Sinisinok si Baby? 5 Easy Ways to Soothe Newborn Hiccups

Does hearing your baby make that little “hic” sound worry you? Newborn hiccups are a very typical occurrence as your little one's nervous system develops. Most of the time, these tiny gasps don’t even bother your baby, even if they seem a bit loud to you.

Understanding why hiccups happen can ease your worries and help keep your baby comfortable.

Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups So Often?

You might notice your baby hiccupping more than adults do. According to Dr. Ana Patricia M. Ramos, an ambulatory pediatrician and Medical Director of WunderKids Multispecialty Clinic and Therapy Center, this is often due to their developing bodies. "Hiccups happen when the diaphragm (the muscle that helps us breathe) suddenly tightens and the vocal cords quickly close, making the hic sound," she explains.

In newborns, this reflex is still very sensitive, so a full stomach after feeding, swallowing a bit of air, or mild milk reflux can jumpstart a hiccup marathon. While usually harmless, these episodes can sometimes be a subtle cue about how your baby is feeding.

Dr. Ramos notes that habits like feeding too quickly, a shallow latch, or overfeeding can stimulate the nerves that control the diaphragm. A very strong milk let-down when you’re breastfeeding can sometimes surprise your baby, causing them to gulp.

If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and seems happy, hiccups are usually nothing to worry about. You can also review proper breastfeeding positions to help you and your baby get more comfortable.

Interestingly, those little hiccups might actually be helping your baby’s brain grow. A 2019 study in Clinical Neurophysiology suggests that each hiccup triggers a wave of brain signals that may help a newborn learn how to monitor their breathing muscles. While this was a small study, it indicates that hiccups could be a key part of how a baby’s brain creates an "internal map" of their body.

5 Ways to Soothe Your Baby

Burping mid-feed or holding your baby upright can help release trapped gas and relax the diaphragm.

“Most hiccups stop on their own within a few minutes,” says Dr. Ramos. But if your baby seems a bit uncomfortable, try these gentle methods to help them release gas and relax the diaphragm. These same steps can also help prevent hiccups from starting.

1. Pause the feeding for a short break.

If you notice hiccups starting while your baby is feeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests stopping for a moment. Wait for the hiccups to stop before you resume feeding. If they don't disappear after 5 to 10 minutes, you can try feeding again for a few minutes, as this often helps stop the cycle. "Slowing down feeds may also help prevent hiccups," advises Dr. Ramos.

2. Gently burp your baby to release air.

Taking in air is a major hiccup trigger. By burping your baby mid-feed or right after, you help them release that trapped gas. While back rubbing is soothing, a gentle back patting motion is usually all it takes.

3. Hold your baby upright after meals.

Gravity is your best friend here. Dr. Ramos suggests you "hold your baby upright for about 10 to 20 minutes after feeding." This change in position can help prevent them from swallowing air.

4. Use a pacifier for comfort.

The rhythmic motion of sucking can be very relaxing. Dr. Ramos explains that "offering a pacifier can sometimes stop hiccups because the sucking reflex can help relax the diaphragm." Just be sure your baby has already mastered breastfeeding before introducing one to avoid any nipple confusion.

5. Maintain a calm, quiet environment.

A baby who is overexcited or crying hard is more likely to gulp in air. Keep feeding times quiet and calm. Use low lights and soft voices to reduce triggers for those sudden hiccups.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Consult your pediatrician if your newborn’s hiccups are accompanied by excessive spitting up or if your baby seems in pain.

Most of the time, you can just wait for the hiccups to pass on their own. However, you should trust your gut if something feels off. “Contact your pediatrician if hiccups last for several hours, happen after almost every feeding, or seem to make your baby very uncomfortable,” advises Dr. Ramos.

She also recommended seeking medical advice if the hiccups come with warning signs such as:

• Frequent vomiting
• Choking during feeds
• Trouble breathing
• Poor weight gain

In these cases, your pediatrician might want to check if your baby has regular milk reflux or other feeding challenges.

Stay Calm and Patient

Your baby takes their cues from you. If you stay relaxed during a bout of hiccups, your baby will likely stay calm too. Just remember to check their feeding pace to minimize taking in air, try a quick burp mid-feed to help settle their tummy, and be patient! Most hiccups resolve on their own in 5 to 10 minutes.

Remember that this is a passing stage. Before you know it, their digestive system will be stronger, and those newborn hiccups will become a distant memory.

Parenthood is full of these little surprises. If you’re looking for more tips or just want to swap "hiccup marathon" stories with people who get it, head over to the ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your own experiences with soothing newborn hiccups!

About Dr. Ana Patricia M. Ramos
Dr. Ana Patricia M. Ramos, or Doc Tricia, is an ambulatory pediatrician, Head of the Pediatric Primary Care Clinic and Medical Director of WunderKids Multispecialty Clinic and Therapy Center. She provides comprehensive pediatric primary care for children from birth to 18 years old and leads a multidisciplinary team delivering medical and therapy services. WunderKids is a community-based, one-stop center in Quezon City for pediatric consultations, feeding and nutrition support, developmental care, and therapy services designed to promote and protect children’s health and development.