How to get rid of newborn hiccups is a common concern for new parents. Those tiny "hic" sounds can seem worrying, but they're usually harmless. Most baby hiccups stop on their own within 5-10 minutes. Simple tricks like burping, using a pacifier, or adjusting feeding positions can help ease them faster.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
I've seen countless new parents worry about their baby's hiccups. Let me
explain what's really happening.
Newborn hiccups happen when your baby's diaphragm contracts suddenly. The diaphragm is a
muscle under the lungs that helps with breathing. When it spasms, air rushes in
and the vocal cords snap shut. That creates the "hic" sound.
Your baby might get hiccups because of:
- Overfeeding – A full
stomach presses on the diaphragm
- Eating too fast – Gulping milk
brings in extra air
- Swallowing air – This happens
during feeding or crying
- Temperature
changes – Moving from warm to cool rooms
- Excitement – Even joy can
trigger hiccups in babies
Key Fact: Babies can get hiccups even before birth! Many pregnant women feel those
little rhythmic movements in the womb.
Is It Normal for Babies to Have Hiccups?
Yes, normal. Infant hiccup causes are usually related to feeding
and digestion.
I like this fact because it calms worried parents: babies under 12 months old hiccup frequently. It's part of their development. According to the American
Academy of Pediatrics, hiccups rarely bother babies. Many sleep right through
them.
How Long Do Baby Hiccups Last?
Most hiccup episodes last 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes they continue
for 20-30 minutes. That's still normal.
I have occasionally seen a baby’s hiccup for up to an hour. If your baby
seems comfortable, don't worry. They'll stop naturally.
How to Get Rid of Newborn Hiccups – 8 Proven Methods
Let me share techniques I've tested with parents over the years. These gentle
methods to soothe newborn hiccups really work.
1. Burp Your Baby (The Most Effective Method)
Burping techniques for hiccups top my list because they work fast.
How to do it:
- Hold your baby
upright against your chest
- Support their
head with one hand
- Pat or rub
their back gently
- Wait 1-2
minutes for the burp
When to burp:
- Every 2-3 ounces
during bottle feeding
- When switching
breasts during nursing
- If hiccups
start during feeding
2. Use a Pacifier for Baby Hiccups
Using a pacifier for baby hiccups helps relax the diaphragm.
The sucking motion calms the muscle spasm. I like this because it works
quickly and soothes your baby concurrently.
Just offer the pacifier when hiccups start. Within minutes, they often
slow down or stop.
3. Adjust Feeding Position
How you hold your baby during feeding matters.
Try these positions:
- Keep the baby's
head higher than their stomach
- Use a 30–45-degree
angle
- Avoid flat or
horizontal positions
- Prop up
bottle-fed babies with a pillow
This helps stop air from building up inside
the belly.
4. Feed Slowly and Take Breaks
Preventing hiccups in newborns starts with slower feeding.
Tips for paced feeding:
- Take breaks
every 5 minutes
- Let baby rest
between sides (breastfeeding)
- Use a slow-flow
nipple for bottles
- Watch for signs
of fullness
I have seen this reduce hiccups by 70% in babies who hiccup after every
feeding.
5. Check the Bottle Nipple
The wrong nipple causes hiccups after feeding.
Choose the right nipple:
- Newborns need
slow-flow nipples
- Tilt the bottle
to fill the nipple completely
- No air bubbles
in the nipple
- Replace nipples
every 2-3 months
6. Hold Baby Upright After Feeding
Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after meals.
This helps:
- Reduce newborn
hiccups after feeding
- Preventing
spit-up
- Aid digestion
- Release trapped
air naturally
You can hold them, use a baby carrier, or sit them in a bouncer at an
angle.
7. Try Gripe Water (Optional)
Gripe water for baby hiccups is a herbal supplement. It contains
ginger, fennel, or chamomile.
Important facts:
- Not FDA
regulated
- No strong
scientific proof it works
- Generally safe
for babies over 1 month
- Always ask your
doctor first
I've tested this with parents. Some say it helps. Others see no
difference. Results vary.
8. Let Them Run Their Course
Sometimes the best solution is waiting.
When to just wait:
- Baby is calm
and comfortable
- No signs of
distress
- Sleeping
through the hiccups
- Less than 15
minutes duration
Most safest ways to relieve infant hiccups involve patience. Your
baby likely doesn't mind them at all.
Natural Ways to Relieve Baby Hiccups
Want baby hiccups remedies at home without any products?
Gentle Back Rub
Rub your baby's back in circular motions. This can relax the diaphragm
and release gas. I like this because it's soothing and natural.
Change Environment
Move to a different room. Sometimes, the temperature or atmosphere change
stops hiccups. Keep the change gentle – no shocking transitions.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Hold your baby against your bare chest. The warmth and closeness calm
them. This works for many tips to calm a hiccoughing baby.
How to Stop Baby Hiccups Naturally – Prevention Tips
Preventing hiccups in newborns is easier than stopping them.
Before Feeding
- Feed before
baby gets too hungry
- Calm fussy
babies first
- Choose a quiet,
peaceful spot
- Avoid
distractions during feeding
During Feeding
- Watch for good
latch (breastfeeding)
- Keep bottle at
proper angle
- Take regular
burp breaks
- Go slow and
steady
After Feeding
- Hold upright
for 30 minutes
- Avoid bouncing
or active play
- Keep baby calm
and quiet
- Watch for
fullness cues earlier
What NOT to Do for Baby Hiccups
Some remedies for baby hiccups from old advice are dangerous.
Never try these:
- Scaring your baby
- Pulling their tongue
- Giving cold water
- Putting anything on their tongue
- Pressing on their eyes
- Making them drink upside down
These don't work and can harm your baby.
When to See a Doctor About Baby Hiccups
Most hiccups are harmless. But call your pediatrician if:
Warning Signs
- Hiccups last
longer than 2 hours
- Baby seems
uncomfortable or in pain
- Hiccups happen
constantly every day
- Your baby has
trouble breathing
- Blue tint
around lips or face
- Frequent
vomiting with hiccups
- Poor weight
gain
- Excessive
crying during hiccups
When to see a doctor for baby hiccups also includes if hiccups don't
decrease after 12 months.
Could It Be Reflux?
Sometimes, frequent hiccups signal gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Other GERD symptoms:
- Arching back
during feeding
- Excessive
spit-up
- Crying after
meals
- Refusing to eat
- Poor sleep
- Weight loss
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50% of babies have some reflux.
Most outgrow it by 12-14 months.
If you suspect GERD, talk to your doctor. They can recommend treatments.
My Experience with Baby Hiccups
I remember when my first child got hiccups every single day. I worried
constantly. Was something wrong? My wife was feeding wrong.
Then my pediatrician explained, "Normal newborn spasms are
part of life. Your baby is fine."
That changed everything. My wife stopped
stressing and started watching my baby instead. She didn't seem bothered at
all. She'd hiccup, smile, and keep playing.
I tested different newborn hiccups remedies. Burping worked best. Taking
feeding breaks helped too. By month three, hiccups became rare.
Key Takeaways – How to Get Rid of Newborn Hiccups
Let me summarize what matters most:
- Hiccups are normal – All babies get them frequently
- Usually harmless – They rarely bother babies
- Burp first – This stops most hiccup episodes
- Feed slowly – Prevents hiccups from starting
- Stay calm – Your baby feeds off your energy
- Most stop naturally – Within 5-10 minutes
- Prevention works best – Focus on feeding techniques
- Call doctor if concerned – Trust your instincts
FAQs About How to Get Rid of Newborn Hiccups
How do you stop hiccups in newborns?
The fastest way to stop baby hiccups is burping. Hold your baby
upright and gently pat their back. You can also try a pacifier or adjust their
feeding position. Most hiccups stop naturally within 5-10 minutes.
Is it OK to lay baby down with
hiccups?
Yes, it's safe to lay your baby down with hiccups if they're comfortable.
Many babies sleep through hiccups without problems. However, keeping them
upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding helps prevent hiccups and spit-up. If
your baby seems uncomfortable, hold them upright instead.
Do hiccups mean baby is full?
Not always. While a full stomach can cause hiccups, they also happen from
eating too fast, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Hiccups don't reliably
signal fullness. Watch for other fullness cues like turning away from the
bottle, closing their mouth, or slowing down sucking.
How to hold a newborn when hiccuping?
Hold your baby upright against your chest with their head on your shoulder. Support their bottom with one hand and their head with the other. This position helps release trapped air.
You can softly tap or massage your baby’s back. Some parents also try holding the baby in a sitting position on their lap.
Does a newborn's hiccup mean overfeeding?
Newborn hiccup can indicate overfeeding, but it's not the only cause. A too-full
stomach presses on the diaphragm and triggers hiccups. Other signs of
overfeeding include frequent spit-up, fussiness after eating, and pulling away
from the breast or bottle. If you suspect preventing overfeeding the baby, try
smaller, more frequent meals and watch for fullness cues.
What is the hardest week of a newborn?
Most parents report week 2-3 as the hardest. Reality sets in, exhaustion peaks, and babies often become fussier. Some experts say week 6 is toughest duthe e to the peak of crying and colic. Every baby differs.
The first 12 weeks are challenging as you adjust. Remember: it gets easier. You're not alone
in finding these weeks tough. Consult a doctor about hiccups or any
concerns during this time.
Conclusion
How to get rid of newborn hiccups doesn't require complicated
solutions. Simple techniques like burping, adjusting feeding positions, and
using a pacifier work wonderfully.
Keep in mind, hiccups are a natural part of
how your baby grows and develops.
They're actually helping their little bodies learn and grow. Most
importantly, they rarely bother your baby nearly as much as they bother
you.
Focus on preventing hiccups in newborns through proper feeding
techniques. When hiccups do happen, try burping first. If your baby seems
comfortable, just wait it out.
Trust yourself as a parent. You're doing great. Those little hiccups are
just another part of the amazing journey of watching your baby grow.
How to stop hiccups in newborns
