Locations:
Search IconSearch

Here’s What to Do When Your Baby Has the Hiccups

What causes newborn hiccups — and how to stop them

mom burping baby

Your brand new baby has a serious case of hiccups. And while they’re a little bit adorable, you’re also wondering if there’s any cause for concern.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

“Baby hiccups are very common, and they aren’t normally a problem,” says pediatrician Kylie Liermann, DO. “In fact, they usually bother parents more than the baby.”

To calm your new parent nerves a little, Dr. Liermann explains what causes baby hiccups and how to get rid of them so you (and baby) can breathe easier.

Why do babies get hiccups?

Hiccups are most likely caused by irritation to the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. Sometimes, that muscle starts to spasm or cramp. That causes the vocal cords to clamp shut, creating that distinctive “hic!” sound you know and dread.

Developing babies can get hiccups even before they’re born, and many pregnant women have felt the telltale flutters in their bellies.

Hiccups are especially common in newborns and infants. “We don’t know exactly why, but hiccups may be caused by increased gas in the stomach,” Dr. Liermann says. “If babies overfeed or gulp air during eating, that could cause the stomach to expand and rub against the diaphragm, generating those hiccups.”

Hiccups and gastroesophageal reflux

Usually, hiccups don’t bother babies. But sometimes, hiccups are a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Reflux causes stomach acid to back up into the baby’s esophagus.

If your baby has GERD, hiccups won’t be the only symptom, Dr. Liermann says. Infants with reflux also have signs such as:

Advertisement

  • Coughing
  • Spitting up
  • Irritability and crying
  • Arching the back, especially during or after a feeding

If you notice these signs, talk to your doctor about whether your baby might have reflux and how to manage it.

How to stop baby hiccups

If your baby doesn’t have reflux symptoms, don’t stress over hiccups, Dr. Liermann says. But if those little “hics!” are bothering you, there are some things you can try.

Change feeding positions

Try feeding your little one in a more upright position, Dr. Liermann suggests. Propping your baby up on a pillow so they aren’t lying flat may help them take in less air at mealtimes.

Burp more frequently

“Burping usually helps with hiccups,” Dr. Liermann says. Burp your baby during feeding to prevent hiccups from striking. Try taking a burp break after 2 or 3 ounces.

If you’re nursing, burp your baby before you switch sides. If your nugget already has hiccups, you can try to relieve them with some gentle pats on the back.

Reach for the binky

Pacifiers can sometimes stop hiccups in their tracks. “The sucking motion can help relax the diaphragm,” Dr. Liermann explains.

Give gripe water

Gripe water is an over-the-counter blend of herbs marketed as a treatment for colic and tummy troubles. Some parents find it helps with hiccups, too.

But above all, says Dr. Liermann: Don’t fret. “Hiccups stop on their own and don’t cause discomfort to babies. So don’t feel you need to treat them,” she says.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Face of sleeping newborn baby, face being lightly touched by caregiver hand
November 19, 2024/Children's Health
Newborn Lip Blisters: What Causes Them and When To Seek Care

Your baby can develop lip blisters from an infection or because of the way they feed

Caregiver holding newborn on chest, with bathtub filling in background
October 31, 2024/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Newborn’s First Bath: The Benefits of Waiting

Delaying baby’s first bath can encourage breastfeeding success and strengthen bonding

Newborn's tiny hand gripping caregiver's thumb
April 15, 2024/Children's Health
Why Is My Baby Hairy? Newborn Body Hair Explained

Lanugo — the soft, fine hair that develops in utero — is harmless and will shed within a few weeks

Parents gaze lovingly on their newborn laying on the changing table.
August 18, 2023/Children's Health
Oh, Baby! Understanding Your Newborn’s Appearance and Behavior

From baby acne and body hair to rooting reflexes and sleeping patterns, it’s all normal

newborn being dried off after a bath
July 14, 2023/Children's Health
Bath Time for Baby: When and How To Bathe Your Newborn

Be mindful about temperature, positioning and efficiency when it’s comes to your little one

newborn not stop crying
November 25, 2020/Children's Health
When to Call the Doctor for Your Newborn Baby

Symptoms that should prompt you to call your baby’s doctor

newborn with heel prick and bandaid
October 6, 2020/Children's Health
Why Do They Prick Your Newborn Baby’s Heel?

PKU or blood spot test finds hidden conditions early when treatment can be initiated

Happy toddler in pjs sitting on edge of their toddler bed
October 1, 2025/Children's Health
When and How To Transition to a Toddler Bed

Your child may be ready if they’ve outgrown their crib or keep escaping it, or if they seem mature enough to make the switch

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad