I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a baby with a bad set of hiccups and wished I could make them go away!
You always hear about different cures that could help with hiccups, but none of them ever seem right for babies. It’s not like your little one can say “watermelon”, lay upside down, or any of the other things people swear by!
But after a few kids, I have come up with a great list of tools for when those pesky baby hiccups come around.
Where do Baby Hiccups Come From?
So where do hiccups come from in babies anyway? Well, the short answer is that we aren’t really sure!
What we do know is that hiccups are essentially your body’s way of telling you that something is a little off in your stomach. So if your baby has hiccups it’s likely the symptom of an irritated belly.
Most of the time, baby hiccups come from eating too fast or even eating too much. But don’t be surprised if they pop up at some other time.
What to do if My Baby’s Hiccups Don’t Go Away
If you notice that your baby is getting longer than average hiccups or it seems that they are happening pretty regularly, you may want to bring it up with their doctor at their next visit.
It’s likely nothing to worry about on its own, but it could be a sign of reflux or other belly issues that a doctor can help you resolve.
10 Ways to Get Rid of Baby Hiccups
You’ll want to make sure to save this list! Here’s 10 ways that are always sure to help when your baby gets the hiccups!
Burp Your Baby
The number one fix for hiccups, like many other belly issues, is burping your baby!
Place your baby with their stomach on your shoulder and give their back some gentle pats to help them get any extra air out.
Burping your baby may help ditch the hiccups, but at the very least it can help get rid of any discomfort in their belly!
Pay Attention to Hiccup Timing
One thing that always helps me is to pay attention to what my baby is doing when they get the hiccups!
Is it right after they eat? Is it when they are in a certain position?
If you know when your baby usually gets the hiccups, it’s easier to see what you can do to prevent them next time. Maybe all your baby needs to lessen the chance of baby hiccups is a quick burping session during feedings or a change in position!
Tummy Time
Laying on your stomach is a common way to get rid of hiccups that even the smallest baby can try! Give them a little tummy time and see if it works!
In my experience, tummy time is always a great problem solver. If something is bothering my baby’s belly, it only takes a few minutes on their belly to get it out.
Distract Them
There’s a reason that giving someone a good scare can help get rid of their hiccups… it’s a good distraction! Of course, you don’t want to spook your sweet baby. But you can come up with some other distractions.
Try making them laugh! Sing a silly song or tickle them until they start to giggle. You could also ready them a story. Or put them in the stroller and go for a little walk around the neighborhood.
Changing the pace and putting them in a new situation may be just the distraction they need to get rid of their hiccups!
Sit Them Up
Another thing to try is helping your baby sit up while they have the hiccups.
If their belly is feeling irritated, laying down may not feel very good. Sitting up can help them be more comfortable and ease the hiccups away.
Give a Pacifier or Teether
The sucking reflex is so amazing. It’s like your baby’s perfect comfort mechanism that also can trigger some healing things in their body.
Getting that reflex going with a pacifier or teether can normalize their breathing and other body functions and hopefully help cure those hiccups!
My babies couldn’t get enough of the Comotomo teethers. They were always a lifesaver for hiccups, teething, playtime, and everything in between.
At the very least, a pacifier or teether could help soothe and relax your baby if the hiccups are bothering them.
Take Feeding Breaks
If your little one is getting hiccups often, you may want to try taking more breaks during feedings.
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feedings, give them several breaks to help them catch their breath and get out any burps. These breaks can be absolutely essential in preventing hiccups.
Check Baby’s Latch
Having the perfect latch is so important! Did you know having a poor latch could even cause things like hiccups?
Make sure that your baby’s lips are fully enclosed around the bottle or breast! No air should be able to get in or out while they are eating.
If air is getting in while they eat, it may be the reason that your baby is getting the hiccups.
Give Them a Drink
Sometimes all you need when you have the hiccups is a little drink! Babies can be the same way.
If you have an infant, giving them a few sips of breastmilk or formula may do the trick. Usually, doctors give the OK to have small amounts of water after 6 months, so if you have an older baby you could also try a few sips of water.
Just be aware that hiccups can also come from overeating, so if your baby has just finished a feeding you may want to try another cure.
Wait it Out
As much as I hate to say it, sometimes the best cure for the hiccups is just waiting it out and letting them run their course.
After a few minutes they are sure to go away on their own, and through it may bother you, your baby may not be bothered by them at all.
So just relax and remember that they will be over soon!
Check out these other great posts!
Baby Modeling: How to Get Started
Baby Crying Sounds: What they Mean and How to Handle Them
Tips on How to Burp a Newborn Baby