Quick Answer
Hiccups are common in babies and can sometimes happen after laughing, feeding, or becoming excited. Laughing may change your baby's breathing pattern or cause them to swallow extra air, which can contribute to hiccups.
Why It Happens
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, the muscle involved in breathing, contracts involuntarily.
They may occur after:
- Laughing
- Feeding
- Excitement
- Swallowing air
- Changes in breathing rhythm
Babies tend to hiccup more frequently than adults.
What Parents Can Try
- Give the hiccups time to pass on their own.
- Keep your baby calm and comfortable.
- Burp your baby if they recently fed.
- Avoid trying to startle your baby to stop the hiccups.
- Most episodes disappear without any intervention.
When It's Worth Checking In With Your Pediatrician
It may be worth checking in if hiccups are unusually frequent, seem painful, regularly interfere with feeding or sleep, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Key Takeaway
Hiccups after laughing are usually harmless and temporary. As babies grow, frequent hiccups often become less common.
Parents Also Ask
- Why does my baby get hiccups after feeding?
- Why does my baby need to burp?
- Why does my baby make so many noises?
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health.