How to Help Your Baby When Hiccups Won’t Go Away

Hiccups are a normal part of a baby’s early development and are common in infants aged up to 12 months. In fact, even before birth, babies can experience hiccups in the womb, many expectant parents can feel those tiny rhythmic movements during pregnancy^[1].

While baby hiccups are usually harmless, they can sometimes interrupt feeding or sleep, leaving parents wondering how to stop baby hiccups safely and effectively.

For closely related guidance, read our article: How Much Should Baby Eat at 7 Months?.

Why Do Babies Get Hiccups?

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm — the muscle beneath the lungs that helps with breathing contracts involuntarily, causing a sudden intake of air and the familiar “hic” sound. In newborns and infants, this happens quite easily because their diaphragm and nervous system are still developing.

Some common triggers include:

• Swallowing air or having excess gas in the stomach, which often occurs during feeding. 
• Feeding too quickly, feeding too much, or feeding while lying in a reclining or flat position can also contribute to hiccups.
• Sometimes, a sudden change in stomach temperature, such as switching from a cold to a warm feed may trigger them too.
• If a baby drinks a large amount of milk at once, the stretched stomach can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups to start.
• In some babies, frequent hiccups may be linked to reflux.

It’s important to remember that in most situations, hiccups are a normal part of a baby’s growth and development. They usually don’t cause any pain or distress, and most babies remain calm and content even while hiccupping.

>> How much formula to feed a newborn?

What You Can Do At Home

Burping your baby after feeding is a common way to ease hiccups

There are simple measures you can try to help reduce the frequency or ease the hiccups:

1. Burp your baby during and after feeds

• If you’re bottle-feeding: Take a break mid-feed to burp the baby. This helps release excess air that might be triggering diaphragmatic spasms^[2].
• If breastfeeding: Burp when switching breasts. Then after feeding, keep the baby upright for 10-15 minutes^[3].
• Gentle patting or rubbing of the baby’s back while upright can help.

2. Ensure the baby is upright during and after feeding

• Try to feed in a semi-upright position rather than fully reclined. After the feed, keep them upright^[4](on your shoulder or in a baby seat) for a short while so the stomach settles and the diaphragm isn’t irritated.
• Avoid vigorous bouncing or movements right after a feed when the baby has hiccups.

3. Slow the feed and reduce swallowed air

• For bottle-feeding: Make sure the teat is appropriate for the baby’s age and flow speed; avoid feeding too fast and lots of air in the bottle^[2].
• For breastfeeding: Make sure the latch is good (so less air is swallowed), feed when the baby is calm rather than extremely hungry and upset^[2]. This can reduce the chance of hiccups.

4. Offer a pacifier (if your baby uses one)

• The sucking motion of a pacifier may help relax the diaphragm and ease hiccups^[5].

5. Let them relax

• If the hiccups aren’t bothering the baby, you may simply let them run their course. Most bouts last only a few minutes and resolve by themselves.

>> Want to learn more? Click here for helpful baby feeding tips.

When To Be Concerned And Contact A Paediatrician

Although baby hiccups are almost always benign, there are occasions where they may signal something more that merits a check-up. Contact your baby’s health care provider if:

• The hiccups persist for a long period (more than 10-15 minutes repeatedly), and the baby seems unsettled.
• There are other symptoms such as: frequent spitting up or vomiting, arching of the back during/after feeds, coughing, or feeding refusal, these may hint at Gastro‑oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) in infants.
• The baby is not gaining weight, has breathing difficulties, or appears uncomfortable.
• The hiccups are accompanied by unusual symptoms. For example, changes in skin colour, high fever, or very frequent episodes interfering with feeding or sleep.

Myths And Remedies To Avoid

There are many “home remedies” for hiccups in adults, but many are unsafe or ineffective for babies.

• Don’t offer cold water, sugar, startle your baby, or pull their tongue to stop hiccups^[2], these are not appropriate for infants.
• Some parents use gripe water to relieve hiccups or colic, but there is limited evidence for its effectiveness and it’s not recommended as a first-line remedy for hiccups in infants without consultation^[6].

FAQs

Do hiccups count as burping?

No, hiccups don’t count as burping. Burping happens when trapped air in the stomach is released through the mouth. Babies often swallow air while feeding or crying, and burping helps remove this air so they feel less gassy, bloated, or uncomfortable.

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm (the muscle that helps with breathing) suddenly contracts involuntarily, causing a quick intake of air and the familiar “hic” sound. They are more of a reflex and not a way for the body to release swallowed air.

Are hiccups normal for newborns?

Yes, hiccups are completely normal for newborns and young babies. They often happen because your baby’s diaphragm and nervous system are still developing. In most cases, hiccups don’t bother your baby and will stop on their own after a few minutes.

Do hiccups mean baby is full?

Not always. Hiccups can happen when the stomach is a bit stretched after a feed, but they don’t reliably indicate that your baby is full. Look for other fullness cues instead, such as slowing down sucking, turning away from the bottle or breast, or appearing relaxed and satisfied after feeding.

How to hold a newborn when hiccuping?

You can hold your baby in an upright position against your chest or shoulder, supporting their head and neck. This position helps air move up and out of the stomach more easily and may ease the hiccups. Gentle back rubbing or patting can also help your baby feel more comfortable.

How long do baby hiccups usually last?

Most hiccup episodes last only a few minutes and stop on their own. Babies tend to hiccup less often as they grow, usually by the time they’re about four to six months old, as their diaphragm and feeding patterns mature.

Should I stop feeding my baby if they get hiccups during a feed?

If your baby seems comfortable, you don’t need to stop feeding. However, if the hiccups are interrupting the feed, pause for a few minutes to burp your baby, then resume once they’ve settled.

>> How to bottle feed a baby with formula and breast milk?

Can tummy time or gentle play trigger hiccups?

Occasionally, yes. Gentle play or tummy time soon after feeding can put pressure on a full stomach, which may lead to hiccups. It’s best to wait at least 15–20 minutes after a feed before tummy time.

Is it okay to wake my baby up if they get hiccups while sleeping?

No, you don’t need to wake your baby. Hiccups usually don’t disturb their sleep or cause pain. Most babies will sleep right through them, and the hiccups will stop naturally.

>> Principles for a more sleep-friendly bedtime feed