Causes of Hiccups in Infants

Baby hiccups occur as a part of normal development in babies under one year of age. As a parent, you shouldn't become concerned unless the hiccups interfere with your baby's sleeping or eating patterns, according to the website Baby Center. Hiccups are probably more disturbing to you than they are to your child, and there's usually no need to take action because they will go away on their own, according to the website KidsGrowth.

Air Intake

When babies suck on a bottle or breastfeed, they can take in air, which can result in hiccups. To avoid unnecessary air intake when bottle-feeding, tilt the bottle at a 45-degree angle. If breastfeeding, make sure your infant's mouth is correctly latched on. Continue to feed your infant if he begins hiccuping during feeding. There's no risk of choking, according to KidsGrowth, because the epiglottis covers the opening to the lungs when the hiccup occurs.

What Mom Eats

If you breastfeed your baby, sometimes the foods or beverages that you eat can affect her. Dr. Sears recommends avoiding cow milk products to see if that makes a difference. If not, other foods that may be causing the problem include wheat, chocolate, citrus fruits, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, soy products and caffeine.

Disease

Gastroesophageal disease, also known as GERD, occurs when acid from the stomach travels upward into the esophagus. GERD can result in baby hiccups. If your child's hiccups are accompanied by spitting or throwing up or your child is extremely irritable, contact her doctor. Your child's pediatrician will be able to determine whether or not your child has the disease.

Rare Causes

Other things that can cause hiccups, but are rare, include medication side effects or overdoses, infections and multiple sclerosis. Monitor your child after giving medication. If hiccups occur, contact the doctor. In addition, if your infant experiences hiccups that make him irritable, or they last several hours, contact his pediatrician.

Excessive Eating

If your baby ingests too much food or milk during a feeding, her stomach can become quite full and press up on her diaphragm. In return, the diaphragm begins to spasm and results in hiccups, according to the website Parents.