Newborn hiccups can seem constant during those early months. Many babies hiccup several times a day, especially during or shortly after eating, which often leaves parents wondering whether it’s normal or something to worry about. Many parents notice baby hiccups happening during or after feedings, especially in the newborn stage.
Thankfully, hiccups in newborns are usually harmless and very common. A baby’s nervous system and diaphragm are still developing after birth, and simple things like feeding too quickly, swallowing air, or having a full stomach can easily trigger hiccups.
While baby hiccups typically resolve on their own, learning why they happen and when to check with your pediatrician can help you feel more reassured during those early months with your baby.
For most babies, hiccups are simply a normal part of early development.
Key Takeaways
- Newborn hiccups are common and usually harmless.
- Hiccups often happen during or after feeds because of swallowing air or stomach distension.
- Most hiccups resolve on their own without treatment.
- Slowing feeds and taking burping breaks may help reduce hiccups.
- Persistent hiccups lasting more than two days should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
What Causes Newborn Hiccups?
Most newborn hiccups are caused by normal diaphragm spasms and are typically harmless. A newborn’s diaphragm is still developing during the first several months after birth.
The medical term for hiccups is singultus, derived from the Latin “singultus,” meaning ‘to catch one’s breath while sobbing.’ Hiccups are an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, the large dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, and our intercostal muscles, the muscles between our ribs.
This contraction causes inspiration and ends with the abrupt closure of the glottis, the opening between the vocal folds. This is what creates the familiar “hic” sound.
In babies with gastroesophageal reflux, partially digested food and acidic juices from the stomach flow back into the esophagus. Since the esophagus passes through the diaphragm, it can irritate it, leading to more frequent hiccups.
If a baby with reflux is otherwise asymptomatic, also known as a “happy spitter,” gaining weight normally and not in significant pain, then this is unlikely to be something that needs to be treated. But, of course, discuss this with your child’s pediatrician.
Related: How to Burp a Baby: 12 Tips for Successful Burping
How Long Do Hiccups Usually Last?
Hiccups typically last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Bouts of acute hiccups, defined as episodes lasting less than 48 hours, are typically self-limited and benign.
However, persistent hiccups (lasting over two days) and intractable hiccups (lasting one month) are much rarer. They are likely a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires a doctor’s evaluation. These episodes are uncommon in babies and can sometimes be connected to other medical conditions that should be evaluated by a doctor. Parents should talk with their pediatrician if they’re worried about persistent hiccups or other symptoms.
Related: 7 Signs Your Baby Is Full
Are Hiccups Harmful?
Thankfully, hiccups in children are nearly always harmless, temporary, and self-resolving. While you don’t have to do anything to treat hiccups, some caregivers wonder whether there is anything they can do to help limit them. Interestingly, there are hundreds of supposed “cures” for hiccups you can find on the internet, many of which have zero basis in science and are not supported by evidence.
However, some maneuvers can be effective because they are designed to briefly alter normal breathing patterns, increase the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and stimulate certain reflexes involved in breathing and swallowing.
Case reports and observational studies have suggested these maneuvers, but there is limited research confirming how well they work. However, they are relatively easy to perform, and the risk of complications is low.
Examples of vagal-type maneuvers include a quick blow in the face, prolonged suck, and placing an ice pack over the eyes for 15-30 seconds (a frozen bag of vegetables can work well, but be sure to avoid placing anything around the infant’s nose!), and pressing the infant’s knees to the chest for 15-30 seconds. You may consider resetting the diaphragm and suboccipital release with gentle osteopathic manipulation if you have a trusted osteopathic physician (a DO) nearby.
Related: How To Do Infant Massage (And Why It’s Beneficial)
Rest assured and take a deep breath, mama. Hiccups are completely normal and usually resolve on their own over time. Soon, your newborn will be taking those deep breaths again with you!
Disclaimer: While I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. All content presented in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Speak to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have.
