Frequent Hiccups in Newborns
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 Should You Do?
When to take action
- 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
- 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
- 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)
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Medical Concerns
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.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.