Why Does My Baby Get Hiccups So Often?
Quick Answer: Yes, frequent hiccups in babies are absolutely normal - and nothing to worry about! Babies can even hiccup in the womb. Hiccups usually stop on their own within a few minutes and rarely bother babies as much as they bother us. If your baby is feeding well and seems comfortable, those adorable “hic” sounds are just a normal part of baby life!
Why Do Babies Get Hiccups?
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm (the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing) suddenly contracts, causing a quick intake of air. The vocal cords snap shut, creating that familiar “hic” sound.
Common Causes of Baby Hiccups
| Cause | Why It Happens | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Swallowing air while feeding | Baby gulps air along with milk | Proper latch, paced feeding |
| Overfeeding | Full stomach pushes on diaphragm | Smaller, more frequent feeds |
| Eating too fast | Rapid swallowing traps air | Burp breaks during feeding |
| Temperature changes | Sudden cold air | Keep baby warm |
| Excitement or crying | Irregular breathing patterns | Calm environment |
| Gastric reflux | Stomach acid irritates diaphragm | Upright position after feeds |
Fun fact: Babies start hiccuping in the womb as early as 6 weeks gestation! By 21 weeks, pregnant mothers can often feel these tiny hiccups. So your newborn has actually been practicing hiccups for months!
How to Prevent Baby Hiccups
Before and During Feeding
1. Feed Before Baby Gets Too Hungry
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Watch for early hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands)
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Very hungry babies gulp and swallow more air
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A calm baby feeds more smoothly 2. Ensure Proper Latch (Stanpan Mein Sahi Latch)
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Baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola, not just nipple
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Lips should be flanged outward
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No clicking sounds during feeding
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If bottle-feeding, nipple should be filled with milk, not air 3. Keep Baby at Correct Angle
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Head should be slightly higher than tummy
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45-degree angle is ideal for bottle feeding
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This helps milk flow down and air rise up 4. Use Right Nipple Flow (For Bottle-Fed Babies)
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Slow-flow nipples for newborns
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If milk drips rapidly when bottle is inverted, flow is too fast
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Baby shouldn’t be gulping or choking
Burping Tips (Dakar Dilwane Ka Tarika)
Burp during feed breaks:
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Breastfed babies: Burp when switching breasts
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Bottle-fed babies: Burp every 60-90ml
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After feeding: Hold upright and burp Effective burping positions:
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Over shoulder: Baby’s tummy against your shoulder, pat back
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Sitting up: Support baby’s chin, lean slightly forward, pat back
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Face down on lap: Baby lying on your thighs, head slightly higher
How to Stop Baby Hiccups
Safe Home Remedies
1. Take a Feeding Break
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If hiccups start during feeding, pause
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Let baby calm down
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Resume when hiccups stop 2. Burp Your Baby
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Trapped air may be causing hiccups
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Gentle patting on back
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Keep baby upright for 15-20 minutes after feeds 3. Offer the Breast or Pacifier
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Sucking motion can relax the diaphragm
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Don’t force if baby isn’t interested 4. Wait It Out
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Most hiccups stop on their own in 5-10 minutes
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Babies are rarely bothered by hiccups
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Your anxiety is probably more than baby’s discomfort! 5. Gentle Rocking
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Soothing movements can help
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Keep baby upright while rocking
What NOT to Do
Never try these common “adult” hiccup cures on babies:
- Startling or scaring the baby
- Pressing on the soft spot (fontanelle)
- Pressing on the eyes
- Pulling the tongue
- Holding baby upside down
- Giving water to newborns (under 6 months)
- Giving gripe water without doctor’s advice These methods don’t work and can be dangerous for babies!
When to Worry About Hiccups
Normal Hiccups (No Worry)
Your baby’s hiccups are normal if:
- They stop within 5-10 minutes
- Baby seems comfortable and unbothered
- Baby can still feed well
- No other symptoms present
- Baby is gaining weight normally
When to Consult Doctor
See your pediatrician if hiccups are:
- Very frequent - Happening many times daily for weeks
- Lasting very long - More than 20-30 minutes regularly
- Interfering with feeding - Baby can’t feed due to hiccups
- Accompanied by:
- Excessive spitting up or vomiting
- Arching back during/after feeds
- Crying during feeds
- Poor weight gain
- Breathing difficulties
- Unusual fussiness These could indicate gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) that needs treatment.
Hiccups and Reflux: What’s the Connection?
Some babies with frequent hiccups may have reflux, where stomach contents come back up.
Signs of reflux:
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Frequent spitting up
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Arching back during feeds
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Crying during or after feeds
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Poor weight gain
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Seeming uncomfortable lying flat If you suspect reflux:
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Keep baby upright 20-30 minutes after feeds
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Smaller, more frequent feeds
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Burp frequently
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Consult pediatrician - medication may help
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My newborn gets hiccups after every feed. Is this normal?
A: Yes, very normal! Newborns have immature digestive systems and frequently hiccup after feeding. This usually decreases as baby grows. Focus on good burping technique and proper latch.
Q: Can I breastfeed my baby during hiccups?
A: Yes! Breastfeeding can actually help stop hiccups. The sucking motion relaxes the diaphragm. If baby is willing to feed, go ahead.
Q: Should I give gripe water for hiccups?
A: Gripe water is not recommended by most pediatricians in India. It’s not proven to stop hiccups and some products may contain harmful ingredients. If you want to try, consult your doctor first.
Q: My baby had hiccups in the womb. Will they continue after birth?
A: Many babies who hiccuped frequently in the womb do continue to hiccup after birth, but this is completely normal and usually decreases with age.
Q: At what age do hiccups become less frequent?
A: Most babies outgrow frequent hiccups by 6-12 months as their digestive system matures. You’ll notice them happening less often as your baby grows.
Q: Do hiccups hurt my baby?
A: No! Hiccups don’t cause pain or discomfort to babies. Adults find hiccups more annoying than babies do. If your baby seems happy between “hics,” they’re fine!
Key Takeaways
- Hiccups are completely normal - Even before birth!
- They rarely bother babies - Your worry is bigger than their discomfort
- Prevention is key - Proper feeding technique and burping help
- Most stop on their own - Wait 5-10 minutes
- See a doctor if concerned - Especially if affecting feeding or accompanied by other symptoms
This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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