Important Notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastmilk provides the ideal balanced diet and protection against illness for your baby. We fully support the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Hiccups are a common occurrence in babies, especially after feeding. They occur when the diaphragm contracts, forcing air out through closed vocal cords and creating that characteristic "hic" sound. In most cases, hiccups are completely harmless, don’t cause your baby any distress, and will usually go away on their own.
Although there is nothing to worry about, here are several practical ways you can help soothe your baby and prevent hiccups from happening as frequently.
1. Hold Your Baby Upright After Feeds
Holding your baby upright after feeding can keep air from entering the stomach too quickly, which is a common hiccup trigger. Try holding your baby upright against your shoulder or chest for 15 to 20 minutes after every feed.
2. Burp Your Baby Frequently
Burping your baby helps release trapped air from their tummy before it triggers diaphragm spasms. Gently pat your baby's back or rub their tummy to encourage a burp. Pausing to burp your baby halfway through a feed can make a noticeable difference.
Related Reading: Want to learn more about your baby's digestive health? Check out our article: Baby Poo, Formula Changes & Digestion: A Canadian Parent's Guide
3. Adjust Your Baby’s Feeding Position
The position in which your baby feeds can sometimes cause them to swallow extra air. If you are bottle-feeding, ensure the bottle nipple is completely filled with milk or formula so your baby isn't gulping air. Keeping your baby’s head elevated above their stomach during feeds is also beneficial.
Related Reading: For safe feeding routines and formula choice guidance, read:
• How to Prepare Baby Formula Safely: A Canadian Parent's Guide
• What Is Whole Milk Formula? The Kendamil Difference Explained
4. Offer a Pacifier or Soother
Sucking on a pacifier (or soother) can help regulate a baby's breathing and relax the diaphragm. The calm, rhythmic motion often stops hiccups in their tracks.
5. Soothe with White Noise
Babies often start hiccuping when they are over-excited, over-stimulated, or crying heavily. White noise can help distract and soothe your baby's nervous system. You can use a white noise machine, run a fan, or simply shush or hum softly.
Related Reading: Settling techniques are especially handy on the go! Read: Traveling with a Newborn: A Canadian Parent’s Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation
6. Gently Massage Your Baby's Back
A light back massage helps relax the diaphragm and ease muscular tension. Place your baby tummy-down on your lap or hold them against your chest while gently rubbing their back in circular motions, starting near the shoulder blades and working down.
7. Mind Breastfeeding Diets & Early Solids
If you are breastfeeding, strong or very spicy foods in your diet can occasionally irritate a sensitive baby's stomach. If your baby is older and eating solids, stick to gentle, easily digestible foods to avoid digestive upset.
8. Wait It Out
When in doubt, patience is key! Most hiccups pass naturally within 5 to 10 minutes without any intervention at all.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most hiccups are harmless, frequent hiccuping accompanied by discomfort can sometimes be a sign of infant reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
According to guidance from the Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids) and Health Canada, you should consult your family doctor, pediatrician, or local public health nurse (or call 811 for provincial health advice) if hiccups occur alongside any of the following symptoms:
- Bringing up milk frequently or forceful vomiting during or shortly after a feed
- Arching their back, coughing, or appearing unsettled during feeds
- Excessive crying or difficulty settling after meals
- Poor weight gain or refusal to feed
- Continuous gulping or wet swallowing long after a feed is finished
At the end of the day, baby hiccups are a completely normal part of infant development, rarely cause your little one any distress, and almost always pass on their own within minutes. By making a few simple tweaks to feeding positions, burping regularly, and keeping calm soothing techniques in your back pocket, you can help minimize post-meal hiccup fits and keep your baby comfortable.
Medical Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your family doctor, pediatrician, public health nurse, or a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby's health or feeding routine.
