Key Takeaways:
- Hiccups Are Common: Most episodes are a normal part of infancy and typically pass on their own without any treatment.
- Gentle Care Helps: Calm feeding habits, regular burping, and upright positioning can help address the most common hiccup triggers.
- Safety Comes First: Skip unsafe home remedies and contact your pediatrician if hiccups show up alongside concerning symptoms.
If you felt those rhythmic little jumps in your belly during pregnancy, you may already know your baby is no stranger to hiccups. Still, watching that tiny body bounce with every "hic" can make any mom want to step in and help. Learning how to get rid of newborn hiccups starts with a reassuring truth: they are common, usually harmless, and far more bothersome to us than to our babies.
Simple Wishes is a women-owned brand created by moms, for moms. We have been through the feeding marathons, the burping sessions, and the late-night worries ourselves, which is why everything we design, from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond, is meant to make the hard parts of those early months a little easier.
In this piece, we will go over why hiccups happen, gentle ways to help, what to avoid, and signs that it may be time to contact your pediatrician.
Understanding Newborn Hiccups
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, the muscle beneath the lungs that supports breathing, contracts involuntarily. Each contraction causes the vocal cords to close quickly, creating that familiar and surprisingly adorable sound.
For most babies, these episodes are a normal part of early development and tend to become less frequent as they grow. Your little one may seem completely unbothered while they happen, happily feeding, dozing, or gazing up at you. In many cases, treatment is not needed at all, and the kindest thing you can do is simply wait it out together.
Why Does My Newborn Have Hiccups?
Frequent hiccups can feel concerning, especially when you are still getting to know your baby's patterns, but they are a very common part of the early months. You may notice newborn hiccups after feeding more often if your baby drinks quickly, swallows extra air, or ends up with a very full tummy.
Crying, fussing, or getting excited can also cause your baby to gulp in air, which may set off an episode. Some babies even hiccup when they experience a sudden change in temperature, such as during a diaper change. Paying attention to when hiccups tend to appear can help you spot patterns and make simple adjustments to feeding and burping routines.
How To Stop Newborn Hiccups
There is no instant fix, but a few gentle approaches can address common triggers and keep your baby comfortable until the hiccups pass. Think of these as tools to try rather than rules to follow, since every baby responds a little differently.
Take A Burping Break
Pausing mid-feed to softly burp your baby can help release swallowed air before it builds up. Many moms find it helpful to burp when switching sides during nursing or every couple of ounces during a bottle feed. Our award-winning maternity nursing bras offer easy access, so pausing for a burp and settling back into a feed feels a little less like a juggling act.
Offer A Pacifier
If your baby already uses a pacifier, the soothing sucking sensation may help relax the diaphragm and settle an episode. Follow your little one's cues, and skip the pacifier if they are not interested. Ultimately, there is no need to introduce one just for hiccups.
Hold Your Baby Upright
After a feed, keep your baby upright against your chest for 10 to 20 minutes to help swallowed air come up naturally. This is a lovely excuse for extra cuddles, and our irresistibly soft nursing tops or our nursing jumpsuits keep you comfortable and covered while your little one snuggles in close.
Try Slower, Calmer Feedings
Offering smaller feeds more often may help prevent an overly full tummy and encourage your baby to eat at a relaxed pace. Starting a feed before your baby is very hungry can also help limit frantic gulping. If pumping is part of your plan, expressing milk ahead of time helps you stay prepared for more frequent feeds, and a nursing and pumping bra lets you move between breastfeeding and pumping without changing. For moms who like to fit pumping around walks, workouts, or a busy day, our lightweight pumping sports bras are designed for both nursing and pumping, with support made for movement.
What To Avoid When Your Baby Has Hiccups
Wanting to help your little one is completely natural, but gentle care is always the best approach while hiccups pass.
- Skip The Startle Tricks: Scaring or surprising your baby will not stop hiccups and may leave them feeling unsettled and harder to soothe.
- Avoid Giving Water: Your newborn gets the hydration they need from breast milk or infant formula, so there is no need to offer water for hiccups.
- Be Careful With Home Remedies: Sugar, gripe water, herbal preparations, and similar remedies are best left aside unless your pediatrician recommends something specifically for your baby.
When To Call Your Pediatrician
Most hiccup episodes do not require medical care, but it is worth contacting your pediatrician if they frequently interfere with feeding, sleep, or your baby's comfort. Check in as well if hiccups are unusually persistent or happen alongside frequent vomiting, arching during feeds, or ongoing fussiness, since your provider can help rule out other causes. Overall, you know your baby better than anyone, and trusting your instincts when something feels off is part of being the SuperMom you already are.
Final Thoughts
Hiccups are one of those small, surprising parts of the newborn stage that tend to worry us more than they bother our babies. Most episodes pass on their own, and tiny feeding adjustments, burping breaks, and upright cuddles can help when they show up often. Trust your baby's cues, keep things calm, and give yourself credit for noticing the little things. You are learning more about your baby every single day, and that is no small feat.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get Rid Of Newborn Hiccups
Can babies get hiccups while sleeping?
Yes, babies can hiccup while sleeping, and some stay asleep right through the episode.
Can newborns sleep safely with hiccups?
Yes, hiccups alone do not prevent a baby from sleeping when standard safe-sleep practices are followed.
How long do baby hiccups usually last?
An episode commonly lasts several minutes, although the duration can vary from baby to baby.
Do hiccups hurt newborns?
Hiccups generally do not hurt babies, even when the repeated sounds seem uncomfortable to parents.
Can newborns hiccup every day?
Yes, some newborns hiccup daily, particularly during the first few months of life.
Why did my baby hiccup so much before birth?
Babies can hiccup in the womb as their developing bodies practice the movements involved in breathing.
Do baby hiccups become less frequent with age?
Hiccups often become less frequent as babies grow and their digestive and nervous systems mature.
Can a baby hiccup while breastfeeding?
Yes, a baby can hiccup during breastfeeding and may be able to keep nursing comfortably.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
