what causes hiccups in newborns

Newborns often experience hiccups, which are caused by the diaphragm muscle at the base of the lungs becoming irritated and subsequently spasming or cramping. This causes the vocal cords to close, resulting in the characteristic "hic!" sound. Hiccups in newborns can be triggered by various factors such as overfeeding, eating too quickly, swallowing air, or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) . It is common for newborns to experience hiccups, and they are usually not a cause for concern. However, if hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms of GERD, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance. Strategies to help prevent or alleviate hiccups in newborns include burping the baby during feeding, slowing down feeding, and keeping the baby upright during or after feeding. Hiccups are a normal occurrence in infants and are generally not harmful.