How to relieve hiccups in babies after drinking milk

Jun 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My child is just one month old. Recently, he/she always hiccups after feeding. How can I relieve the hiccups that occur frequently after my baby finishes feeding?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
It is common for infants to experience hiccups after drinking milk. Parents can try the following methods to help relieve this: 1. **Abdominal massage**: Gently massage the infant's abdomen in a clockwise direction, focusing around the navel. This can help promote the release of intestinal gas and alleviate hiccups. 2. **Burping**: After feeding, hold the infant upright and gently pat or rub their back to help release swallowed air and reduce hiccups. 3. **Improve feeding practices**: Avoid giving the infant excessively cold milk. Control the amount of milk given during each feeding to prevent overfeeding. For breastfeeding mothers, maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of cold, raw, or irritating foods. 4. **Daily care considerations**: During feeding, ensure the infant is protected from exposure to cold drafts, which may worsen intestinal gas. If these measures do not provide relief and the hiccups persist, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying pathological causes.