What Should I Do If My Newborn Has Hiccups? Having a newborn baby is one of the most exciting and joyous times in a parent’s life. With all of the new experiences and emotions, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. One of the most common and harmless issues your baby may experience is hiccups. While hiccups are usually not a cause for concern, it can still be worrisome for any parent. So, what should you do if your newborn has hiccups? The first step is to understand why babies get hiccups. Hiccups are caused by an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. This spasm can be caused by a variety of things, such as eating too quickly, drinking too much, or even excitement. In babies, hiccups are usually caused by a combination of these factors. Once you know why your baby is hiccuping, it’s time to take action. The most important thing to keep in mind is that hiccups are usually harmless and will go away on their own. However, if your baby seems uncomfortable or is having difficulty breathing, contact your pediatrician immediately. If your baby’s hiccups are not causing any distress, there are a few things you can do to help soothe them. One of the most popular and effective methods is to give your baby something sweet to drink, such as a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in a few drops of water. This will help relax the diaphragm and can stop the hiccups. You can also try gently rubbing your baby’s back or chest to help calm them. Another technique that can help is to feed your baby in a more upright position. This will help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows while feeding, which can help prevent hiccups. If your baby is bottle-fed, you can also try using a bottle with a slow-flow nipple. This will help your baby feed more slowly, which can help reduce the chances of them getting hiccups. If your baby is having trouble sleeping due to hiccups, you can also try swaddling them. Swaddling helps to keep your baby’s body warm and secure, which can help them relax and get a better night’s sleep. Finally, if your baby is experiencing hiccups frequently, it may be time to consult your pediatrician. While hiccups are usually harmless, they can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Your pediatrician can help determine the cause of your baby’s hiccups and suggest any necessary treatments. Hiccups can be a common and harmless issue for newborns. However, if your baby is having difficulty breathing or seems distressed, contact your pediatrician immediately. If your baby’s hiccups are not causing any distress, there are a few things you can do to help soothe them, such as giving them something sweet to drink, rubbing their back or chest, or swaddling them. If your baby is experiencing hiccups frequently, it may be time to consult your pediatrician. With the right care, your baby’s hiccups should soon be a thing of the past.