Baby, New Born & Infants

Newborn and Baby Hiccups? Here’s What to Do – Causes, Remedies & When to Worry

Posted on by drdad_admin
Newborn and Baby Hiccups

Newborn hiccups are caused by a diaphragmatic contraction and a quick closure of the vocal cords. The sound of hiccups is caused by the rapid closing of the vocal cords. Since hiccups bother adults, you might assume they worry babies as well. Babies, on the other hand, are usually unaffected by them.

The hiccups are particularly common in babies under the age of one year. Newborns regularly hiccup in the womb before birth. Hiccups are not a reason for worry, as they usually cause no discomfort to a baby. Your baby’s hiccups will generally stop within 5 to 10 minutes, but if they don’t stop after a couple of hours, you should consult a doctor.

Various causes lead to Newborn Hiccups –

Baby overfeeding, eating too quickly, or swallowing a lot of air are the most common causes of newborn hiccups. Any of these factors can cause stomach distention. When the stomach expands, it presses against the diaphragm, causing it to spasm and thus leading to hiccups.

Infant hiccups, according to several renowned pediatricians, are mainly triggered by feeding (breast, formula, or other foods) or a change in temperature that causes the baby to become chilled.

Hiccups are more common in babies with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), as are spitting up, coughing, and irritability.

There are many ways to stop a newborn’s hiccups –

  1. Burp your newborn while they are eating. Babies may start hiccupping during feeding because their stomachs are irritated by excess gas. It can help to hold them up and gently tap their backs.
  2. Feeding should be done slowly. If your baby hiccups frequently during feedings, you may be feeding them too quickly. Slowing down may reduce your baby’s chances of getting hiccups.
  3. Only feed your infant while they are calm. For example, feed your infant before they become hungry and begin to cry. If your infant is agitated during a feeding, the milk or formula may not flow down smoothly, causing esophageal irritation.
  4. When you feed, make sure the nipple in your bottle is full of milk. Reduce the air in the nipple before feeding your infant if you’re using a bottle. The excess air might aggravate hiccupping.
  5. Change things around in your routine. For example, if your baby has a lot of hiccups, consider giving him smaller quantities at more regular intervals to keep him from swallowing as much air during each meal.
  6. Pacifier – Using a pacifier may relax the baby’s diaphragm and ultimately stop the hiccups.
  7. Herb water – If you are so tense about your baby’s hiccup, you can make them gripe water which includes lots of herbs. The herbs used in gripe water are ginger, fennel, chamomile, and cinnamon. It should be done under the guidance of your pediatrician.
  8. Rubbing your baby’s back may also help in stopping the hiccups. With this, you can also use rocking the baby back and forth, which can relax their spasm and stop the hiccups.

These are some ways to stop the hiccups of your baby.

But in the process to stop the hiccups don’t do any such thing in haste or worry which can prove harmful to the baby such as –

  • Touching or pulling their tongue
  • Making the baby jump
  • Trying to make them sip water upside down. (we heard people doing this stuff too – Never try)

Do not try these methods or any such home remedies on your baby. Above mentioned methods are written and proved in many types of research and studies.

This is pretty much all the information a parent needs on newborn hiccups. All parents should remember that hiccups are not a big thing to worry about, and occasional hiccups are not dangerous.

Every new parent experiences it—the sudden, rhythmic “hic-hic” coming from their baby’s chest. It’s cute, maybe even funny at first. But as it keeps happening, the concern starts creeping in.
Why is my baby getting hiccups so often? Should I be worried? Can I do something about it?

This in-depth guide on newborn and baby hiccups covers all your questions: causes, safe remedies, when to worry, and most importantly, what you can do right now.

1. What Are Baby Hiccups?

Hiccups are caused by sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm—the dome-shaped muscle that helps control breathing. When it contracts, the vocal cords close quickly, producing that “hic” sound. It’s a natural reflex found in humans from as early as 10 weeks gestation.

In babies, hiccups are extremely common and generally harmless.

2. Are Hiccups Normal in Newborns?

Yes, hiccups are completely normal in newborns and infants. In fact, many babies hiccup daily. Since your baby’s digestive system and diaphragm are still developing, hiccups are a common response to feeding, swallowing air, or even excitement.

Most babies don’t even notice their own hiccups and remain calm while it happens.

3. What Causes Hiccups in Babies?

Several factors contribute to hiccups in newborns and infants. The most common ones include:

  • Overfeeding – A full stomach can push against the diaphragm.

  • Swallowing air – Fast feeding or crying during feeding can cause babies to gulp air.

  • Feeding too quickly – This increases the chances of trapped air.

  • Cold temperature – Chilled milk or sudden environmental changes may trigger spasms.

  • Reflux (GER or GERD) – Sometimes, gastroesophageal reflux causes frequent hiccups.

4. How Long Do Baby Hiccups Last?

Baby hiccups usually last for 5 to 15 minutes and often stop on their own. However, if they persist beyond 30 minutes or interfere with feeding or sleep, it may need attention.

5. Are Baby Hiccups Dangerous?

No, most baby hiccups are not harmful. They are a normal physiological process and part of your baby’s development.

However, see your pediatrician if:

  • Your baby seems distressed by hiccups

  • Hiccups interrupt feeding or sleep regularly

  • Your baby is vomiting, coughing, or arching their back frequently

  • Hiccups persist well into toddlerhood

6. Effective Remedies to Stop Baby Hiccups

If you want to help your baby feel better or stop hiccups sooner, here are proven methods:

✅ Burp Your Baby Often

Burping during and after feeding helps release trapped air and reduce hiccup triggers.

✅ Offer a Pacifier

Sucking can relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccup reflex.

✅ Hold Baby Upright After Feeding

Keep your baby in an upright position for at least 20 minutes post feeding.

✅ Use Gripe Water (With Pediatrician Approval)

Some parents use gripe water as a natural remedy. Ask your doctor before using it.

✅ Rub the Back Gently

Calming physical contact can soothe hiccups. Avoid bouncing or active play.

7. How to Prevent Baby Hiccups

Prevention starts with good feeding habits and routines:

  • Feed your baby slowly

  • Avoid overfeeding

  • Burp regularly during and after feeding

  • Use proper latching during breastfeeding

  • Keep bottles tilted to reduce air intake

  • Let baby rest after meals – avoid active play

8. Hiccups While Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding

Feeding-related hiccups are very common and easily managed.

Breastfeeding:

  • Ensure deep and secure latch

  • Burp between switching breasts

  • Feed in a quiet, relaxed setting

Bottle Feeding:

  • Use anti-colic nipples or slow-flow nipples

  • Keep the nipple filled with milk to avoid air

  • Tilt bottle at an angle and burp midway

Visit other posts : click now.

9. When Are Baby Hiccups a Concern?

Although rare, persistent hiccups may indicate a deeper issue like reflux or even allergy to formula.

You should consult a pediatrician if:

  • Hiccups last more than 30 minutes regularly

  • They affect sleep or feeding

  • Your baby has frequent spit-up, back-arching, or irritability

  • Your baby doesn’t gain weight as expected

10. Hiccups During Sleep – Should You Wake Your Baby?

If your baby is peacefully sleeping while hiccupping, don’t wake them up. Hiccups usually don’t disturb babies and resolve on their own.

However, if hiccups wake them up or are paired with discomfort, try burping or repositioning.

11. Baby Hiccups vs. Reflux – Know the Difference

Hiccups by themselves are not a sign of illness. But if paired with:

  • Frequent vomiting or spit-up

  • Fussiness after meals

  • Poor weight gain

  • Coughing during feeding

…then Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) or GERD could be the reason. Discuss with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

12. Home Remedies That Parents Swear By (But Use Caution)

Some cultural remedies for baby hiccups include:

  • Sugar water (not recommended under 6 months)

  • Pulling the tongue (unsafe)

  • Startling the baby (never do this)

Stick with safe, doctor-approved remedies only.

13. Do Baby Hiccups Go Away with Age?

Yes! As your baby’s digestive and nervous systems mature, hiccups will decrease in frequency and eventually become rare. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccups by 6 to 12 months.

14. Final Tips for Parents

  • Don’t panic—hiccups are natural.

  • Track when and how hiccups occur to identify triggers.

  • Avoid experimenting with unproven remedies.

  • If in doubt, always talk to your pediatrician.

📌 Conclusion: Hiccups Are Harmless—Most of the Time

Newborn and baby hiccups are adorable and mostly harmless. They’re just another sign that your little one is growing and developing.

With a little attention to feeding techniques and soothing strategies, you can reduce hiccups and keep your baby comfortable.

🔗 Helpful Reads on DrDad.in

Reference :- Helathline.

drdad_admin