Medical Conditions

Frequent Hiccups in Newborns

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines

Editorial policy

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect frequent hiccups in newborns, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Frequent hiccups in newborns are extremely common and almost always harmless. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Most newborns hiccup several times a day, and the hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes. They are not painful or distressing for your baby.

Key takeaways

  • Frequent hiccups in newborns are extremely common and almost always harmless. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Most newborns hiccup several times a day, and the hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes. They are not painful or distressing for your baby.
  • Usually normal when: Hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding
  • Call your doctor if: Hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, frequent hiccups in newborns are extremely common and almost always harmless. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Most newborns hiccup several times a day, and the hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes. They are not painful or distressing for your baby. At 0-1 month, hiccups are very common in newborns and even begin before birth (you may have felt them during pregnancy). They are caused by the immature diaphragm contracting involuntarily, often after feeding or when the stomach is full. Hiccups are more common in this age group because the nervous system is still developing. They do not bother your baby, even if they seem persistent. Burping your baby during and after feeds, feeding in an upright position, and ensuring a good latch can help reduce the frequency. It is generally considered normal when hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding
Hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties
Hiccups that resolve on their own within a few minutes
Hiccups accompanied by arching of the back, persistent crying during feeds, or other signs that could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Baby does not appear distressed or in pain during hiccups
Hiccups seem to consistently interfere with feeding or cause significant spitting up
Hiccups during sleep that do not wake the baby
Hiccups are accompanied by frequent projectile vomiting or poor weight gain

By Age

What to expect by age

0-1 month

Hiccups are very common in newborns and even begin before birth (you may have felt them during pregnancy). They are caused by the immature diaphragm contracting involuntarily, often after feeding or when the stomach is full. Hiccups are more common in this age group because the nervous system is still developing. They do not bother your baby, even if they seem persistent. Burping your baby during and after feeds, feeding in an upright position, and ensuring a good latch can help reduce the frequency.

1-3 months

Hiccups may continue to be frequent but are completely normal. As your baby's digestive and nervous systems mature, hiccups typically become less frequent. If hiccups interrupt feeding, you can pause, burp your baby, and resume once they stop. Avoid old remedies like giving water to a newborn to stop hiccups.

3-6 months

Hiccups usually become less frequent by this age as your baby's diaphragm and nervous system mature. They may still occur after meals or when your baby swallows air, and this remains normal. If hiccups seem to cause significant distress or are associated with frequent vomiting, discuss with your pediatrician.

6-12 months

Hiccups continue to be a normal occurrence, though less frequent than in the newborn period. They should not interfere with feeding or daily activities. Persistent, prolonged hiccups that last hours or seem to cause pain are rare and should be mentioned to your doctor.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed frequent hiccups in newborns and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if hiccups seem to consistently interfere with feeding or cause significant spitting up.
  • Mention if hiccups are accompanied by frequent projectile vomiting or poor weight gain.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding
  • Hiccups that resolve on their own within a few minutes
  • Baby does not appear distressed or in pain during hiccups
  • Hiccups during sleep that do not wake the baby
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Hiccups seem to consistently interfere with feeding or cause significant spitting up
  • Hiccups are accompanied by frequent projectile vomiting or poor weight gain
  • You are concerned about the frequency or duration of your baby's hiccups
Act now when...
  • Hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties
  • Hiccups accompanied by arching of the back, persistent crying during feeds, or other signs that could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice frequent hiccups in newborns — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties.

My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot

Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.

My Baby's Hiccups Won't Stop

Hiccups are extremely common and completely harmless in babies, especially in the first few months. They're caused by immature diaphragm muscles and usually resolve on their own within a few minutes to an hour. Most babies aren't bothered by them at all, even if they seem frequent to you.

Distinguishing Spit-Up From Vomiting in Newborns

Spit-up is a gentle, effortless flow of stomach contents (usually a small amount) that is very common in newborns. Vomiting is a forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Most spit-up is normal and does not bother the baby ("happy spitter"). Vomiting, especially if forceful, persistent, green-colored, or associated with poor weight gain, needs medical evaluation.

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Month-by-Month Development

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Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is frequent hiccups in newborns normal?
Frequent hiccups in newborns are extremely common and almost always harmless. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Most newborns hiccup several times a day, and the hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes. They are not painful or distressing for your baby.
When should I call the doctor about frequent hiccups in newborns?
Hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties Hiccups accompanied by arching of the back, persistent crying during feeds, or other signs that could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
When is frequent hiccups in newborns normal?
Hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding Hiccups that resolve on their own within a few minutes Baby does not appear distressed or in pain during hiccups
What causes frequent hiccups in newborns?
Frequent hiccups in newborns are extremely common and almost always harmless. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Most newborns hiccup several times a day, and the hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes. They are not painful or distressing for your baby. Common explanations include: Hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding. Hiccups that resolve on their own within a few minutes.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about frequent hiccups in newborns?
You should mention frequent hiccups in newborns at your next visit if: Hiccups seem to consistently interfere with feeding or cause significant spitting up. Hiccups are accompanied by frequent projectile vomiting or poor weight gain. You are concerned about the frequency or duration of your baby's hiccups.
Is frequent hiccups in newborns normal at 0-1 month?
Hiccups are very common in newborns and even begin before birth (you may have felt them during pregnancy). They are caused by the immature diaphragm contracting involuntarily, often after feeding or when the stomach is full. Hiccups are more common in this age group because the nervous system is still developing. They do not bother your baby, even if they seem persistent. Burping your baby during and after feeds, feeding in an upright position, and ensuring a good latch can help reduce the frequency.
Is frequent hiccups in newborns normal at 1-3 months?
Hiccups may continue to be frequent but are completely normal. As your baby's digestive and nervous systems mature, hiccups typically become less frequent. If hiccups interrupt feeding, you can pause, burp your baby, and resume once they stop. Avoid old remedies like giving water to a newborn to stop hiccups.
Should I go to the ER for frequent hiccups in newborns?
Seek emergency care if hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties, or if hiccups accompanied by arching of the back, persistent crying during feeds, or other signs that could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does frequent hiccups in newborns go away on its own?
In many cases, frequent hiccups in newborns resolves on its own, especially when hiccups that occur several times a day, especially after feeding. By 6-12 months, hiccups continue to be a normal occurrence, though less frequent than in the newborn period. They should not interfere with feeding or daily activities. Persistent, prolonged hiccups that last hours or seem to cause pain are rare and should be mentioned to your doctor.
AAPMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Hiccups, Sneezes, and Yawns. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Newborn Health: What to Expect. Patient Care and Health Information. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Frequent Hiccups in Newborns.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed frequent hiccups in newborns and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if hiccups seem to consistently interfere with feeding or cause significant spitting up.
  • Mention if hiccups are accompanied by frequent projectile vomiting or poor weight gain.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Hiccups seem to consistently interfere with feeding or cause significant spitting up
  • Hiccups are accompanied by frequent projectile vomiting or poor weight gain
  • You are concerned about the frequency or duration of your baby's hiccups

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties
  • Hiccups accompanied by arching of the back, persistent crying during feeds, or other signs that could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

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Bottom line

Most cases of frequent hiccups in newborns are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if hiccups that last for extended periods (hours) and cause obvious distress, poor feeding, or breathing difficulties.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot

Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.

My Baby's Hiccups Won't Stop

Hiccups are extremely common and completely harmless in babies, especially in the first few months. They're caused by immature diaphragm muscles and usually resolve on their own within a few minutes to an hour. Most babies aren't bothered by them at all, even if they seem frequent to you.

Distinguishing Spit-Up From Vomiting in Newborns

Spit-up is a gentle, effortless flow of stomach contents (usually a small amount) that is very common in newborns. Vomiting is a forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Most spit-up is normal and does not bother the baby ("happy spitter"). Vomiting, especially if forceful, persistent, green-colored, or associated with poor weight gain, needs medical evaluation.

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