What Should You Do When a Baby Has Hiccups? How to Stop Hiccups

        Hiccups in infants occur when the diaphragm is stimulated—often due to rapid feeding or inhalation of cold air—causing it to contract suddenly. This results in a quick, involuntary inhalation accompanied by the characteristic “hic” sound.

        The most common and effective methods for quickly stopping hiccups include gently patting the baby’s back, offering warm water, and ensuring adequate warmth for the chest and abdomen. To pat the back, hold the infant upright against your body with their chin resting on your shoulder, then use a cupped hand to gently tap their back. This usually relieves hiccups within a few minutes. Giving small amounts of warm water, warmed breast milk, or warmed formula may also help—but take care to avoid aspiration or choking. Keeping the infant’s chest and abdomen warm is equally important. If hiccups persist, or if the infant develops breathing difficulties, irritability, or other concerning symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify and address any underlying cause.