet, you can try gently touching the baby’s ears and lips with your fingertips. The purpose is to use slight itching to relax the nerves, thereby alleviating the symptoms of hiccups.