Hiccups might sound cute coming from your little one, but when they just won’t stop, parents often ask the same question: “Are baby hiccups dangerous? How to get rid of them?”
The truth is, hiccups are incredibly common in babies, especially in the first year of life. In most cases, they’re completely harmless.
Still, understanding why hiccups happen and learning safe ways to help your little one can bring much-needed peace of mind.
✨ Because let’s be honest, when your baby’s hiccups keep coming back, your heart says “aww” but your mind says “how do I fix this?”
What Causes Hiccups in Newborns?
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm dome-shaped muscle just below the lungs-contracts involuntarily. When this spasm happens, the vocal cords close quickly, producing the familiar “hic” sound.
For babies, this process is even more common because:
- Their digestive systems are still developing- A newborn’s stomach and diaphragm are immature, which means they’re more sensitive to changes in feeding, air intake, or even position.
- They swallow air easily- Babies often gulp air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, especially if they feed quickly or if the bottle nipple isn’t the right size. When too much air collects in a baby’s stomach, it presses on the diaphragm, which may trigger hiccups.
- Overfeeding is common- Because babies have tiny tummies, even a little extra milk can stretch the stomach and irritate the diaphragm. This is why hiccups often appear right after a feeding.
- Temperature changes may also trigger hiccups- A quick switch from warm milk to something cooler or even a sudden drop in room temperature can upset your baby’s stomach and irritate the diaphragm, leading to spasms.
- Reflux can sometimes be a factor, too- In some infants, GERD causes stomach contents to rise into the esophagus, leading to irritation. This irritation often causes repeated hiccups and may be accompanied by spit-up, fussiness, or back-arching during or after feeds.
💡 Fun fact: Babies can hiccup even before they’re born! Many moms-to-be feel that little “rhythmic dance” in the womb, it’s their baby practicing hiccups.
Check out 7 amazing facts about newborn babies that will surprise you.
Why Do Babies Get Hiccups More Than Adults?
You’ve probably noticed that adults hiccup occasionally, but babies seem to hiccup all the time. Here’s why:
- Immature diaphragm control- Babies’ nervous systems are still learning to regulate muscle contractions. Until those pathways mature, hiccups are more frequent.
- Frequent feeding- Adults don’t eat every 2–3 hours like infants do. Since feeding is the main hiccup trigger, babies naturally hiccup more.
- Tiny stomach size- With such small stomachs, even small amounts of swallowed air or extra milk can cause irritation.
- Developmental reflex- Some researchers believe hiccups might actually help babies strengthen their breathing muscles and regulate their reflexes.
In short, babies get hiccups more often simply because their bodies are still practicing and adjusting to life outside the womb.
Dads-to-be, check your go-to guide: baby care tips for new dads.
How to Stop Baby Hiccups?
Baby hiccups are usually short-lived and don’t cause pain. Still, if your baby seems uncomfortable or the hiccups last a long time, you can try these safe remedies:
1. Burp During and After Feeding
Instead of waiting until the end of a feeding, try pausing halfway through to burp your baby. This helps release swallowed air before it builds up.
- Breastfeeding tip: Burp when switching sides.
- Bottle-feeding tip: Burp every 2–3 ounces.
2. Try a Pacifier
The simple act of sucking can naturally calm your baby’s diaphragm and ease hiccups. Many parents find that offering a pacifier is a quick, gentle way to help the “hiccups” fade away.
3. Keep Baby Upright
Instead of laying your little one flat after a feed, hold them upright against your chest or shoulder. This position allows milk to settle comfortably and takes the pressure off the diaphragm, making hiccups less likely.
4. Change Baby’s Position
Sometimes, simply sitting your baby upright on your lap or gently rocking them can relieve diaphragm spasms.
5. Soothe and Distract
Hiccups often fade on their own. Singing softly, patting your baby’s back, or offering skin-to-skin contact can help them relax until the hiccups stop naturally.
6. Let Them Run Their Course
If your baby isn’t upset, hiccups don’t need to be “treated.” Unlike adults who may find hiccups annoying, most babies aren’t bothered at all.
✨ Remember, sometimes the best cure is patience—the hiccups will pass before you know it.
What Not to Do
Old home remedies like startling the baby, pulling on the tongue, or giving water to newborns are unsafe and should never be tried. Babies under 6 months should only drink breastmilk or formula, unless advised otherwise by a pediatrician.
🚫 Skip the myths—stick to the safe tricks that work.
Preventing Baby Hiccups
While you can’t prevent hiccups completely (and you don’t need to), a few smart feeding and soothing habits may reduce how often they happen:
- Feed smaller amounts, more frequent feeds– This helps prevent your baby’s tiny tummy from becoming too full.
- Use the right nipple size- A too-fast nipple can cause gulping; a too-slow nipple may make the baby swallow extra air.
- Keep the baby upright after meals- Holding your baby upright for 20–30 minutes helps digestion and reduces hiccup triggers.
- Make sure of a good latch- A proper breastfeeding latch minimizes swallowed air.
- Avoid feeding when the baby is very upset- Calm them first with cuddling or gentle rocking, so they swallow less air.
When Should You Worry About Hiccups?
Most hiccups are harmless, but occasionally they can point to an underlying issue. Call your pediatrician if:
- Hiccups are very frequent or last a long time (over 15 minutes regularly).
- Your baby seems fussy, in pain, or vomits often along with hiccups.
- Hiccups interfere with feeding or sleeping.
- Other symptoms appear, like coughing, poor weight gain, or unusual breathing sounds.
These could signal reflux or another digestive concern, and your pediatrician can guide you on the next steps.
💡 Trust your mom instincts—if something feels off, it’s always okay to ask your doctor.
How Can You Make Parenting Smoother and Babies Happier?
From newborn sleep struggles to baby hiccups, from soothing fussy nights to introducing solid foods and celebrating first milestones-here you’ll find simple, trusted advice designed to make parenting smoother, less stressful, and far more joyful.
Because motherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding small wins that bring big smiles.
Baby Care Tips by Pregnancy Magazine are written with parents in mind: easy to follow, backed by experts, and filled with real-life solutions that actually work. Because every baby deserves a healthy start, and every parent deserves the confidence to enjoy the journey.
Final Thoughts
Baby hiccups are a natural part of early life, often starting before birth and continuing into infancy. While they can make parents anxious, hiccups are rarely a sign of trouble.
With simple steps like burping during feeds, offering a pacifier, and keeping your baby upright, you can reduce both the frequency and intensity.
So next time those little “hic-hic-hics” start, remember, they’re just another sweet (and sometimes funny) milestone on your baby’s journey.
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