Newborn hiccups are a common, involuntary reflex many infants experience, often starting even before birth. These occurrences are typically harmless and represent a normal part of a baby’s early development. Understanding their cause can help parents feel more at ease, as they usually resolve without intervention.
Why Newborns Get Hiccups
Hiccups in newborns arise from involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, a muscle beneath the lungs that aids breathing. This sudden contraction causes a quick intake of breath, leading to the vocal cords closing rapidly and producing the characteristic “hic” sound. Infants’ immature diaphragms and developing nervous systems make them more susceptible to these spasms than older children and adults.
Feeding practices are often linked to newborn hiccups. Babies may swallow excess air during rapid feeding or consume too much milk, leading to an expanded stomach. This expansion can press against the diaphragm, irritating it and triggering the hiccup reflex. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, can also irritate the diaphragm and contribute to hiccups.
Typical Duration and When to Seek Advice
Newborn hiccups typically last for a brief period, often resolving on their own within a few minutes to 5 to 10 minutes. It is common for these episodes to occur multiple times a day without causing discomfort. While short, frequent bouts are generally considered normal, parents often observe that hiccups tend to decrease in frequency as the baby matures, usually by six months of age.
Hiccups might signal a need for medical advice in specific instances. Consult a pediatrician if hiccups persist for several hours, consistently last longer than 10 minutes, or cause distress. Also seek advice if hiccups interfere with feeding, cause breathing difficulties, are accompanied by persistent vomiting, poor weight gain, excessive crying, or blue lips. These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition, such as severe reflux, requiring evaluation.
Gentle Ways to Help Stop Hiccups
Several gentle methods can alleviate newborn hiccups. Burping the baby during and after feedings releases swallowed air that might irritate the diaphragm. For breastfed babies, burp when switching breasts; for bottle-fed infants, burp every two to three ounces.
Proper feeding techniques can also reduce hiccups. For breastfeeding, a deep latch sealing the baby’s lips around the areola minimizes air intake. For bottle-fed infants, tilt the bottle to keep the nipple full of milk and use a slow-flow nipple to prevent excessive air swallowing. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently and keeping the baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding aids digestion and prevents stomach pressure on the diaphragm. Offering a pacifier can also help, as the sucking motion may relax the diaphragm and interrupt the hiccup cycle.