As a new parent, I quickly learned that babies come with a whole host of surprises, one of which was the frequent hiccups that seemed to accompany my little one’s teething phase.
It left me wondering: do babies hiccup more when they’re teething?
After some research and personal experience, I’m ready to share what I’ve discovered about this curious connection.
Understanding Hiccups in Infants
Hiccups are a common occurrence in infants and can happen for various reasons. They occur due to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces that unmistakable “hic” sound. For infants, hiccups can be triggered by several factors to get rid of infants hiccups:
- Overfeeding: Babies often gulp down milk quickly, which can lead to swallowing air. This excess air can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups.
- Temperature Changes: Sudden shifts in temperature—like moving from a warm bottle to cooler air—can also trigger hiccups.
- Excitement or Crying: Just like adults, babies can get hiccups from being overly excited or crying too much.
The Teething Connection
Teething is a natural process where a baby’s teeth begin to emerge through the gums, often causing discomfort and irritability. While teething itself may not directly cause hiccups, it can undoubtedly influence feeding patterns and overall comfort levels.
When my baby started teething, I noticed that he was fussier than usual. He would sometimes refuse to eat or drink properly because of gum pain. This change in feeding habits often led him to gulp down his milk too quickly when he finally did eat, resulting in more frequent hiccups.
Why Might Teething Lead to More Hiccups?
- Discomfort Leading to Feeding Changes: As mentioned earlier, the pain from teething may cause babies to feed differently, either eating less or gulping down their food quickly when they do eat.
- Increased Crying: Teething can lead to more crying as babies express their discomfort. The act of crying can also contribute to swallowing air, which might result in more hiccups.
Tips for Parents
If you’re a parent dealing with a teething baby who seems to be hiccuping more frequently, here are some strategies that might help:
- Burp Regularly: Make sure you burp your baby during and after feeds to help release any trapped air. This simple step can significantly reduce the chances of hiccups.
- Smaller Feedings: Instead of large feedings that could lead to stomach overdistension, try offering smaller amounts more frequently.
- Soothing Techniques: Give your baby teething rings or cold washcloths to chew on. This can help alleviate gum pain and make feeding times more comfortable.
- Stay Calm: Babies pick up on their parents’ emotions. If you remain calm and relaxed during feeding times, your baby is likely to feel more comfortable, too.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
While hiccups are usually harmless and temporary, if your baby’s hiccups persist for an extended period or seem particularly distressing, it’s always wise to consult your pediatrician. They can rule out any underlying issues and provide guidance tailored specifically for your child.
Teething Directly Does not Cause Hiccup
Though teething does not cause hiccups in babies, it does affect their feeding habits and the position they find most comfortable, thereby contributing to those cute baby hiccups. The lack of knowledge about this relationship is particularly crucial for parents who experience apparent phenomena, such as teething and hiccups, during this period.
If you need more information about your baby’s health during teething or would like advice on gentle ways to calm your baby, come and check out our posts at Hicaway now! We have resources that are widely appropriate for parents like yourself.
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