Babies and Hiccuping
It is a well-known fact that babies tend to hiccup more frequently than adults, especially those who are under one year of age. Interestingly, even fetuses experience hiccups while still in the womb. One common trigger for baby hiccups is feeding, as infants often swallow air during this time. In an attempt to lessen the amount of air in their stomachs, the diaphragm spasms, resulting in hiccups. To help alleviate this discomfort, it is recommended that parents burp their babies between feedings. By doing so, the amount of hiccups experienced by the baby can be significantly reduced.
Animals and Hiccups
Just like humans, many animals experience hiccups due to their similar breathing systems. When cats and dogs eat too quickly, they are prone to getting hiccups. Interestingly, horses have a distinct and loud hiccup sound, while kittens tend to hiccup silently. Surprisingly, even squirrels, porcupines, and otters have been caught on camera experiencing hiccups.