Is it normal for newborns to always have hiccups?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
It is usually normal for newborns to frequently hiccup, but this should be promptly addressed. Newborns' bodies are not yet fully developed and they primarily use abdominal breathing. During feeding, if the newborn is lying flat or held in an incorrect position, causing them to drink milk too quickly and swallow excessive cold air, the diaphragm may continuously contract, leading to chest expansion and a progressively reduced thoracic cavity capacity.
Newborns frequently experiencing hiccups is usually a normal phenomenon, but it should be addressed promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
Since newborns' bodies are not yet fully developed, they primarily use abdominal breathing. During feeding, if the newborn is lying flat or held in an incorrect position, they may drink milk too quickly and swallow excessive cold air. This can cause continuous contraction of the diaphragm, chest expansion, and progressively reduced thoracic cavity capacity, leading to hiccups. It is recommended to adjust to an appropriate feeding posture. Additionally, newborns have limited stomach capacity and immature gastrointestinal function. Feeding too much milk at once may exceed the stomach's capacity, causing milk regurgitation, hiccups, choking, or spitting up—all of which pose significant risks. Therefore, feeding should be done according to the baby's needs. Moreover, many mothers continuously rock their newborns after feeding in an attempt to soothe them to sleep. This practice can impair digestion and absorption, trigger hiccups, and lead to bloating, crying, and difficulty sleeping. Shaking or jostling should be avoided after feeding; instead, hold the baby upright against the shoulder and gently pat their back to help release gas.
If the newborn shows signs of discomfort, parents should promptly seek medical attention and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance to support recovery.
