Usually, hiccups are repetitive contractions of the diaphragm. They are normal in babies and are not usually a medical concern.
Most occurrences of hiccups in infants are caused by overfeeding or occur when a baby swallows too much air. Babies are generally not bothered by hiccups, but if you are concerned that your baby is uncomfortable, you can relieve his or her hiccups by adjusting feeding patterns and being attentive to possible causes.
Hold your baby upright after feeding them
Keeping your baby in a vertical, upright position for 30 minutes after they feed can help them digest their milk and prevent their diaphragm from getting irritated. Just sit and relax while you hold your little one upright or walk around with them.
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Feed your baby smaller amounts of milk more frequently
Your baby might get hiccups when they drink too much, too quickly. Adjusting your feeding schedule so your baby gets less milk at a time but feeds more frequently can help prevent them from swallowing too much air and distending their stomach.
Feeding your baby before they get super hungry can keep them calm and prevent hiccups. When they’re fussy, they might overfeed or swallow more air.
Remove excess air from your bottles
If you feed your baby with formula, take some time before feedings to keep air out of your baby’s bottles. Trapped air can end up in your babe’s tummy, causing their hiccups. Just gently stir or swirl the formula as you mix it and then let it sit for a few minutes to reduce bubbles. Then, tilt the bottle horizontally so only formula fills the nipple.
Ensure your baby is properly latched when feeding them
If you nurse your baby, an improper latch can cause them to swallow a lot of air as they feed. To achieve a good latch, make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open and makes full contact with your nipple and areola.
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