Hiccups in newborns are a very common and usually harmless occurrence, but that doesn't stop them from causing a wave of worry for new parents. If you've ever watched your tiny baby jerk with each little "hic," wondering if you should do something to help, you're not alone. Understanding why these hiccups happen is the first step to learning how to gently prevent and soothe them. This guide will walk you through the simple causes, effective prevention tips for feeding time, and safe techniques to help stop them when they start.
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Causes of Hiccups in Newborns & Premature Baby Hiccups
Most newborn hiccups have simple, harmless causes. The primary factor is an immature diaphragm—the muscle controlling breathing. As this muscle develops, it can spasm, triggering the familiar "hic" sound. Hiccups can even occur before birth, and fetal hiccups observed during ultrasound are normal. Common triggers include:
- Swallowing air during feeding: This is the top cause of newborn hiccups after feeding. Babies may gulp air while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, especially if the bottle nipple is too large or if the baby is crying. Using a slow-flow nipple or managing milk letdown can help reduce air intake.
- Immature digestive system: A newborn’s digestive tract is still developing. Even a full stomach can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups.
- Premature baby hiccups: Premature babies often hiccup more frequently because their diaphragm and nervous system are less developed. This usually improves with age.
- Sudden temperature changes: Switching from a warm swaddle to a cooler outfit or exposure to drafts can trigger hiccups.
Preventing Hiccups in Newborns: Tips for Before and During Feeding
While hiccups are a natural part of growth, sometimes the best solution is prevention! By making a few small adjustments to your newborn's feeding routine, you can significantly reduce the air they swallow, thus minimizing those hiccup episodes.
- Soothe First, Then Feed: Try to avoid feeding your baby when they are actively crying or frantic. Offer the breast or bottle after they’ve calmed down to dramatically decrease air intake.
- Mind the Nipple Flow (Bottle-Fed Babies): Ensure you are using a slow-flow nipple designed specifically for newborns. A slow, steady flow helps them establish a calm, rhythmic suck-swallow pattern.
- Check the Latch and Positioning (Breastfed Babies): For breastfeeding parents, ensuring a deep and proper latch is key. A poor latch can create gaps where air can be sucked in—reposition if you hear excessive clicking.
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Pace the Feed with Mid-Feed Burps: Breaking up the feed to release trapped air is one of the most effective preventive measures:
- Bottle Feeding: During feeding, pause every 2-3 ounces (approximately 60-90 ml) to help your baby burp.
- Breastfeeding: Switching from one breast to the other is an ideal time to help your baby burp.
How to Stop Newborn Hiccups After Feeding (Effective Positions & Tips)
Hiccups usually go away on their own within a few minutes, but if you want to help soothe your baby, these tried-and-true methods work wonders. Let’s start with the best positions for baby hiccups:
1. The Shoulder Hold (Upright Burp)
This is one of the most classic and popular methods!
- Positioning: Hold your baby upright against your chest, allowing their head to rest gently on your shoulder.
- Support: Use one hand to firmly support their back and bottom.
- Technique: Use your other hand to give a steady, gentle pat or rub circular motions on their back.
2. The Sitting Position (Lap Burp)
This position is great for giving you more control and visibility.
- Positioning: Sit your baby sideways on your lap, facing away from you, with their body leaning slightly forward.
- Support: Cup your hand and place your palm against their chest and upper body. Use your thumb and index finger to gently support their chin, ensuring their head stays slightly tilted forward. (Important: Do not press directly on their throat!)
- Technique: Use your free hand to gently pat or rub their back until you hear that satisfying burp.
3. The Tummy-Across-Lap Position (Prone Burp)
This position uses gentle pressure on the tummy, which can be very effective for some babies.
- Positioning: Lay your baby tummy-down across your thighs. Make sure their head is slightly higher than their chest.
- Support: Gently support their head and keep them stable.
- Technique: Use your other hand to softly pat or rub their back. This gravity-assisted angle helps the air bubble rise out gently.
⭐ A Friendly Reminder
Always keep your movements gentle, calm, and loving. Make sure your baby's head and neck are well-supported in all positions, and their breathing remains unobstructed. If they don't burp right away, don't worry—sometimes the air will pass on its own!
If positions alone don’t work, try these additional tips to stop newborn hiccups:
- Sucking to relax the diaphragm: Sucking itself can help ease diaphragm spasms. Offering a few more sips of breast milk or formula (if the baby is hungry) works, and a pacifier is also an effective option—this is particularly helpful during milk letdowns when babies may be more prone to swallowing air. For babies over 6 months, a tiny sip of room-temperature water can also be tried.
- Distract your baby: Sometimes a change of scenery or a gentle distraction—like talking softly, singing a lullaby, or showing them a colorful toy—can make them forget about the hiccups and relax their diaphragm.
- Keep them calm: Crying can make hiccups worse, so if your baby gets fussy, try rocking them slowly or swaddling them tightly (like they were in the womb) to soothe them.
FAQs: Hiccups in Newborns, After Feeding, and Premature Babies
Can you feed a newborn with hiccups?
Yes! If your baby shows hunger cues, feeding gently can help stop newborn hiccups. The sucking motion relaxes the diaphragm. Burp your baby 3–4 times during feeding to relieve stomach pressure. Feeding in a slightly reclined position can minimize hiccup triggers, and keeping the baby upright afterward aids digestion.
Do hiccups mean overfeeding or a full stomach?
Not necessarily. Most newborn hiccups are caused by swallowed air, not overfeeding. If hiccups occur after every feed and your baby seems uncomfortable, try smaller, more frequent feeds. Signs of fullness include turning away from the breast/bottle or slowing down sucking.
Is it OK to lay baby down with hiccups?
Yes! Hiccups won’t choke your baby. If they’re calm, laying them down in a slightly inclined position can help. For safe sleep, ensure proper support. If they’re fussy, hold them upright for 5–10 minutes first.
Final Thoughts on Hiccups in Newborns
Hiccups are simply a normal part of your baby's development. As Professor Lorenzo Fabrizi explains, this activity may actually help your baby's brain learn to monitor and control breathing muscles as the diaphragm matures. Remember, most babies outgrow hiccups by 3–6 months. Until then, use the tips provided to soothe your little one. You're doing great, and your baby is in the best hands!
