If you’re a new parent, your baby’s sudden tiny “hic” sounds may make you wonder whether hiccups in infants are normal. Good news — they usually are! Hiccups in infants happen frequently and rarely indicate anything harmful [1].
In this blog, we’ll explore why do infants get hiccups, the causes of hiccups in newborn, common baby hiccups myths, and gentle ways for how to stop hiccups in babies naturally.
If you’re a new parent, your baby’s sudden tiny “hic” sounds may make you wonder whether hiccups in infants are normal. Good news — they usually are! Hiccups in infants happen frequently and rarely indicate anything harmful [1].
In this blog, we’ll explore why do infants get hiccups, the causes of hiccups in newborn, common baby hiccups myths, and gentle ways for how to stop hiccups in babies naturally.
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm — the muscle under the lungs — spasms involuntarily [2]. When this happens, the vocal cords briefly close, creating the familiar sound.
Babies experience this more often than adults because:
Fun fact: Even fetuses can hiccup inside the womb during normal development!
Most causes of hiccups in newborn are related to feeding and comfort:
Tip: Burp your baby during and after feeds — one of the biggest preventions against frequent hiccups in infants.
Know the common triggers — prevent the hiccups before they start.
✔ Overfeeding
✔ Fast bottle-flow
✔ Air swallowing
✔ Temperature changes
In most cases, frequent hiccups in infants are not a sign of discomfort or illness [1]. Many babies hiccup daily without distress.
However, consult a pediatrician if hiccups come with:
These could suggest reflux (GERD) — although this is uncommon [4].
There’s a lot of confusion — so let’s bust the myths!
| Baby Hiccups Myths | Baby Hiccups Facts |
| “Hiccups mean the baby is sick” | They are usually normal and harmless [2] |
| “Give newborns water to stop hiccups” | Babies under 6 months should not be given water [5] |
| “Startling scares hiccups away” | Unsafe and ineffective |
| “Hiccups hurt the baby” | Babies are rarely bothered by hiccups |
Understanding these baby hiccups facts keeps your little one safer.
There is no single hiccups in infants cure — but these gentle remedies may help:
✅ Burp halfway and after feeds
✅ Use slow-flow nipples to reduce air intake
✅ Feed in a calm, quiet environment
✅ Hold upright 20–30 minutes after feeding
✅ Offer a pacifier — sucking relaxes the diaphragm [6]
These strategies are among the safest hiccup remedies for newborns.
Here’s your easy checklist for how to stop hiccups in babies naturally:
Natural Remedies
▫ Pause feeding if hiccups start during a feed
▫ Upright position + gentle back rub
▫ Smaller, more frequent feeds
Avoid: Sugar, lemon, herbal concoctions — unsafe for newborns [5]
Seek medical advice if:
Persistent symptoms may require evaluation for reflux or swallow issues [4].
Hiccups in infants are a normal developmental reflex triggered by a sensitive diaphragm. The causes of hiccups in newborn are most often linked to feeding habits and air swallowing — not illness.
By ignoring baby hiccups myths, adopting safe feeding practices, and using natural hiccup remedies for newborns, parents can stay calm when the tiny “hic!” shows up.
So the next time your little one hiccups, relax — it’s simply part of growing up! 💙
