Hiccups in Babies and Children: Remedies and When to Worry
Diaphragm spasms can actually help babies learn how to regulate their breathing, according to a study from University College London. However, beyond infancy, hiccups are just an annoying side effect that usually occurs when a child eats too quickly or swallows too much air.
Looking for ways to help your child get rid of the hiccups? Try one of these tricks, and sooner or later, you’ll thank us!
Specifically:
Holding Breath: Have your child take a deep breath and hold it for 15 to 30 seconds. Then, wait a minute and repeat if it doesn’t work the first time. Your child might feel dizzy, so make sure they’re sitting on the couch when doing this.
Swallowing Sugar: Place a teaspoon of sugar on your child’s tongue and let them swallow it—don’t feel guilty; it’s for a good cause!
Breathing into a Bag: Encourage your child to steady their breath by inhaling and exhaling slowly into a (paper) bag for about 10 to 15 times.
Drinking Water: Fill a glass of water and have your child drink it as quickly as possible. Make it a game for guaranteed results! This trick can also work with chamomile tea—just make sure it’s not hot.
A Quick Sneaky Move: Gently pinch and wiggle your child’s nose. This move often causes sneezing, which might stop the annoying hiccups.
When Are Hiccups in Children Concerning?
If the hiccups are very persistent, they can interfere with eating and sleeping, so it’s necessary to seek help from a pediatrician or a pediatric otolaryngologist.
