Hiccups can be irritating at any age, but they're especially bothersome for infants who get them often. While medical options are limited, I've relied on these simple, natural remedies for years to stop hiccups in adults and babies alike—they work reliably based on personal experience and time-tested practices.
Hiccups result from sudden, involuntary spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm. They're often triggered when the stomach fills with air or liquid and expands, stretching the diaphragm nerve. This leads to uncontrolled, repetitive contractions that affect the vocal cords.
Understanding the cause makes it easier to address. Here are my go-to natural remedies.
My first-line fix—effective about three-quarters of the time—is this breathing exercise: Fill your lungs completely with air, then exhale in short, spaced-out bursts until empty. Repeat three times, and hiccups usually vanish.
Alternatively, breathe into a paper bag to boost carbon dioxide levels in your body, calming the spasms.
A sweet and sticky food disrupts your breathing pattern effectively. Options include:
Hot or warm water helps relax the diaphragm. Drink a full glass rapidly—one is often enough to end the episode.
This method diverts attention from hiccups by focusing your mind on a vivid memory, allowing spasms to subside naturally.
Infants often hiccup after feeding or regurgitating, commonly due to immature esophageal muscles allowing acidic stomach contents to reflux. Though not painful, prolonged hiccups can upset them.
Gently walk and rock your baby while patting their back. Offer water (plain or sweetened) or breast milk/formula. Prevent air swallowing during feeds and burp every 2-3 minutes if hiccups persist daily. Consult your pediatrician for homeopathic options if needed.
These remedies have helped countless times in my experience. Which will you try first? Share your favorites in the comments.
