Parents often worry when they hear their baby breathing noisily during sleep. While it can sound alarming, it’s usually normal and has common explanations.
Here are the most frequent causes:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)
GER happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, and it’s quite common in babies. Signs include:
- Noisy breathing after feeding
- Frequent spitting up
- Fussiness or trouble sleeping
Most babies outgrow GER as their digestive system matures. To help, try smaller, more frequent feedings and keep your baby upright after meals. If symptoms persist, consult your pediatrician.
To know more, please read: Is it normal for my baby to spit up after feeding ?
2. Laryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia occurs when the tissues around the voice box are soft and floppy, causing a high-pitched, noisy sound (stridor). It’s often more noticeable when the baby is lying on their back. Most cases improve on their own as the baby’s airway strengthens.
Signs of Laryngomalacia:
Noisy breathing that worsens when lying down, feeding, or crying
Occasional choking or gagging during feeds
Improved breathing when the baby is on their stomach or held upright
Remedies for Laryngomalacia:
Positioning: Keep your baby in an upright position during and after feedings to reduce airway compression.
Tummy Time: Supervised tummy time helps strengthen neck and airway muscles, which can improve symptoms over time
Avoid Overfeeding: Feeding smaller amounts more frequently can help prevent pressure on the airway.
Most cases of laryngomalacia improve without medical intervention as the baby’s airway matures, typically by 12 to 18 months. However, if your baby has severe symptoms like difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, or blue lips, consult your pediatrician promptly.
3. Nasal Congestion
Babies primarily breathe through their noses, so even mild congestion can cause noisy breathing. This might happen due to:
- Colds
- Dry air
Using a humidifier, saline drops, or a nasal aspirator can help clear nasal passages and reduce the noise.
4. Other Possible Causes
- Overfeeding: A very full stomach can press on the diaphragm and lead to noisy breathing.
- Prematurity: Premature babies often have smaller, underdeveloped airways, which can make their breathing noisier.
- Infections: Respiratory infections like croup or bronchiolitis can temporarily cause noisy breathing.
- Allergies or Irritants: Exposure to allergens or cigarette smoke can also affect a baby’s breathing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most cases of noisy breathing are harmless and improve over time, consult your doctor if your baby:
- Struggles to breathe or seems in distress
- Turns blue around the lips
- Has feeding difficulties or poor weight gain
Listening to your instincts as a parent is important. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance. Most of the time, simple adjustments or reassurance are all that’s needed.
