It happens right after a great feeding. You’ve finally got them settled, the house is quiet, and then you hear it. That tiny, rhythmic hic. Then another. Your baby’s whole body jumps a little with every one. Honestly, it looks exhausting. If you’re a new parent, your first instinct is probably to panic or at least feel a surge of pity. You want to know how to get rid of hiccups for babies because, let’s be real, if you were twitching like that, you’d be miserable.
But here’s the thing.
Babies don't usually care. Most of the time, they’ll sleep right through a bout of hiccups like nothing is happening. They might even find it slightly amusing if they’re awake. It’s almost always harder on the parents watching than it is on the infant experiencing it. Still, there are times when those hiccups lead to spit-ups or keep a fussy baby from drifting off, and that’s when you need a game plan that actually works.
Why do babies get the hiccups anyway?
Before we dive into the fixes, we have to talk about the "why." It’s not just "air in the belly," though that’s a big part of it. A hiccup is basically a tiny spasm of the diaphragm. That’s the dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the chest. When something irritates that muscle, it snaps shut, and the vocal cords close quickly. That's the "hic" sound.
In newborns, the diaphragm is still maturing. It’s jumpy. It’s sensitive. According to experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), hiccups are often triggered by feeding too fast or swallowing too much air. When the stomach distends (gets big and full) really quickly, it pushes up against that diaphragm. The diaphragm gets annoyed. It starts twitching.
Sometimes, it’s not even about food. A sudden temperature change can do it. Or just a burst of excitement. Some researchers, like those at University College London, have even suggested that hiccups in infants might be a way the brain learns how to monitor breathing muscles. It’s a developmental milestone, in a weird, jerky sort of way.
💡 You might also like: How to take out IUD: What your doctor might not tell you about the process
How to get rid of hiccups for babies during a feeding
If your little one starts jumping mid-bottle or mid-latch, don't just power through. That usually makes it worse. The extra air they swallow while hiccuping and sucking at the same time is a recipe for a massive spit-up later.
Stop and burp. This is the gold standard. If the hiccups start while they're eating, take a break. Switch positions. Give them a minute to let that air bubble rise. Rubbing their back in a circular motion is usually more effective than aggressive patting. You’re trying to coax the air out, not drum on them.
Check the nipple flow.
If you’re bottle-feeding, the "hic" might be a sign the milk is coming out way too fast. If the nipple hole is too large, they’re basically drinking from a firehose. They gulp to keep up. They swallow air. The diaphragm snaps. Try a slower-flow nipple if this is a recurring theme in your house.
The "Pacing" Method.
For breastfed babies, sometimes a heavy let-down is the culprit. If your milk comes in like a flood, your baby has to swallow fast. Try expressed milk first or use a nipple shield to slow things down. Or, honestly, just pull them off for a second when you feel that initial rush. It saves a lot of laundry later.
Natural remedies that actually make sense
You’ve probably heard some wild old wives' tales. Please, for the love of everything, do not startle your baby. Don't pull their tongue. Don't press on their eyeballs (yes, people used to suggest that). And definitely don't hold their breath.
📖 Related: How Much Sugar Are in Apples: What Most People Get Wrong
Here is what actually helps.
One surprisingly effective trick is Gripe Water. Most brands, like Mommy’s Bliss or Little Remedies, use a mix of ginger and fennel. It’s not magic, but it helps settle the stomach and relaxes the digestive tract. When the stomach relaxes, it stops crowding the diaphragm. Just make sure your pediatrician is cool with it first, especially if your baby is under a month old.
Pacifiers are another underrated tool. The rhythmic sucking motion can actually help regulate the diaphragm’s movement. It’s sort of like a reset button for their breathing. If they’re not hungry but the hiccups won't quit, pop a binky in. It works more often than you'd think.
When the hiccups are actually GERD
Usually, hiccups are harmless. But if your baby is arching their back, crying frantically during the hiccups, or vomiting (not just spitting up) frequently, you might be looking at Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Dr. Jennifer Shu, a well-known pediatrician, often points out that while hiccups are normal, they can be a symptom of reflux when paired with extreme irritability. In these cases, the stomach acid is irritating the esophagus, which sits right next to—you guessed it—the diaphragm.
👉 See also: No Alcohol 6 Weeks: The Brutally Honest Truth About What Actually Changes
If it’s reflux, the "fix" isn't a burp. It’s usually keeping the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after every single feeding. Gravity is your best friend here. Don't put them in a bouncy seat where they scrunch up; that puts pressure on the stomach. Keep them chest-to-chest with you, or over your shoulder, nice and vertical.
Things you should absolutely avoid
There’s a lot of bad advice on the internet. Seriously.
- Water. Don't give a baby under six months old water to "wash down" hiccups. It can mess with their electrolyte balance and fill them up with zero-calorie liquid they don't need.
- Sugar. Some old-school folks suggest putting sugar under the tongue. Just don't.
- The Scare. Startling a baby doesn't stop the diaphragm spasm; it just gives you a crying baby who also has hiccups.
The "Do Nothing" Approach
Sometimes the best way to get rid of hiccups for babies is to just... wait.
If your baby isn't distressed, you don't actually have to "do" anything. Most bouts of hiccups resolve themselves within 5 to 10 minutes. If they’re happy, let them be. Use that time to take a video of their cute little jumpy tummy because, before you know it, they’ll be teenagers and won't be nearly this adorable when they’re making weird noises.
Moving Forward: Prevention and Comfort
If you want to stop them before they start, focus on the "Little and Often" rule. Smaller feedings more frequently can prevent the stomach from getting so full that it triggers the diaphragm.
Next Steps for Parents:
- Audit your feeding position. Ensure the baby's head is always higher than their tummy during feedings.
- Timing is everything. Try to feed your baby before they are "starving." A frantic, hungry baby gulps more air.
- The 20-Minute Rule. Keep your baby upright for 20 minutes after the last drop of milk, even if they don't have hiccups. It’s the best preventative measure for both hiccups and reflux.
- Watch the clock. If hiccups last more than a few hours or happen in a baby who is losing weight or seems in pain, call your pediatrician. It’s rare, but persistent hiccups can occasionally signal an underlying issue that needs a professional eye.
Basically, stay calm. Your baby is fine. The hiccups are a sign of a growing body, even if they are a bit annoying during the 2:00 AM feed. Just keep them upright, keep them cozy, and let nature do its thing.