This is probably one of the most common questions I get from parents. There is hardly a day when I visit a family and someone does not ask, “Why does my baby keep hiccupping?” It does not matter if their baby is a few days or a few weeks old; hiccups are something every parent notices and often worries about.
The reassuring truth is that hiccups are almost always completely normal. Babies even start hiccupping before they are born, and it is one of those little quirks that can look alarming but is actually harmless. Understanding what causes hiccups and when or if you need to intervene can make those moments far less stressful.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups
Hiccups happen when a small muscle beneath the lungs, known as the diaphragm, tightens suddenly. This quick movement causes air to rush in, producing the familiar sound.
In newborns, the digestive and breathing systems are still developing, so these spasms occur more frequently than in older children or adults.
Common reasons include:
- Feeding too quickly or taking in too much milk
- Swallowing air during feeding or crying
- A sudden change in temperature
- No clear reason at all
In most cases, it is simply part of your baby’s normal development.
Hiccups Before Birth
Many parents are surprised to learn that babies hiccup long before they are born. During pregnancy, those gentle, repetitive movements you may have felt in your bump were often your baby practising this reflex. These early hiccups are thought to help strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, preparing your baby for life outside the womb.
After birth, hiccups remain a normal reflex and are particularly common during the first few months of life.
Do You Need to Stop Baby Hiccups
In most cases, you do not need to do anything. Hiccups rarely bother babies and usually resolve within a few minutes.
If you would like to help your baby settle, you can try a few gentle steps:
- Pause feeding and offer a gentle burp (this does not stop hiccups once they start, but it helps slow the feeding pace and can reduce the chance of hiccups occurring)
- Hold your baby upright for a few minutes after feeding
- Offer a dummy, as sucking can help relax the diaphragm (if you using a dummy already)
- Keep feeding calm, slow, and unhurried
Avoid giving water or trying home remedies. Hiccups will usually stop on their own without any intervention.
When to Seek Advice
Hiccups are almost always harmless, but it is worth speaking with your midwife, health visitor, or GP if:
- Hiccups occur after every feed and seem to cause distress
- Your baby vomits frequently or appears uncomfortable during or after feeding
- Hiccups interfere with sleep or feeding
In these situations, your healthcare professional can assess whether there might be another underlying reason, such as feeding position or mild reflux.
Viv’s Thoughts
Hiccups in newborns are a normal, healthy reflex and not something to be worried about. They show that your baby’s body is developing and learning to coordinate feeding and breathing.
If you are ever unsure or feel anxious about anything your baby is doing, it is always better to ask for reassurance. My online newborn care courses, WhatsApp parenting group, and maternity nurse services are here to guide you with practical, compassionate support through every stage of early parenthood.