what to do when newborn has hiccups

Newborn hiccups are usually harmless and often stop on their own. The safest things to try are burping, pausing a feed, holding baby upright, and offering a pacifier if they’re comfortable with it.

What helps

• Burp your baby during and after feeds to release trapped air.

• Hold your baby upright for about 20 to 30 minutes after feeding.

• Slow the feeding pace and keep the bottle nipple full of milk to reduce swallowed air.

• Offer a pacifier, since sucking can help relax the diaphragm.

What to avoid

• Do not scare the baby, pull the tongue, pinch the nose, or give water for hiccups.

• Avoid rough back patting; gentle rubbing or patting is the safer approach.

• Do not overfeed or bounce the baby right after a feed.

When to call a doctor

• Hiccups are happening very often and seem to interfere with feeding, sleep, or comfort.

• Your baby also has vomiting, poor weight gain, breathing trouble, or seems unwell.

• You’re seeing hiccups along with signs of reflux or feeding difficulty.

Quick note

If the hiccups started during a feeding, a short break to burp is usually the first move. If they started when baby is otherwise calm, a pacifier or simply waiting them out is often enough.

Helpful rule of thumb: calm, upright, and gentle usually works best.