How Do I Help My Newborn Get Rid Of Hiccups? | Gentle Fixes Now

What Newborn Hiccups Are

Hiccups come from tiny bursts of the diaphragm. Newborns get them often. They are usually painless and short and often harmless for newborns. During a feed or just after, small changes in pace and position often settle things.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that during a feed you can change position, try for a burp, or take a brief break; then resume once the sounds fade. If they keep going, a few more minutes of feeding may end them. See the AAP page on burping, hiccups, and spit-up.

Early, Practical Ways To Settle Hiccups

Small, steady actions matter. The aim is to cut excess air, keep milk moving smoothly, and give the diaphragm a breather. Try one tip at a time.

What To Try	How It Helps	Notes
Pause For A Burp	Releases swallowed air that can trigger spasms.	Try mid-feed and at the end; use a soft pat or rub.
Upright Position	Gravity keeps milk moving down, less air comes back up.	Hold baby against your chest or on your shoulder.
Slow The Feed	Steadier swallows mean less gulping of air.	Offer short breaks; watch for pause cues.
Check The Latch Or Nipple Flow	Better latch or slower bottle flow reduces air intake.	Deep latch for breast; try a slow-flow nipple for bottle.
Offer A Pacifier	Sucking can relax the diaphragm rhythm.	Use briefly; stop if baby seems upset.
Wait It Out	Most bouts pass on their own.	Keep baby comfy and upright for a few minutes.

Feeding Habits That Lower Hiccup Bouts

Many hiccup spells link to how fast milk flows and how much air slips in. A few tweaks can make the next feed smoother.

Start Before Baby Is Ravenous

Early cues—hand to mouth, lip smacking, rooting—show hunger is rising. Starting at that stage leads to calmer swallows and fewer gulps. See similar advice from major pediatric centers. Calm swallows reduce air in the tummy and tend to shorten hiccup time for many babies noticeably.

Build Burp Breaks Into Every Feed

Pause when switching sides or when the bottle looks half empty. Hold your baby upright and support the head and neck. A soft pat or circular rub often does the trick.

Mind The Flow

If bottle-feeding, test the nipple. Milk should drip, not stream. A slow-flow nipple steadies the pace. If chest-feeding, aim for a deep latch. If you hear clicking or see slipping off, reset.

Keep Baby Upright After Feeds

Ten to twenty minutes upright lets milk settle. A snug hold on your chest or a carrier with head support works well. Skip seats that crunch the tummy right after feeds.

Help A Newborn Get Rid Of Hiccups: Safe Ways

When the hiccup rhythm starts, think gentle and simple. You can walk, rock, or hold skin-to-skin, then add one feeding tip from above. Many parents try a pacifier for a short spell. If the sound keeps going but baby looks content, waiting is fine.

What Not To Do

Adult tricks are not for babies. No startling. No lemon, sugar, or honey. No water for young infants. No paper bags. No holding breath. These moves can harm a newborn or add stress without ending the spasms. The NHS notes that many home fixes for hiccups lack proof even in older kids and adults; most spells fade on their own. See the NHS page on hiccups for a plain overview.

Spotting Hiccup Triggers

Each baby has patterns. A small notebook or phone note helps you spot them. Log time of day, feed length, bottle type, positions, burp breaks, and how long the sounds last. After a few days, trends often show up.

Common Setups

Fast bottle nipples, long gaps between feeds, and rushed sessions are frequent setups. So are tight waistbands and bouncy seats right after a bottle. A gentle routine with more short feeds usually trims hiccup time.

Is It Okay To Keep Feeding?

If baby is hungry, you can try to continue. Slow down and give a burp break. Many babies stop hiccupping once milk flow steadies. If the sound keeps breaking the latch or baby looks fussy, pause, then try again.

Simple Positions That Work Well

Upright On Your Shoulder

Place baby high on your chest, head above your shoulder, one hand on the back and neck. This eases burps and keeps milk down.

Supported Sit On Your Lap

Sit baby on your thighs facing to the side, one hand under the chin and chest, the other patting the back.

Belly Across Your Forearm

Lay baby face-down along your forearm with the head turned to the side. Keep the arm tucked across the tummy and give a light rub on the back. Use this only while awake.

When Hiccups May Point To A Feeding Issue

Hiccups alone are usually harmless. Still, patterns matter. If your newborn has hiccups during most feeds and also spits up large amounts, coughs during swallows, cries with feeds, or gains weight slowly, call your pediatrician. These signs can point to reflux or a latch problem that needs a tailored plan.

When To Call The Doctor

Trust your sense of your baby. Sudden changes or distress deserve a call. The list below can guide you on next steps.

Sign	What It Might Point To	Next Step
Hiccups With Hard Crying Or Arching At Most Feeds	Possible reflux or feeding discomfort.	Call your pediatrician for feeding advice.
Frequent Vomiting, Green Or Bloody Spit-Up	Needs medical review.	Seek care the same day.
Poor Weight Gain Or Fewer Wet Diapers	Baby may not be taking enough milk.	Arrange a prompt weight check.
Blue Color, Breathing Trouble, Lethargy	Urgent concern.	Use emergency care.
Hiccups Lasting Many Hours Daily With Feeding Problems	Needs assessment for reflux or other issues.	Schedule a visit.

Day-To-Day Prevention Tips

Use A Calm Start

Set up a quiet spot. Dim light, reduce noise, and give your baby a minute to rouse before latching or taking a bottle.

Steady Pacing

Let your baby set the rhythm. Look for pause cues: relaxed hands, slower sucking, head turning away. That is your cue for a burp break.

Protect Nap Time

Overtired babies gulp more air. Follow sleepy signs and offer naps on time. That can trim hiccup spells.

Clothing And Diapers

Loose waistbands help. A snug diaper is fine; a tight belly band is not. Give the tummy room to move.

Many families add a tune-up. Rinse and inspect bottle parts, replace nipples that stick or collapse, and match nipple size to your baby’s stage. For chest-feeding, a check with a lactation pro can confirm latch comfort, head-to-body alignment, and positions that keep the chin deep and the nose free. Smooth mechanics lower swallowed air and make feeds calmer.

Simple Routine You Can Use Today

Before The Feed

Change the diaper, loosen waistbands, and pick a quiet seat. If using a bottle, choose a slow-flow nipple and have a burp cloth ready.

During The Feed

Start when early hunger cues show. Keep baby’s head above the tummy. Pause halfway for a burp. If clicking starts, reset the latch or tip the bottle to remove extra air.

After The Feed

Hold upright for 10–20 minutes. If hiccups pop up, try a short pacifier break or a gentle rock. If sleep is next, place baby on the back in a clear, flat sleep space once calm.

Final Word For Tired Parents

Newborn hiccups feel loud, yet they are part of early life for many babies. A slow feed, a good burp, and a comfy hold often bring quick quiet. If the pattern links to distress, poor gain, or long daily bouts, call your pediatrician.