What causes newborns to frequently hiccup and spit up milk?

Newborns frequently experiencing hiccups and spitting up milk may be due to physiological reflux, incorrect feeding techniques, indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or gastroesophageal reflux. Appropriate management strategies can be selected based on the underlying cause.

1. Physiological Reflux

A newborn's stomach is typically horizontal and small in capacity, with low muscle tone in the esophagus and a relatively relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (cardia), making it easier for milk to flow back. If a newborn cries during feeding or feeds too quickly, it may lead to spasms of the diaphragm, resulting in physiological reflux and symptoms such as hiccups and spitting up milk. This is generally considered a normal physiological phenomenon that tends to improve gradually with age.

2. Incorrect Feeding Technique

The gastrointestinal system of newborns is not yet fully developed. Incorrect feeding practices—such as feeding when the baby is overly hungry, crying intensely, feeding too rapidly or urgently, or using improper feeding positions—can cause the infant to swallow excessive air, irritating the abdomen and leading to frequent hiccups and milk regurgitation. It is recommended to feed correctly and gently pat the baby’s back after feeding to encourage burping.

3. Indigestion

The digestive system of newborns is still immature, which may result in insufficient gastric acid secretion or uncoordinated gastrointestinal motility, causing food to remain in the stomach for prolonged periods and increasing gas production. The rising gas into the esophagus can trigger hiccups and milk spitting. These symptoms may be accompanied by bloating. As directed by a physician, medications such as Lactasin granules, Bifidobacterium triple viable powder, or Saccharomyces boulardii powder may be used to regulate intestinal flora and enhance gastrointestinal digestion and absorption.

4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Irregular gastrointestinal motility may lead to uneven mixing of food in the stomach, causing gas accumulation and hiccups, and possibly allowing stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus, resulting in spitting up milk. These conditions may also be associated with diarrhea. It is advisable to give the newborn adequate water, maintain proper feeding habits, perform clockwise abdominal massage, or, under medical guidance, administer medications such as Bacillus subtilis binomial viable granules or Xingpi Yang'er granules to improve symptoms.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux

When acidic gastric fluid from the stomach flows back into the throat or mouth, similar symptoms may occur, often accompanied by acid regurgitation. According to medical advice, treatments may include Compound Pancreatin Powder, Pepsin Granules, or Bacillus subtilis binomial viable granules.

If these symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to promptly take the newborn to the hospital for evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and treatment as prescribed by a healthcare provider.