Baby Hiccups — Should You Worry?

Quick Action Checklist

• Stay calm and observe your baby.
• Gently burp your baby to relieve any trapped air.
• Offer a pacifier to help soothe your baby.
• Ensure your baby is in an upright position.

What's Happening

Hiccups in babies are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that aids in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts unexpectedly, it causes a quick intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the vocal cords closing, creating the 'hic' sound. This is a normal reflex in infants and is usually not a cause for concern.

Step-by-Step Guide

0-3 Months

1. Hold your baby upright for 10-15 minutes after feeding.
2. Gently rub or pat your baby's back to help them burp.
3. Offer a pacifier if hiccups persist.

3-6 Months

1. Keep your baby upright during and after feeding.
2. Offer small, frequent feeds to prevent overfeeding.
3. Burp your baby midway through feeding.

6-12 Months

1. Introduce solid foods slowly to avoid overloading your baby’s stomach.
2. Continue to burp your baby regularly during and after meals.
3. Encourage your baby to sit up, as this can help reduce hiccups.

What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)

• Do not startle your baby to stop hiccups; this can make them upset.
• Avoid giving water or any other liquid to babies under 6 months to stop hiccups.
• Do not force-feed or overfeed in an attempt to stop hiccups.

When to Call the Doctor / Emergency

Call the doctor if:

• Your baby's hiccups are frequent and last more than 10 minutes at a time.
• The hiccups are disrupting your baby's sleep or feeding.
• You notice signs of distress, discomfort, or difficulty breathing.
• Your baby is vomiting or showing signs of acid reflux.

Call emergency services (112 in Europe) if your baby is choking, has difficulty breathing, or turns blue.

Prevention Tips

• Feed your baby before they become very hungry to prevent gulping air.
• Ensure a proper latch if breastfeeding to minimize air intake.
• Allow your baby to burp frequently during and after feeding.
• Maintain a calm feeding environment to avoid overstimulation.

Sources

Information adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Health Service (NHS).