Your baby has just finished a feed, and here they come again: hiccups. Maybe they happen after every feed, or right when your baby is drifting off, and you wonder if it hurts or if you’re doing something wrong. If you’ve searched baby hiccups, here’s the reassuring part first: hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants, and they usually stop on their own within a few minutes. Below you’ll find what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests you try, what to skip, and the few signs that mean it’s worth calling your pediatrician.
Quick answer: are baby hiccups normal?
- Yes. Hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants, and they most often stop after a few minutes (MedlinePlus).
- The AAP says most babies hiccup from time to time, and it usually bothers parents more than the baby.
- If hiccups start during a feed, change your baby’s position, try to burp them, or help them relax. Wait until the hiccups are gone before you continue.
- If they haven’t stopped after 5 to 10 minutes, the AAP suggests feeding again for a few minutes. The hiccups usually go away after that.
- If your baby gets hiccups often, try feeding when they are calm and before they are very hungry.
- Skip adult hiccup tricks. Babies under 6 months don’t need water, so ask your pediatrician before offering any.
- Call your pediatrician if hiccups go on for more than a few days, or if they come with feeding problems, a lot of vomiting or trouble breathing.
Why do babies get hiccups so often?
A hiccup happens when the diaphragm, the muscle just below the lungs, suddenly tightens. In babies, hiccups often show up around feeds. The AAP’s newborn guide says hiccups are often caused by overeating, and can also come from a little acid irritating the lower esophagus.
That’s why the AAP’s tips focus on feeding: slowing down, burping, and feeding before your baby is frantic with hunger. It’s also why hiccups by themselves are usually nothing to worry about. They’re one of the normal sounds and movements of a young baby, like sneezing and stretching.
What to do about baby hiccups: a 4-step plan
These steps follow the AAP’s advice on hiccups during feeding. Most babies won’t need all four.
- Pause the feed. If hiccups start while your baby is feeding, stop for a moment and change their position, for example by holding them more upright.
- Try a burp. Use one of the three AAP burping holds below. Don’t worry if no burp comes. The AAP notes that no baby burps every time.
- Help your baby relax. A calm voice, gentle rocking or a quiet room can help. Wait until the hiccups are gone before you go back to feeding.
- Still going after 5 to 10 minutes? The AAP suggests feeding again for a few minutes. The hiccups usually go away after that.
Baby hiccups by situation: what’s normal and what helps
| Situation | Usually normal? | What you can try | Talk to your doctor if |
|---|---|---|---|
| During a feed | Yes | Pause, change position, try a burp, then continue once the hiccups stop | Most feeds are a struggle, with lots of coughing, gulping or crying |
| Right after a feed | Yes | Burp again and keep your baby upright for 10 to 15 minutes (AAP) | Your baby brings up a lot of milk and isn’t gaining weight |
| While falling asleep or asleep | Yes, and they usually don’t bother your baby | Nothing special. Keep to safe sleep: on the back, on a firm, flat surface | Your baby seems to be working hard to breathe |
| Several times a day | Common in young babies | Burp more often and feed when your baby is calm, before they are very hungry | A single bout of hiccups goes on for more than a few days (MedlinePlus) |
Burping tips from the AAP
Burping often, even if your baby doesn’t seem uncomfortable, can help. The AAP says the pause and the change of position alone slow gulping and reduce swallowed air.
- Bottle-fed babies: burp after every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 mL).
- Breastfed babies: burp when you switch breasts. Some breastfed babies don’t swallow much air and may not need to burp.
- Over the shoulder: hold your baby upright with their head on your shoulder, support their head and back, and gently pat their back.
- Sitting on your lap: support your baby’s chest and head with one hand and pat their back with the other.
- Lying on your lap: lay your baby tummy-down across your lap with their head higher than their chest, and gently pat or rub their back.
- After the feed: burp again and keep your baby upright for 10 to 15 minutes.
For more on feeding technique, see our guides to common bottle-feeding mistakes and baby gas relief.
What to skip
- Adult hiccup tricks. Tips like breathing into a paper bag, holding your breath, drinking cold water or eating sugar are meant for adults. None of them are meant for babies.
- Water for young babies. The AAP says babies in the first 6 months don’t need water or other drinks such as juice, and that extra water can upset the balance of minerals like sodium. The AAP’s newborn symptom guide does mention a few swallows of water for hiccups, so if you’re unsure, ask your pediatrician before offering any water to a baby under 6 months.
- Remedies and drops. Check with your pediatrician before giving any remedy, drops or herbal product for hiccups.
Hiccups or reflux?
Hiccups and spit-up often go together in young babies. The NHS lists “coughing or hiccupping when feeding” as one possible sign of reflux, along with bringing up milk during or shortly after feeds, being unsettled during feeding, and crying and not settling.
Hiccups on their own don’t mean your baby has reflux. To ease reflux, the NHS suggests keeping your baby upright during feeds and for a while afterward, and burping them regularly during feeds. Always lay your baby on their back to sleep, and don’t raise the head of the crib. Read more in our guides to baby reflux and spitting up vs vomiting.
When to talk to your doctor
Hiccups alone are rarely a reason to call. Talk to your pediatrician if:
- a bout of hiccups goes on for more than a few days;
- hiccups come with feeding problems, such as refusing feeds or being very unsettled at most feeds;
- your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight;
- reflux signs aren’t improving after trying the tips above;
- your baby is projectile vomiting, has green or yellow vomit, or has blood in their vomit or poop (get an appointment the same day);
- your baby won’t stop crying and seems very distressed;
- your baby is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Call 911 if your baby is struggling to breathe. If it is not an emergency but you are worried, call your pediatrician (or their after-hours line). Not sure what counts as urgent? See when to call the pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
Do hiccups hurt my baby?
Usually not. The AAP says hiccups usually bother parents more than the infant. Many babies feed, play or sleep right through them.
Can I put my baby down to sleep with hiccups?
There’s no official advice to wait until hiccups stop. Just follow the usual safe sleep basics from the AAP: on the back, for every nap and at night, on a firm, flat surface. See our safe sleep guide.
Why does my baby get hiccups after every feed?
Feeding is the most common trigger. The AAP links hiccups to overeating and, sometimes, a little acid irritating the lower esophagus. Burping more often, feeding when your baby is calm, and keeping them upright after feeds may help.
Can I give my newborn water to stop hiccups?
Ask your pediatrician first. The AAP says babies under 6 months don’t need water, and too much water can upset their mineral balance. Breast milk or formula gives them all the fluid they need.
How long do baby hiccups last?
Most often a few minutes, according to MedlinePlus. If a single bout goes on for more than a few days, contact your pediatrician.
Are hiccups a sign my baby is hungry or full?
Not on their own. Your baby’s other cues tell you more. Our guide to baby cues explains the common hunger and fullness signs.
Browse more health topics on our baby health and safety page.
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Sources
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Baby Burping, Hiccups and Spit-Up
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): Newborn Reflexes and Behavior
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): How to Safely Prepare Baby Formula With Water
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP): How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Hiccups
- NHS: Reflux in Babies
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you’re worried about your baby, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.