Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups? Causes, Tips & When to Worry
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups? Causes, Tips & When to Worry
If you’ve ever watched your tiny newborn suddenly start making those little “hic… hic… hic…” sounds, you’re not alone!
Newborn hiccups are extremely common, and in most cases they are harmless. They can happen after feeding, during sleep, or seemingly out of nowhere. For new parents, however, those tiny hiccups can sometimes be worrying — especially when they happen frequently.
The good news is that hiccups are a normal part of newborn life for many babies.
In this guide, we’ll explain why newborns get hiccups, what can trigger them, what parents can do to help, feeding and burping tips, and when it’s worth speaking with a healthcare professional.
Important: This article is for general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your midwife, Plunket nurse, GP, paediatrician or other qualified healthcare professional.
Why Do Newborns Get Hiccups?
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm suddenly contracts involuntarily, followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords that creates the familiar “hic” sound.
New-borns can be particularly prone to hiccups because their feeding and digestive systems are still developing.
Hiccups may occur:
- During or after feeding
- When baby swallow’s air
- When baby has taken more milk than their tummy comfortably handles
- When there is irritation around the digestive system
- During changes in temperature or activity
- Sometimes without an obvious trigger at all
The American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children resource notes that hiccups are among the normal sounds and behaviours parents commonly see in newborns.
So if your baby is happily feeding, sleeping, gaining weight and behaving normally, occasional hiccups are generally not something to panic about.
Why Does My Baby Get Hiccups After Feeding?
One of the most common times parents notice newborn hiccups is after a feed.
This may happen because feeding can cause a baby to swallow some air. A baby's small stomach can also become full relatively quickly.
When babies feed quickly, become very hungry, or take in more milk than their tummy comfortably manages, hiccups may sometimes follow.
HealthyChildren notes that hiccups can be associated with overeating and irritation of the lower oesophagus.
This doesn't mean that every episode of hiccups means your baby has been overfed.
Every baby is different, and hiccups can occur even when feeding has gone perfectly.
5 Gentle Ways to Help With Newborn Hiccups
If your newborn has hiccups and otherwise seems comfortable, there are some simple things you can try.
1. Pause During Feeding
If hiccups begin while your baby is feeding, you can pause for a moment and allow your baby to settle.
A short break can give your baby an opportunity to relax before continuing the feed.
Try to keep the environment calm rather than rushing to stop the hiccups immediately.
2. Burp Your Baby
Burping can be helpful when your baby has swallowed air during feeding.
Hold your baby securely and gently burp them after or during a feed, depending on what works best for your baby.
Remember that not every baby will produce a large burp after every feed.
The goal isn't to force a burp — it's simply to give your baby an opportunity to release swallowed air.
Make Feeding More Comfortable
Having a soft burp cloth nearby can make feeding time much easier for parents.
You can explore the baby essentials available from Wee Little Ones and find practical items designed for everyday life with a newborn.
3. Keep Baby Upright After Feeding
Some babies are more comfortable when held upright for a little while after feeding.
A calm upright cuddle can also become a lovely part of your baby's feeding routine.
Always make sure your baby is held securely and safely.
4. Try Slower, Calmer Feeding
If your baby tends to gulp milk quickly, taking short pauses during feeding may help create a calmer feeding experience.
Watch your baby's cues rather than trying to make them finish a particular amount.
Signs such as turning away, slowing down, relaxing their hands or becoming less interested in feeding can indicate that your baby may need a break.
5. Follow Your Baby's Hunger and Fullness Cues
Rather than focusing only on the clock, learn your baby's individual feeding cues.
Hunger cues can include:
- Rooting
- Bringing hands toward the mouth
- Sucking movements
- Becoming more alert
- Fussiness
Fullness cues can include:
- Turning away
- Slowing down
- Relaxing
- Losing interest in feeding
Following these cues can help make feeding more responsive and comfortable.
What NOT to Do for Newborn Hiccups
When you're tired and looking for a quick solution, it can be tempting to try old home remedies.
However, newborns are not simply miniature adults.
Don't give your newborn water to stop hiccups
Young babies should not be given water as a home remedy for hiccups unless specifically advised by an appropriate healthcare professional.
For newborns, breastmilk or appropriately prepared infant formula provides their primary nutrition and hydration.
Don't frighten or startle your baby
There is no need to scare, startle or deliberately upset a baby to try to stop hiccups.
Don't force another feed
If your baby has just finished feeding and is comfortable, there is no need to force additional milk simply to try to stop hiccups.
Don't shake or bounce your baby
Never shake a baby.
Gentle, secure handling is always the safest approach.
Are Newborn Hiccups Dangerous?
In most cases, newborn hiccups are not dangerous.
A baby who has occasional hiccups but is otherwise:
- Feeding normally
- Sleeping normally
- Breathing comfortably
- Maintaining normal colour
- Alert when awake
- Growing appropriately
will generally not need treatment simply because they hiccup.
HealthyChildren describes hiccups as one of the normal sounds parents may notice in newborns.
The important thing is to look at your baby as a whole, rather than focusing on the hiccups alone.
When Should You Worry About Newborn Hiccups?
Hiccups themselves are usually not the main concern.
What matters is whether your baby has other symptoms at the same time.
Speak with your healthcare professional if your baby:
- Seems unusually uncomfortable
- Is struggling with feeding
- Is repeatedly unable to finish feeds
- Has concerning vomiting
- Has breathing difficulties
- Has an unusual change in behaviour
- Is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
- Has a significant change in colour
- Is not feeding normally
- Simply seems unwell or different from usual
For babies under 12 weeks, fever requires prompt medical assessment. Healthy Children also recommends urgent medical attention for signs such as significant breathing difficulty, bluish/grey colouring, inability to wake, weakness or significant feeding changes.
If you are worried about your newborn, trust your instincts and contact your midwife, Plunket nurse, GP or appropriate healthcare service.
Could the Right Baby Feeding Products Help?
While baby products won't necessarily “cure” hiccups, having practical feeding essentials can make the feeding routine more comfortable and manageable for parents.
At Wee Little Ones, we focus on useful baby products for real everyday parenting — from feeding essentials to newborn gifts and baby accessories.
Our online store includes dedicated collections for Bottles, Tableware, Baby Essentials and more.
Explore Baby Feeding Essentials
If you're preparing for your newborn or upgrading your feeding setup, take a look at our baby feeding collection:
Shop Wee Little Ones Baby Feeding Products
Baby Feeding Essentials Every New Parent Can Use
🍼 Baby Bottles
If your baby is bottle-fed, having suitable bottles can make your feeding routine much easier.
Look for features that suit your baby's feeding needs and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation, cleaning and sterilisation.
🧺 Burp Cloths
A good burp cloth is one of those simple baby products that parents quickly discover they need everywhere.
Keep one:
- Beside the feeding chair
- In your bedroom
- In your nappy bag
- In the pram
- Near the changing area
Because newborn feeding can be unpredictable!
🥣 Baby Feeding Sets
As your baby grows and eventually begins exploring solids, having the right feeding equipment becomes even more important.
Wee Little Ones offers feeding sets designed around everyday mealtimes.
For example, our Premium Silicone Baby Feeding Set includes a divided plate, bowl, cup, bib, spoon and fork, making it a convenient all-in-one option for babies and toddlers learning to self-feed.
Shop the Premium Silicone Baby Feeding Set
From Newborn Feeding to Starting Solids
Your baby's feeding journey changes dramatically during the first year.
In the newborn stage, your focus is primarily on breastmilk or infant formula and responding to your baby's feeding cues.
Later, when your baby is developmentally ready for solids, mealtimes become an exciting opportunity to explore new tastes and textures.
Wee Little Ones has guides covering feeding, starting solids and baby mealtime essentials to help parents navigate these changes.
When your little one reaches the appropriate stage for solids, products such as suction plates, bowls, baby spoons, bibs and training cups can make the transition easier.
Shop Baby Tableware & Feeding Essentials
Newborn Essentials for First-Time Parents
If you're expecting your first baby, it can feel like you need to buy absolutely everything.
You don't.
A smaller collection of useful, practical essentials can often be far more valuable than a house full of products.
Consider starting with:
Feeding
- Baby bottles if required
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Feeding accessories
Comfort
- Muslin swaddles
- Soft blankets
- Baby clothing
Everyday essentials
- Pacifier clips
- Baby accessories
- Bath essentials
- Nappy bag essentials
Later feeding stages
- Silicone bib
- Baby bowl
- Suction plate
- Baby spoon
- Training cup
Wee Little Ones has a range of baby essentials selected around everyday parenting needs.
Shop Baby Essentials at Wee Little Ones
A Simple Newborn Feeding Routine
Every baby is different, but creating a calm feeding environment can make those early weeks easier.
Try:
1. Create a comfortable feeding space
Keep everything you need nearby.
2. Feed according to your baby's cues
Pay attention to hunger and fullness signals.
3. Take your time
There's no need to rush feeding.
4. Burp when appropriate
Give your baby an opportunity to release swallowed air.
5. Keep a burp cloth nearby
Because spit-up can happen when you least expect it!
6. Keep baby comfortable after feeding
A gentle upright cuddle may help your baby settle.
7. Don't panic about occasional hiccups
If your baby otherwise appears comfortable and well, hiccups are commonly part of newborn life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Hiccups
How long do newborn hiccups last?
Hiccups can vary from baby to baby. Some episodes may be brief while others can last longer.
If your baby remains comfortable and is feeding and behaving normally, occasional hiccups are generally not a reason to panic.
Why does my newborn get hiccups so often?
Newborns may experience hiccups frequently because their feeding and digestive systems are still developing. Hiccups can also occur around feeding.
If the hiccups are accompanied by concerning symptoms or your baby seems unwell, speak with your healthcare professional.
Are baby hiccups normal after feeding?
Yes. Hiccups can occur during or after feeding.
Swallowing air, feeding quickly or having a full stomach may contribute to hiccups in some babies.
Should I wake my baby because they have hiccups?
Not necessarily.
If your baby is sleeping comfortably and otherwise seems well, occasional hiccups alone are not generally a reason to panic.
If you have concerns about your baby's breathing, feeding or overall wellbeing, seek professional advice.
Can I give my newborn water for hiccups?
Do not use water as a home remedy for newborn hiccups unless your healthcare professional specifically recommends it.
Newborn feeding should follow appropriate breastmilk or infant formula guidance.
Should I use an anti-colic bottle?
An anti-colic bottle may be something parents consider if their baby appears to swallow a lot of air during bottle feeding.
However, no bottle can guarantee that a baby will not experience hiccups or digestive discomfort.
Choose feeding equipment based on your baby's needs, manufacturer guidance and advice from your healthcare professional where appropriate.
The Bottom Line: Don't Panic Over Every Little “Hic!”
Those tiny hiccups can sound dramatic when you're a new parent — especially at 2am!
But in many cases, newborn hiccups are simply one of those normal little things babies do.
Focus on the bigger picture:
❤️ Is your baby feeding well?
❤️ Are they breathing comfortably?
❤️ Are they alert when awake?
❤️ Are they generally comfortable?
❤️ Are they growing and developing appropriately?
If yes, occasional hiccups are usually much less concerning.
And if something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare professional.
There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your newborn.
Make Newborn Life a Little Easier With Wee Little Ones
The newborn stage goes by incredibly quickly.
One day you're wondering why your baby has hiccups, and before you know it, you're choosing their first feeding bowl, watching them explore solid foods and celebrating their next big milestone.
At Wee Little Ones, we're here to make those everyday moments a little easier with practical, beautiful baby essentials for families in New Zealand.
From feeding products and baby tableware to newborn gifts, swaddles, accessories and developmental products, explore our range and find something perfect for your little one.
🛍️ Ready to Shop?
Shop All Wee Little Ones Baby Products
**Wee Little Ones — little products for life's biggest little moments. 🌈💕
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