Ashwin Lewis
Newborns often have noisy breathing, especially when sleeping. This can be due to their tiny nasal passages, which can easily become blocked with mucus or dryness. In most cases, these noises are harmless and not a sign of something dangerous. However, snoring in newborns can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as sleep apnea, laryngomalacia, or a deviated septum. If you are concerned about your baby's snoring, it is important to consult a pediatrician, especially if your baby is also exhibiting other symptoms such as gasping for air or choking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is newborn snoring? | Newborn snoring is rare but pretty common. Approximately 3% to 9% of infants snore more than three times a week or regularly by the age of 3 months. |
| Is newborn snoring dangerous? | In most cases, newborn snoring is harmless and not a sign of something dangerous. |
| When to see a doctor? | If your baby is snoring habitually, has loud and shrill wheezing sounds, or has stopped inhaling and exhaling, even for a little while, you must consult a pediatrician. |
| What causes newborn snoring? | The nasal passages of newborns are very small, so dryness or extra mucus in their noses can make them snore. Newborns with a deviated septum, Down's syndrome, or laryngomalacia are more likely to snore. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn snoring is usually harmless
However, it's important to monitor your baby's snoring and be aware of any additional symptoms. If your baby is a habitual snorer or has other symptoms, you should ensure that these noises aren't an indication of something more serious. For example, snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. Other signs of sleep apnea include gasping or choking. If you suspect your baby may have sleep apnea, consult a pediatrician.
Another condition that can cause snoring in newborns is laryngomalacia, which is characterised by a voice box that collapses when the baby breathes in. This condition can be identified by a high-pitched, wet-sounding, low-pitched noise during inhalation, known as stridor. If you suspect your newborn has laryngomalacia, speak to your pediatrician as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding may also play a role in reducing the likelihood of snoring. Some studies have shown that breastfeeding protects against snoring, so bottle-fed babies may be more prone to snoring. Additionally, certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, can increase the risk of snoring in newborns.
In summary, while newborn snoring is usually harmless, it's important to be vigilant and seek medical advice if you have any concerns or notice any additional symptoms.
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When to seek medical attention
While newborn snoring is usually harmless, there are some instances where you should seek medical attention.
Firstly, if your baby is snoring and stops inhaling and exhaling, even for a short period, you must take them to the doctor. Erratic breathing can adversely affect your baby's internal organs. If your baby is snoring habitually and it is impacting their sleep, you should also seek medical attention as adequate sleep is essential for your baby's health.
Secondly, if your baby is snoring and has other symptoms, you should ensure these noises are not an indication of something more serious. Additional symptoms to look out for include gasping, choking, and prolonged pauses between breaths, which could indicate sleep apnea. Sleep apnea in newborns is rare but must be treated by a health professional to avoid potential growth problems. Other symptoms to watch out for include loud and shrill wheezing sounds, as well as breathing sounds that are persistent, louder than a whisper, or have a very high pitch.
Thirdly, if your baby has a stuffy nose or dryness in their nasal passages, which are common causes of snoring in newborns, you can use saline drops to clear up and remedy the issue. However, if these nasal blockages persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advised to consult your doctor to ensure everything is well.
Lastly, if your baby is born with certain physical abnormalities or has certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, they may be more prone to snoring. In such cases, it is important to monitor your baby's snoring and seek medical attention if it becomes frequent or concerning.
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Laryngomalacia and newborn snoring
Newborns often have noisy breathing, which may be snoring. In most cases, these noises are not a sign of something dangerous. Newborn snoring can be caused by a stuffy nose or dryness in the nasal passages. Nasal blockages can be cleared up using saline drops.
However, snoring in newborns can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a deviated septum. If a newborn is snoring and stops inhaling and exhaling, even briefly, a doctor should be consulted. If a newborn is snoring habitually and loudly, this can impact their sleep quality, and a pediatrician should be consulted.
Laryngomalacia is a common condition present at birth that causes noisy or high-pitched breathing due to the softening and collapse of tissues above the voice box, temporarily blocking the airway. This condition usually resolves on its own by the time a baby is 1 to 2 years old. Symptoms of laryngomalacia include stridor, a harsh, squeaky sound during inhalation, and can sometimes cause sleep apnea. Babies with severe laryngomalacia may experience apnea (long pauses in breathing) or aspiration (pulling food into the lungs).
If a baby has laryngomalacia, a healthcare provider can help manage the symptoms. Tests to determine the extent of the condition include airway fluoroscopy, impedance probe, and microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (ML&B). Doctors often suspect laryngomalacia at birth or soon after based on symptoms and an exam, and a pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can confirm the diagnosis with a flexible laryngoscopy.
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Breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding
Newborns often have noisy breathing, which may be snoring. In most cases, these noises are not a sign of something dangerous. Newborn snoring can be caused by dryness or extra mucus in their small nasal passages, which can be remedied with nasal drops. In rare cases, snoring in newborns can be a symptom of sleep apnea, laryngomalacia, or other structural anomalies in their airways. If a newborn snores and stops inhaling and exhaling, even briefly, a doctor must be consulted.
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are two methods of feeding infants, with their own advantages and disadvantages. Health experts agree that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mother and baby, as it provides essential antibodies and complex nutrition that cannot be matched by manufactured formula. Breastfeeding is also more convenient and cost-effective, as it can be done anywhere and at any time and does not require formula preparation or additional supplies like bottles and nipples. However, some women may find breastfeeding too difficult or stressful, and it may not be possible for all women due to medical reasons or lifestyle choices.
Bottle-feeding offers flexibility and convenience, as it allows parents or caregivers to feed the baby at any time and enables mothers to share feeding duties and feel involved in the feeding process and bonding. It also provides a predictable feeding schedule and does not require a special diet for the mother. However, formula feeding requires planning and organization to ensure a constant supply of formula and clean supplies, and it lacks the health benefits of breast milk. Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed or bottle-feed is a personal one, and parents should consider their comfort level, lifestyle, and medical situation when making this choice.
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Deviated septum and newborn snoring
Newborns often have noisy breathing, which may be mistaken for snoring. In most cases, these breathing noises are harmless. Their small nasal passages can easily become blocked by even a small amount of mucus or dryness, leading to snoring or noisy breathing. Typically, as newborns grow, their breathing becomes quieter, and the problem of snoring subsides. However, if a newborn starts snoring and exhibits other symptoms, it may indicate a more serious condition.
A deviated septum is a condition where the cartilage and bone dividing the two nasal passages are crooked or uneven, causing one side to be narrower than the other. It is estimated that 80% of people have a deviated septum, with many being unaware of it. A deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties and sleep disruptions due to restricted airflow. In some cases, it can lead to sleep apnea, characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
In newborns, a deviated septum may be present in the first few days after birth, affecting nearly 20% of newborns, according to one study. However, many of these babies exhibit no symptoms, and the condition may resolve with time. A deviated septum in newborns typically does not require treatment unless it is causing breathing or sleeping difficulties.
If you are concerned about your newborn's snoring or breathing, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. They can examine your baby, discuss their sleep history, and perform tests or screenings to determine the cause of the snoring. Treatment options for a deviated septum may include non-invasive methods such as nasal steroid or saline sprays, or in some cases, surgery may be considered to straighten the septum.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, snoring in newborns is common. Approximately 3% to 9% of infants snore regularly by the age of 3 months. Newborns have tiny nasal passages, so even a little bit of dryness or extra mucus in their noses can cause snoring.
If your newborn is snoring loudly, making erratic breathing sounds, or snoring and stopping inhaling and exhaling, even for a little while, then you must take them to the doctor. If your newborn is snoring regularly, and this goes on for weeks, then you should also consult a pediatrician.
The main causes of snoring in newborns are a stuffy nose or dryness. Other possible causes include a dry sleeping environment, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a deviated septum, or even sleep apnea.
If your newborn is snoring due to a stuffy nose, you can use saline drops to clear and remedy nasal blockages.
Signs of sleep apnea in newborns include snoring, gasping, choking, and prolonged pauses between breaths. If you suspect your newborn has sleep apnea, you should consult a pediatrician.
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