Newborn Hiccups: Why They Happen and How to Stop Them

As a parent, seeing your newborn experience hiccups can be puzzling and sometimes concerning. At Valcourt Pediatrics, we understand how important it is for you to recognize and manage your child’s health symptoms. Newborn hiccups are common and usually harmless, but knowing why they happen and how to help can ease your worries.

What Causes Newborn Hiccups?

Newborn hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle located beneath the lungs, involuntarily contracts. This contraction is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic ‘hic’ sound. Several factors can trigger this reflex in infants:

Overfeeding or eating too quickly
Swallowing air while feeding
Changes in temperature, such as a sudden exposure to cold air
Excitement or stress

Why Does My Newborn Get Hiccups After Feeding?

Hiccups are especially common during or after feeding. When a newborn eats quickly or swallows air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the stomach can expand and trigger the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.

Hiccups after feeding do not necessarily mean your baby is full or that you have overfed them. If hiccups happen frequently during feeds, try slowing the feeding pace, taking breaks to burp your baby, and keeping your baby upright for a short time afterward.

How to Help Your Child with Hiccups

While hiccups are typically harmless, there are gentle methods parents can try to alleviate them. Here are a few tips:

Hold your child upright during and after feeding to minimize air swallowing.
Try to feed smaller amounts more frequently to prevent overfeeding.
Gently rub or pat your baby’s back to help release trapped air.
Offer a pacifier, which can help soothe and relax the diaphragm.

When to Be Concerned

In most cases, newborn hiccups are normal and resolve on their own. However, there are certain situations where you should seek medical attention. If your child’s hiccups are:

Unusually persistent or occurring so often that they interfere with feeding or your baby’s comfort
Accompanied by vomiting or difficulty breathing
Occurring frequently and disrupting your child’s sleep

It’s essential to consult with a pediatrician for further evaluation.

When to Seek Care

If you observe any of the following signs, please seek care:

Hiccups that are unusually persistent or seem to cause your baby significant discomfort
Accompanied by vomiting
Difficulty breathing during hiccups
Frequent disruptions in sleep

Get Help in Augusta

At Valcourt Pediatrics, we are dedicated to providing personalized care for your child, from infancy through adolescence. If you have concerns about your newborn’s hiccups or any other health issues, we are here to help.

Our team is committed to supporting your child’s development and well-being. Schedule a well-child visit today to discuss any health concerns.

Call Valcourt Pediatrics — (706) 955-4639
Contact us today

FAQ

Are newborn hiccups normal?

Yes, newborn hiccups are common and usually normal. They often occur due to the diaphragm’s involuntary contractions.

How can I stop my newborn’s hiccups?

You can try holding your baby upright during feedings, offering a pacifier, or gently patting their back to help relieve hiccups.

When should I worry about my baby’s hiccups?

If hiccups last for more than 3 hours, are accompanied by vomiting, or cause difficulty in breathing, you should seek medical attention.

Do newborn hiccups mean my baby is overfed?

Not necessarily. Hiccups can happen after feeding because a newborn may swallow air or because the stomach expands during a feeding. Frequent hiccups alone do not mean that your baby has been overfed.

Do hiccups mean my baby is full?

Hiccups alone are not a reliable sign that your baby is full. Watch your baby’s feeding cues, such as slowing or stopping sucking, turning away from the breast or bottle, or appearing relaxed and satisfied after feeding.