Baby Hiccups: The Causes and How to Stop Them

When you first hear your baby hiccup, it can be an adorable sound. But, you might also wonder if it is normal. Any new sound from a baby usually drives moms into research mode. In this article we will look at what causes this cute little sound and how to get rid of baby hiccups if needed.  

 Why Do Babies Hiccup?

Most of the time, baby hiccups are nothing to worry about. Hiccups are both common and normal in infants and your baby may spend up to 2.5% of his time hiccupping! While you might be wondering how to cure baby hiccups, your baby is experiencing a contraction of the diaphragm. Hiccups are a reflex similar to a sneeze. What you hear is the vocal cords quickly closing and making a small, sometimes adorable, sound.  

Most frequently, newborn hiccups come on during or after a feeding. This could be from the baby getting too much milk for his tiny belly or taking in the milk too quickly. During a feed, your baby may take in air causing the digestive tract to produce the hiccup. These hiccups can happen once a week or multiple times a day. There is no guideline for the frequency of your baby’s hiccups. Sometimes they last for just a minute, or they can last for a few minutes. 

Baby Hiccups Related to Reflux 

In some cases, hiccups could be related to reflux. Reflux in infants is when stomach acids and the partially digested milk move back up through the esophagus. This can cause discomfort in the newborn. If your baby is experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, you will also notice frequent crying during or after feedings, an arched back, and/or excessive spit-up.  Your pediatrician can help you to decipher whether or not your baby is struggling with reflux.  

How to Stop Newborn Hiccups 

If your baby does not seem to be in pain, you generally do not need to be concerned about your baby’s hiccups. You can enjoy the cute sound and let them go away on their own. If you want to figure out how to get rid of infant hiccups, there are a few things you can try. 

Check the Latch/Seal of Baby’s Mouth 

Most hiccups are related to feeding times so to stop baby hiccups, think about the amount of milk or formula your baby is taking in and when the baby may be sucking in extra air. For breastfed babies, check the seal of the latch to see if the baby has a full mouth of the breast or if there is air coming around the latch. For bottle-fed babies, you can hold the bottle in a way that allows for fewer air pockets. There are also bottles created specifically to reduce the excess airflow. Experiment with bottle types and shapes to find what works best for you and your baby. 
 

Burp Your Baby 

No matter how you feed your baby, burping can be an important part of how to get rid of baby hiccups. This includes stopping to burb your baby mid-way through a feeding. You also want to help your baby stay upright for a few minutes after feeding to allow time for digestion.  

Give Your Baby a Pacifier 

The use of a pacifier can help your baby’s diaphragm to relax and get rid of infant hiccups. This method is most helpful when your baby gets hiccups not related to feeding times.  

Give Your Baby Gripe Water 

Gripe water is a popular treatment for hiccups, reflux, teething, and gas in newborns. This is an over-the-counter supplement made with herbs. Providers and parents have mixed opinions about the effectiveness of gripe water. The American Family Physician discusses gripe water as a possible treatment for baby digestive distress but notes to avoid types made in the US with sugar and/or alcohol added.  

Try an Infant Massage

You can use an infant massage to help promote digestion for your baby. Infant massages are great for many things including comfort, sleep, and bonding. An infant massage on the tummy and/or back can help promote digestion for your infant and can be a way to help stop infant hiccups.  

Hiccup Tips NOT to Use to Stop Infant Hiccups

There are many tips and home remedies suggested for how to stop hiccups, but many of the suggestions meant for adults are not suited for your baby.  

Do not give your baby water. It is not recommended that infants have water until around 6 months of age.  

Do not try to scare your baby.  

Avoid using any objects like a paper bag, ice cube, peanut butter, or other home remedies given to adults to stop hiccups.  
 
When asking yourself how to make baby hiccups go away, ask whether the hiccups are causing any problems. Hiccups are common and reflexive. If it is not bothering your baby and is not causing any other problems for you, enjoy the cute little sounds. If the hiccups are happening for a length or frequency that is worrisome to you, consult your pediatrician. You can record a video of your baby’s hiccups to share with the pediatrician.