Hiccups, Spit-Up and Reflux in Babies

Hiccups

• Common from birth and less frequent after about 6 months. They're spasms of the diaphragm, often set off by a full or gassy tummy or swallowed air, and usually stop within 5-10 minutes without bothering the baby.
• Helps: feed before the baby is frantic, burp midway and at the end, keep them upright 10-20 minutes after, check bottle nipple flow (too fast means gulping air) and tilt the bottle so milk fills the nipple. A pacifier can help them pass.
• Skip old remedies: no water, sugar, startling or pressing on the baby.

Spit-up

• Common from birth, often peaks around 4 months and is usually gone by 12 months. The valve at the top of a baby's stomach is loose. A content baby who is gaining weight is a "happy spitter" and usually needs no treatment.
• Helps: smaller, more frequent feeds with burping, upright time after feeds, no tight diapers or bouncing right after eating.
• Always sleep flat on the back. Raising the mattress or side sleeping is not recommended.

When to check in

Call the pediatrician the same day if you notice: - Forceful, projectile vomiting, especially between about 2 and 8 weeks (it can be pyloric stenosis, which needs treatment). - Green or yellow vomit, or blood in vomit or stool. - Poor weight gain, refusing feeds, arching and screaming with feeds, coughing or choking. - Fewer wet diapers or signs of dehydration.