Hiccups is the term given to a muscle spasm that occurs in your diaphragm--the large muscle in your abdomen that controls breathing. Infants, like older children and adults, get the hiccups from time to time. Though you may feel distressed at seeing your baby's small body jerking with the hiccups, it's a normal occurrence. Adjusting your infant's feeding habits might help you stop his hiccups.
- Step 1
Change the position in which you feed your baby to help stop his hiccups. The University of Michigan Health Service explains that one of the causes of hiccups is eating or drinking quickly. Stopping a feeding to place your infant in a more upright position or on the other breast might help him slow down, leading to an end of the hiccups.
Burp your baby when he gets the hiccups. Swallowing too much air is another reason people of all ages get the hiccups. Because your infant is small, he depends on you to force out--albeit gently--the excess air.
Wait out an episode of the hiccups for up to 10 minutes, unless your infant becomes very upset with this plan and his hiccups continue for a prolonged period. In this case, trying to continue a feeding may calm your baby and modulate his breathing, which can ease the hiccups.
Consider giving your baby a home remedy for hiccups detailed at the website Ask Dr. Spock. Anecdotal evidence suggests that offering your infant--under your pediatrician's supervision--a bottle of sugar water may stop the hiccups. Mix 1/4 tsp. granulated water and 4 oz. water for a weak sugar-water solution
Tips and Warnings
Anticipate your baby's hunger and prepare to feed him before he gets overly hungry and agitated. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that infants are less likely to develop hiccups if they are relaxed and calm when the start eating.
Things You'll Need
Measuring spoon
Granulated sugar
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