Is it normal for a baby to hiccup after drinking milk?

Jun 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Is it normal for infants to hiccup after drinking milk? My baby always hiccups after finishing a feeding, and I'm wondering what causes this.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
It is quite common for infants to hiccup after drinking milk, and in general, this is a normal physiological phenomenon. This may be due to the infant swallowing some air during sucking, or because the infant's digestive system has not fully matured, resulting in slower gastric emptying and accumulation of gas in the stomach that needs to be expelled. Hiccups can help infants release air from the stomach and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. If the infant hiccups excessively or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or abdominal distension, it may indicate indigestion or other health issues, and parents should observe carefully and consult a doctor promptly. To reduce the occurrence of hiccups after feeding, parents can take certain measures, such as adjusting the feeding posture, controlling the amount of milk intake, and gently patting the infant's back after feeding.