Hiccups and other baby basics: Sleep, poop, and solids
In a baby’s first year, it can feel like every little stretch, hiccup, or diaper change brings a new question. That’s completely normal, and you’re not alone.
We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about infants, straight from the trusted pediatricians at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center.
Why do babies get hiccups?
Baby hiccups are normal and usually nothing to worry about. They happen when a muscle under the lungs, called the diaphragm, gets a little overstimulated or irritated. This can happen after eating or even just from excitement. Because thier bodies are still developing, it happens more often with babies.
Hiccups don’t usually bother your baby and most go away on their own and most grow out of frequent hiccups as they get older.
What helps a baby with hiccups?
If your baby gets hiccups during or after feeding, try holding them upright, gently burping them, or helping them relax. Wait until the hiccups are gone to resume feeding. If they don’t go away in 5 to 10 minutes, try resuming feeding for a few minutes. This usually stops them.
🌟 Learn more at healthychildren.org:
How long should a newborn sleep?
Babies sleep a lot, but how much depends on their age:
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Newborns (birth to 3 months): 14 to 17 hours a day, including naps
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Infants (4 to 11 months): 12 to 16 hours a day, including naps
Babies don’t usually sleep through the night right away. It’s normal for them to wake up for feedings and need help getting back to sleep. Try to keep a calm and consistent routine at bedtime to help them learn when it’s time to rest.
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When can babies start eating solid foods?
Most babies are ready to try solid foods around 6 months old.
Your baby may be ready if they:
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Can sit up with help
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Show interest in food
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Can keep food in their mouth without pushing it out
Start with soft, single foods like baby cereal, pureed veggies, or mashed meat. Keep giving breast milk or formula, too—it’s still your baby’s main food until their first birthday.
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What is normal for baby poop?
Baby poop changes a lot in the first year. At first, poop is thick and black (called meconium). After that:
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Breastfed babies usually have yellow, seedy poop.
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Formula-fed babies often have tan or brown poop.
Some babies poop many times a day. Others go a few days without pooping. Both can be normal if your baby is eating well and the poop is soft.
Call your doctor if the poop is very hard, watery for more than one day, or has blood or mucus in it.
🌟 Learn more at healthychildren.org:
Need help or have more questions about babies?
Our pediatricans are here to support you. No question is too small. Call us to make any appointment. We’re here to help!
Make an appointment today
Babies grow and change everyday. Regular check-ups help to keep them healthy.
Schedule well-checks for your baby’s first year at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months old.
New patients are always welcome.
What is a pediatrician, and what do they do?
A pediatrican is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for children from birth through age 17. They help families keep their children healthy, treat them when they’re sick, and support their overall development—physically, emotionally, and socially. Pediatricans also focus on prevention, helping to stop health problems before they start.
At Airline Children & Women’s Health Center, our pediatric services include:
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Well-Child Visits: Regular checkups to monitor growth, development, and overall health.
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Sick Visits: Diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses like flu, ear infections, strep throat, and COVID-19.
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Chronic Conditions: Ongoing care for asthma and other long-term health needs.
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Immunizations: Routine childhood vaccines, including COVID-19 and RSV, to help prevent serious diseases.
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Physicals: Required exams for school, sports, and camp.
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Behavioral Health: Evaluation and treatment for ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
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Referrals: Coordination with specialists when additional care is needed.
Regular visits with a pediatrician — starting when they are infants — are one of the best ways to make sure your child stays healthy, safe, and ready to thrive.
No insurance? No problem.
Most health insurance plans—including Medicaid and CHIP—are accepted at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center. But you don’t need insurance to be a patient.
We make health care affordable for every member of your family. Learn more.
