Introduction
If you’re a new parent, chances are you’ve spent countless moments marvelling at your little one’s every movement, sound, and expression. But when your newborn suddenly starts hiccupping—sometimes for what feels like minutes on end—you might find yourself worrying: Is this normal? Is my baby uncomfortable? Should I be doing something about it?
Rest assured: hiccups are a very common part of infancy, and in most cases, they are harmless. Let’s dive into what causes hiccups in newborns, whether you should be concerned, and how you can manage or prevent them.
What Are Hiccups, Really?
When the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle responsible for breathing, contracts without control, hiccups occur. This contraction causes a sudden intake of air, which then makes the vocal cords snap shut, producing the familiar hic sound.
In newborns, the diaphragm and nervous system are still developing. Because of this, they are more prone to frequent hiccups compared to older children or adults.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups So Often?
Several factors make hiccups a common occurrence in babies –
- Immature diaphragm control: A newborn’s diaphragm and nervous system are still learning how to coordinate. This makes involuntary contractions more frequent and less controlled.
- Feeding habits: Babies often swallow air while feeding, whether breastfed or bottle-fed. An overfilled tummy or swallowed air can push against the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.
- Rapid growth: Infants’ digestive and respiratory systems are developing at lightning speed. Sometimes, hiccups naturally occur as a result of this developmental phase.
- Temperature changes: Sudden changes in stomach temperature—like drinking cold milk after warm milk—may occasionally set off hiccups.
- Excitement or stimulation: Overstimulation, laughter, or even crying can sometimes bring on hiccups, though this is less common than feeding-related causes.
Are Hiccups Harmful to Newborns?
In most cases, hiccups are completely harmless. They don’t cause pain or distress to your baby, even if they look a little uncomfortable to you. In fact, some babies can sleep right through a hiccup episode!
That being said, it’s important to remember a few things –
- Normal hiccups: Last for a few minutes, may happen daily, and usually don’t bother your baby.
- When to be cautious: If hiccups are persistent, interfere with feeding or sleep, or are accompanied by vomiting, coughing, or signs of discomfort.
Persistent or unusually intense hiccups could occasionally indicate acid reflux (GERD) or other underlying issues. If you’re concerned, checking in with your pediatrician is always a good step.
Can Hiccups Be Prevented?
While you can’t prevent every hiccup, a few strategies may help reduce how often they occur –
- Feed in a calm setting: Minimize distractions so your baby feeds slowly and steadily, reducing the chance of gulping air.
- Burp frequently: Pause during feeding to burp your baby. This helps release trapped air and prevents it from pushing against the diaphragm.
- Right feeding position: Hold your baby in a semi-upright position during feeding. It minimizes air intake and aids in smoother digestion.
- Smaller, more frequent feeds: Overfeeding can trigger hiccups. Offering smaller amounts more often may help.
- Check bottle nipples: If bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple flow is appropriate. Too fast can cause gulping, while too slow can lead to excessive air swallowing.
When your baby does get hiccups, here are some gentle approaches to help them settle –
- Pause feeding: If hiccups start during a feed, take a short break and try burping your baby.
- Offer a pacifier: Sucking can help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups.
- Hold upright: Keeping your baby in an upright position for 20–30 minutes after feeding may help reduce hiccups.
- Gentle back rubs: Sometimes a soothing back rub helps your baby relax, easing diaphragm spasms.
Avoid old wives’ remedies like startling the baby, pulling on their tongue, or giving water to a newborn. These methods are ineffective and can be unsafe.
Hiccups Before Birth
Interestingly, hiccups aren’t just a post-birth phenomenon. Many mothers feel rhythmic, flutter-like movements during pregnancy—those are often fetal hiccups! They’re a normal part of development and can continue after birth as your baby’s systems adapt to the outside world.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician?
While hiccups are usually nothing to worry about, consider consulting your doctor if –
- Hiccups are very frequent (multiple times daily for long periods).
- They interfere with feeding or your baby seems distressed.
- They’re accompanied by vomiting, coughing, or breathing difficulties.
- You suspect your baby has acid reflux, especially if there’s frequent spitting up and irritability.
- Your pediatrician can check whether the hiccups are simply a normal part of development or if they’re linked to another condition.
The Bottom Line –
Hiccups in newborns may look alarming at first, but they are a normal, harmless part of infancy in most cases. They happen because your baby’s diaphragm and nervous system are still developing, and they usually fade with time.
With a few simple feeding and soothing techniques, you can minimize hiccups or help your baby through them. And if you ever feel unsure, reaching out to your pediatrician can give you peace of mind.
So, the next time your little one breaks into a chorus of hiccups, take a deep breath, smile, and remember—it’s just another tiny milestone in your baby’s amazing journey of growth and development.
References
- The Bump Editorial Team. (2024, January). Newborn baby hiccups: Causes, cures and prevention. The Bump. Retrieved from The Bump website
- Faley, K. (2024, May 29). Why do babies get hiccups? OSF HealthCare Blog. Retrieved from OSF HealthCare website