From a mom with pediatric experience who’s been right where you are.
Hey mama,
If you’re here, it probably means your little one is hiccuping for the fifth time today, and your nerves are shot. I see you. I remember holding my baby in the early weeks, wondering if I was doing something wrong every time those tiny spasms started. Let me ease your mind: baby hiccups are normal. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t frustrating.
As a mom of three and someone with a pediatric care background, I want to share what actually works. These five methods are safe, gentle, and backed by both experience and pediatric insight.
1. Burp Your Baby (Even If You Just Did)
Hiccups are often caused by excess air trapped in your baby’s stomach. Even if they’ve finished feeding, a quick upright burp session can make all the difference.
• Hold your baby against your shoulder.
• Gently pat or rub their back in a circular motion.
• Keep them upright for at least 10–15 minutes after feeding.
2. Check the Latch or Bottle Flow
If your baby is hiccuping during or after feeding, it might be related to how they’re eating:
• For breastfeeding: Make sure the latch is deep and comfortable. Shallow latch = more air swallowed.
• For bottle-feeding: Try a slow-flow nipple to reduce how much air they’re taking in.
3. Use a Pacifier
Sucking helps relax the diaphragm and may stop the hiccup reflex.
• Offer a clean pacifier and let your baby suck for a few minutes.
• Bonus: it soothes them emotionally too.
4. Tummy Time or Gentle Movement
If your baby is calm, placing them on their tummy (supervised!) or giving a gentle bounce in your arms can help:
• Tummy time gently massages their diaphragm.
• Light bouncing can reset the rhythm of the hiccups.
5. Wait It Out (It’s Safe — Really)
This is the hardest one. But unless your baby seems upset or hiccups are interfering with feeding or sleep, sometimes the best thing to do is… nothing.
• Hiccups don’t hurt.
• They usually resolve on their own within 5–20 minutes.
• Frequent hiccups in newborns are common and not a medical concern.
🚨 When to Call a Pediatrician
While hiccups are normal, there are rare times when it’s best to check in with your doc:
• If your baby is spitting up excessively with hiccups.
• If they seem to be in discomfort or arching their back during episodes.
• If hiccups consistently interrupt feeding.
Final Thoughts From One Mom to Another
You’re not overreacting for wanting answers. You’re not silly for googling this at 3AM.
Hiccups can be a sign of a growing, healthy baby—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the stress. I hope these gentle tools bring you peace, and that today’s hiccups feel a little less scary than yesterday’s.
You’re doing great, mama.
Still feeling unsure about what’s “normal” or what actually helps?
I get it — those tiny hiccups are just one of the hundred little worries that come with a newborn. That’s exactly why I created The New Mom Survival Guide: so you don’t have to Google your way through motherhood at 2AM.