Newborn Hiccups: Why They Happen and When to Worry
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Hiccups are extremely common in newborns and usually completely normal.
They often occur during or after feeding and generally stop on their own without treatment.
- Frequent hiccups are normal in newborns.
- They often occur around feedings.
- Hiccups usually bother parents more than babies.
- Burping and slowing a feeding may help.
- Adult hiccup remedies should not be used on newborns.
Why Do Newborns Hiccup So Much?
A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm contracts involuntarily and the vocal cords close quickly, producing the familiar “hic” sound.
Newborns can hiccup frequently. Many babies even hiccup before birth.
Hiccups can look uncomfortable, but most newborns are completely unfazed by them.
If your baby is comfortable, breathing normally, feeding well, and growing normally, the hiccups themselves usually require no treatment.
Why Do Hiccups Happen After Feeding?
A full stomach or swallowed air can stimulate the diaphragm.
Babies may swallow extra air when they feed quickly, cry during a feeding, or become extremely hungry before feeding.
What Can I Do?
- Pause and burp your baby.
- Allow a few minutes for your baby to settle.
- Feed before your baby becomes extremely hungry.
- If bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple flow is appropriate.
- Keep your baby upright briefly after feeding while awake and supervised.
Most importantly, simply give the hiccups time to pass.
Should I Give My Newborn Water?
No—not routinely.
Do not give a newborn water simply to treat hiccups unless your baby's healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
Should I Try to Scare My Baby?
No. Adult tricks such as startling, breath-holding, or rapid drinking are not appropriate for newborns.
Are Hiccups a Sign of Reflux?
Hiccups can occur in babies who also spit up, but hiccups alone do not mean your baby has reflux disease.
What matters more is whether your baby feeds comfortably, gains weight appropriately, and has no concerning breathing or feeding symptoms.
Call if hiccups occur along with:
- Repeated coughing or choking during feeds
- Difficulty feeding
- Frequent forceful vomiting
- Significant pain or distress with feeds
- Poor weight gain
- A meaningful change in your newborn's usual behavior
- Your newborn has difficulty breathing.
- Your baby's lips or skin appear blue, gray, or unusually pale.
- Your baby becomes weak or difficult to wake.
- Your baby suddenly feeds poorly or refuses feeds.
- Your baby repeatedly vomits forcefully.
- Your newborn has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are daily hiccups normal?
Yes. Some healthy newborns hiccup several times a day.
Do hiccups hurt babies?
Usually not. Most newborns remain comfortable even when hiccups look dramatic to adults.
Can my baby sleep with hiccups?
Yes. If your baby is otherwise comfortable and sleeping safely on their back, hiccups do not require waking the baby.
If your baby is comfortable, feeding normally, and growing well, you usually don't need to fix the hiccups—just let them pass.
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your baby's pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional. Every baby and clinical situation is different. If you are concerned about your baby's health, contact your pediatrician or seek appropriate medical care. If you believe your baby may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical attention immediately.