How to Treat Hiccups in Infants

Hiccups, the spasm of the diaphragm, can occur in any age group, whether infant, child or adult. The diaphragm muscle helps control breathing. When a spasm occurs, usually due to some gastrointestinal issue like indigestion or drinking too quickly, the vocal cords shut down for just a moment, causing the "hic" sound. Hiccups may annoy, but they're usually harmless to the sufferer. If you see that your baby is upset by frequent hiccups, however, try a series of techniques to alleviate her problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Burp your baby frequently as he eats. This may help prevent hiccups from developing after feeding, as it releases air that the baby may have gulped. Hold the baby against your shoulder and gently pat his back until you hear him belch.

• 2

  Check your feeding bottle. When you hold the full bottom upside down, the milk should emerge steadily, not just a few drips at a time. You may have a bottle that causes the baby to swallow too much air when she feeds. Experiment with various bottles and nipples to choose one that doesn't retain air.

• 3

  Feed small meals frequently. Both too much and too little food can cause hiccups. Let your baby stop eating when she's had enough; never-force feed. Allow her to eat as much as she would like at a time to prevent a too-empty stomach.

• 4

  Take your baby to his pediatrician if the hiccups become overly frequent and come along with pain, vomiting, irritability, refusing to eat or sudden crying. He may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, a complication of the natural back flow of the stomach contents into the mouth. Once recognized, this disease can be treated by thickening the cereal and through medication.