Feeding a newborn with hiccups

Hiccups come from involuntary diaphragm contractions and are common in early infancy. They may appear during or after a feed when a baby swallows air, drinks quickly, or has a very full stomach. Hiccups alone usually do not mean the baby is ill. Frequent hiccups with large spit-ups, back arching, feeding refusal, coughing, or distress can occur with [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/), while persistent vomiting or marked discomfort needs a clinician's assessment.

Stop briefly, hold the baby upright with the head supported, and allow the hiccups to settle. Burp gently, then offer the breast or bottle again at a slower pace. Keep the teat filled with milk during bottle feeds to reduce swallowed air, and follow the baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than urging them to finish. Never prop a bottle, feed a crying or breathless baby, give water, or add cereal without professional advice. Keep the baby upright for a short period after feeding, but always place them flat on their back for sleep.

Get urgent help if the baby has blue lips, pauses in breathing, severe breathing difficulty, choking that does not settle, unusual limpness, or cannot be woken. Contact a clinician promptly for repeated forceful vomiting, green vomit, blood, poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, fever in a very young baby, or poor weight gain. Do not start [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) without a prescriber's advice.

Ask whether the baby's position, latch, teat flow, or feed volume may be contributing. Show a record of feeds, spit-up, hiccup timing, wet nappies, and behaviour. Ask how to tell ordinary spit-up from vomiting and whether [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) or another problem needs consideration.