Newborn Hiccups: Why They Happen and How to Stop Them

If you are staring at your tiny newborn like, “How can someone so small have such loud hiccups,” you are in very good company. Newborn hiccups are incredibly common, usually harmless, and often more annoying for parents than for babies.

As a pediatric nurse and a mom of three, I have seen the full spectrum: the baby who hiccups after every feed, the baby who hiccups in the car seat every time, and the baby whose hiccups seem to start the second you finally sit down with hot coffee. Let’s talk about why it happens, what is normal, what is not, and what you can safely do about it.

Why newborns get hiccups

Hiccups are little, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle under the lungs that helps us breathe. When the diaphragm suddenly tightens, the opening between the vocal cords (the glottis) briefly closes, and you hear the classic “hic” sound.

In newborns, hiccups happen a lot. The exact trigger is not always obvious, but these factors can contribute:

• An immature diaphragm and nervous system: Newborns are still learning to coordinate breathing, swallowing, and digestion. That learning curve can show up as hiccups.
• Swallowing air during feeds: Whether breast or bottle, babies can take in extra air if the latch is shallow, the flow is fast, or they are very eager.
• A very full belly or fast feeding: A fast bottle flow, oversupply, or vigorous feeding can leave the stomach extra full, which may irritate the diaphragm.
• Temperature shifts or stimulation: A diaper change, a cool wipe, or excitement can sometimes set off hiccups. Babies have a flair for timing.

One reassuring note: hiccups are common even before birth. Many parents feel them in the third trimester, which is a good reminder that hiccups are a normal baby thing, not automatically a problem.

Are newborn hiccups normal?

Most of the time, yes. If your baby is otherwise acting like themselves, eating and peeing normally, and the hiccups pass on their own, you can file this under “weird newborn features.”

Usually normal when:

• They happen after feeds or when baby is sleepy
• They last a few minutes (even up to 10 to 15 minutes) and then stop
• Your baby is not distressed and can still feed or settle
• There is no forceful vomiting, breathing trouble, or color change

Many newborns will even sleep through hiccups. That is your sign you can exhale too.

Hiccups and reflux

Hiccups alone do not equal reflux. But in some babies, frequent hiccups can show up alongside other reflux symptoms.

More likely if hiccups come with:

• Frequent spit-up that seems painful (crying, arching, grimacing, refusing the breast or bottle)
• Feeding difficulties (pulling off repeatedly, choking or coughing often during feeds, very short feeds with lots of distress)
• Poor weight gain or fewer wet diapers than expected
• Persistent congestion or wheeze that your clinician suspects is reflux-related
• Blood in spit-up or stool

If your gut says, “This is not just hiccups,” trust that. You do not need to apologize for calling your pediatrician.

How to stop hiccups safely

First, the calm truth: you do not always have to stop them. Hiccups usually resolve on their own. But if they are frequent, disruptive, or paired with fussiness, these gentle options may help.

1) Burp during and after feeds

Burping can help release swallowed air that may be contributing to hiccups.

• Bottle-fed babies: Try burping every 1 to 2 ounces, especially in the first weeks.
• Breastfed babies: Burp when switching sides, or any time baby pops off repeatedly or gets squirmy.

Burp positions to try:

• Over-the-shoulder: Baby’s chin resting on your shoulder, gentle back pats or rubs.
• Seated burp: Sit baby on your lap, support chest and chin with your hand, then pat or rub their back.
• Tummy-down across your lap: Baby lying belly-down along your thighs, head turned to the side, with gentle pats.

2) Hold baby upright after feeds

Gravity can help. Holding your baby upright for about 15 to 30 minutes after feeds may reduce hiccups and spit-up in some babies.

Safe reminder: upright in your arms is great. Sleeping in a swing, bouncer, or car seat is not recommended for routine sleep because of airway safety and positional risks. If baby falls asleep, move them to their own safe sleep space: on their back, on a firm, flat surface, with no loose bedding.

3) Try paced bottle feeding

If bottle feeding, paced feeding can reduce gulping and extra air.

• Hold baby more upright (not flat on their back)
• Hold the bottle more horizontal so milk does not pour in too fast
• Let baby pause every few swallows
• If baby is wide-eyed and chugging, take a short break and burp

If your nipple flow is fast, consider a slower-flow nipple, especially for newborns.

4) Check latch and seal

Air sneaks in when the seal is not great.

• Breastfeeding: Aim for a deep latch with lips flanged outward. If nursing is painful beyond the initial latch or you hear lots of clicking, a lactation consultant can be incredibly helpful.
• Bottle feeding: Make sure the nipple is fully in the mouth with lips sealed around it, and that the bottle nipple is the right size and shape for your baby.

5) Pause, then resume if still hungry

Sometimes hiccups start when baby is feeding fast and getting overstimulated. A short pause can reset things.

• Pause the feed
• Hold baby upright
• Burp gently
• Resume if baby shows hunger cues (rooting, hands to mouth, eager sucking)

6) Comfort sucking

Non-nutritive sucking can help some babies relax and settle. If your baby wants it, you can try:

• A clean finger (nail trimmed, pad-side up)
• A pacifier, if you use one

If you are breastfeeding and establishing milk supply, many clinicians suggest waiting until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier (often around 3 to 4 weeks). Families vary, and the right timing is the one that supports feeding and sanity in your home. If you are unsure, talk with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

What not to do

These are common internet suggestions that are not safe for newborns:

• Do not give water, sugar water, or gripe water unless your pediatrician specifically recommends it. Newborns generally should not drink water. Many gripe waters are supplements and are not regulated like medications, so ingredients and dosing can vary.
• Do not startle your baby to “scare away” hiccups.
• Do not hold their breath or apply pressure to the soft spot.
• Do not use any medication for hiccups without medical guidance.

How to prevent hiccups

You cannot prevent every episode, but you can often reduce how often they happen with a few feeding tweaks:

• Feed before baby is frantic-hungry: A calmer baby often swallows less air.
• Try smaller, more frequent feeds: Helpful for babies who gulp and then hiccup.
• Burp more often: Especially during the early weeks.
• Watch bottle nipple flow: If milk drips quickly when you turn the bottle over, it may be too fast for a newborn.
• Avoid snug waistbands or tight diapers right after feeds since belly pressure can irritate the diaphragm.

FAQ: when do hiccups ease up?

Do newborns get hiccups every day?

Many do, especially in the first weeks. Daily hiccups can be normal if your baby is otherwise feeding well, comfortable, and growing.

When are hiccups most common?

Typically in the newborn period and early infancy, when breathing and digestion coordination are still maturing.

When do hiccups decrease?

In many babies, hiccups noticeably decrease by 2 to 3 months. For others, it is closer to 4 to 6 months. The general trend is less frequent and shorter episodes as your baby’s coordination improves.

My baby hiccups a long time. Is that normal?

Most episodes are short. If hiccups are regularly lasting more than 30 to 60 minutes, happening extremely often, or interfering with feeding or sleep, it is reasonable to check in with your pediatrician. It is often still benign, but you deserve reassurance and a quick assessment.

My 6-month-old still hiccups. Is that normal?

It can be. Occasional hiccups at 6 months (or older) are normal in kids and adults too. If hiccups are frequent and paired with feeding refusal, signs of pain, chronic cough, or poor growth, check in with your pediatrician.

Can hiccups hurt my baby?

Hiccups are usually not painful. Some babies get annoyed by them, but most are unbothered. If your baby cries hard during hiccups every time, consider whether reflux, fast flow, or trapped air might be contributing.

Quick checklist

If your newborn gets hiccups and you want a simple plan, start here:

• Pause the feed
• Hold baby upright
• Burp gently for a minute or two
• Resume with slower, paced feeding
• Keep baby upright after the feed

And if the hiccups keep going while your baby is calm? You can absolutely choose to do nothing and just enjoy the tiny “hic” soundtrack of early parenthood.

When to get medical help

Reach out to your pediatrician if:

• Hiccups are frequent and your baby seems uncomfortable or feeds poorly
• There is significant spit-up with crying, back-arching, or refusal to eat
• You notice poor weight gain or fewer wet diapers
• Hiccups regularly last longer than 30 to 60 minutes
• You are seeing signs that worry you, even if you cannot quite name them

Get urgent care now if your baby:

• Has trouble breathing, pauses in breathing, or turns blue, gray, or very pale
• Has repeated projectile vomiting (especially if baby seems dehydrated)
• Is unusually lethargic, difficult to wake, or not acting like themselves
• Has a fever and is under 3 months old. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is typically considered a medical urgency. Follow your clinician’s guidance or seek immediate medical advice.

You are not overreacting. You are learning your baby. That is the job.