Ask Our Experts
Got Questions? We've got answers from experts and parents who've been there.
Why does my newborn hiccup so often?
Why do newborns get hiccups so often?
Hiccups are caused when the diaphragm, the respiratory muscle at the base of the chest, gets irritated and spasms. Since a baby's stomach and torso are small, it doesn't take much to fill his tummy to the brim and push it up into the diaphragm. In fact, it's a good thing to see kids get hiccups -- it means they're well fed. --Hagar Scher
Originally published in Parents magazine, October 2006. Updated 2009
Was this Helpful?
(20)
The answers from our experts are for educational purposes only. Please always refer to your child's pediatrician and mental health expert for more in-depth advice.
Community Answers2
Answer this Question
X
Hiccups normally occur if you baby swollows too much air. Could be from crying or from eating. If it seems to bother your baby a lot you can buy Gripe water over the counter it helps with excess gas in baby's tummy. Most commonly used as an over the counter colic treatment but also works for hiccups! But also hiccups can be very normal as the lungs grow!