Causes of Hiccups in Newborns Hiccups in newborns is a very normal phenomenon, but it is often confusing for new parents. So, what causes burping in newborns? First of all, during the delivery process, the baby will drop from the mother\’s abdomen to the pelvic cavity. This process allows the baby to inhale some air, just like us adults inhale when smoking or eating. Secondly, the gastrointestinal function of newborns has not yet been fully developed, and their digestion and absorption capabilities are not yet fully developed.