Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups & How to Reduce Them

New parents often worry when their newborns suddenly start to hiccup frequently. Is it normal? Should they be concerned? Understanding why newborns get hiccups and how to reduce them can help put parents at ease.

What Is A Hiccup?

A hiccup, technically known as a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) or singultus, is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle, which separates the lungs from the abdominal area. During a hiccup, the vocal cords also close abruptly, causing the characteristic “hic” sound.

Newborns can hiccup anywhere from four to 60 times per minute. Hiccups often occur during or after feeding, whether the baby is breastfed or bottle-fed.

Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?

There is no definitive answer as to why newborns get hiccups. However, doctors have proposed several theories:

1. Overly Full Stomach: Newborns have small stomachs that fill up quickly. Overfeeding or feeding too quickly can cause the stomach to become distended and trigger hiccups.

2. Swallowing Too Much Air: If a baby swallows too much air while feeding, it can lead to hiccups. Breastfeeding babies may swallow air if they don’t latch on correctly or gulp too much while feeding.

3. Feeding Too Quickly: Feeding a baby too quickly can also cause hiccups. If a baby is voraciously hungry, they may try to feed too fast, which can lead to overfeeding and hiccups.

4. Stress: Newborns can experience stress during birth or from being outside the womb, which can cause hiccups.

5. A Sudden Temperature Change: A sudden change in temperature can sometimes trigger hiccups in newborns.

6. Immature Diaphragm: A newborn’s diaphragm muscle has not fully developed and may be more prone to hiccups.

Despite the different theories, hiccups are generally considered normal in newborns. In fact, many babies start hiccupping before they’re born, usually in the second trimester. The hiccups won’t hurt or distress your baby, and they should decrease in frequency over time.

How Can You Reduce Hiccups in Newborns?

While hiccups are usually harmless, parents can help reduce their frequency and make newborns more comfortable. Here are some tips:

1. Don’t Wait Until the Baby Is Voraciously Hungry: Waiting too long between feedings can cause babies to feed too quickly or overfeed, both of which can trigger hiccups. Try to feed your newborn before they become excessively hungry.

2. Listen to Your Baby While They’re Breastfeeding: If you hear gulping sounds or notice that your baby is swallowing a lot of air, gently remove them from the breast, wait a few minutes, and let them feed again. Slowing down feeding sessions can reduce the risk of hiccups.

3. Ensure Proper Latch: If you’re breastfeeding, make sure your baby latches correctly. They should have the nipple in their mouth and a large part of the areola to help prevent swallowing excess air.

4. Keep Your Baby Upright While Feeding: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, keeping your baby upright during and after feedings can help reduce hiccups. It puts less pressure on the diaphragm and helps prevent air from entering the stomach.

5. Hold the Bottle at a 45-Degree Angle: If you’re bottle-feeding, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle. This allows air bubbles to rise to the top of the bottle, away from the nipple, and reduces the amount of air your baby swallows.

If these tips don’t reduce your baby’s hiccups or if you’re concerned about excessive hiccups, reach out to your pediatrician. While hiccups are usually harmless, your doctor can check your baby for any underlying conditions.

In summary, hiccups are normal in newborns and are usually harmless. While there is no definitive answer as to why newborns get hiccups, overfeeding, swallowing too much air, over-hungry feeding, stress, sudden temperature changes, and immature diaphragm are some of the most common reasons. New parents can reduce hiccups by not waiting until the baby is excessively hungry, ensuring proper latch, holding their baby in an upright position while feeding, holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle, and slowing down feeding sessions. Parents should consult their pediatrician if concerned about excessive hiccups.