Miya Pearson
Newborns often have noisy breathing, especially when sleeping. This breathing can sound like snoring, and may even be snoring. In most cases, these noises are not a sign of something dangerous. However, snoring in newborns can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. So, when is newborn snoring harmless, and when might it be a cause for concern?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is newborn snoring | 3% to 9% of infants snore regularly by the age of 3 months. One study found that about 9% of infants snore more than three times a week. Another study found that 5% of infants were described as habitual snorers by their mothers. |
| Is newborn snoring harmful? | In most cases, newborn snoring is not harmful and will resolve as the baby grows older. |
| What causes newborn snoring? | Newborn snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the throat. The small nasal passages of newborns can also cause snoring due to dryness or extra mucus. Other causes include deviated septums, Down's syndrome, and certain physical abnormalities such as a smaller jaw. |
| When to seek medical advice | If a newborn snores softly and does not have any other symptoms, it may not be necessary to treat snoring. However, if a newborn is a habitual mouth breather, has trouble eating, or is not gaining weight, it may indicate more serious issues. Parents should consult a pediatrician if their infant snores three or more nights per week or has other symptoms such as sleep apnea or laryngomalacia. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn snoring is usually harmless
According to Dr. Jonathan Maynard, a pediatrician at Providence Mission Hospital in Orange County, California, soft snoring is common in babies. He says that "breathing noises that do not disturb the infant's sleep, only occur for brief stretches, and are relatively quiet do not represent a serious problem." However, Dr. Maynard adds that breathing sounds that are persistent, louder than a whisper, have a very high pitch, disturb your baby's sleep, or cause your baby to stop breathing are more concerning.
Occasional snoring in babies is usually not a cause for concern. One study found that about 9% of infants snore more than three times a week. Another study found that approximately 3% to 9% of infants snore regularly by the age of 3 months. While snoring in babies is typically harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition such as sleep apnea or laryngomalacia. Sleep apnea in newborns is rare, but it must be treated by a health professional to avoid potential growth problems. Laryngomalacia is a condition present at birth that causes a softening of the tissues of the voice box, resulting in noisy breathing that may sound like snoring.
If you are concerned about your baby's snoring, it is important to look for other symptoms and consult a pediatrician. Signs that may indicate a more serious condition include frequent snoring, loud and shrill wheezing sounds, mouth breathing, poor eating, and failure to gain weight. If your baby is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice to ensure your baby's health and well-being.
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When to seek medical advice
While newborn snoring is usually harmless, there are some instances where you should seek medical advice.
Firstly, if your baby is snoring and stops inhaling and exhaling, even briefly, you must take them to the doctor. Erratic breathing can adversely affect your baby's internal organs, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention in this case.
Secondly, if your baby is a habitual snorer and is snoring loudly, making wheezing sounds, or has other symptoms such as interrupted breathing, gasping, choking, or stopping breathing altogether, you should consult a pediatrician. Loud snoring can indicate that your baby is not sleeping properly, and sleep deprivation can be detrimental to their growth and development.
Thirdly, if your baby is a habitual mouth breather, or is a poor eater and does not gain weight well, this may indicate significant mouth, throat, lung, or cardiac issues, and you should seek medical advice.
Additionally, if your baby has Down syndrome or certain physical abnormalities, such as a smaller jaw, they may be at a higher risk of snoring, and you should consult a doctor to discuss any concerns.
Furthermore, if your baby's snoring is persistent, louder than a whisper, has a very high pitch, or disturbs their sleep, it may be a cause for concern. In this case, it is recommended to document the behaviour by taking a video and then schedule a visit with your pediatrician to address any worries.
Finally, if you suspect that your baby has laryngomalacia, a condition present at birth that causes a partial blockage of the airway and can result in snoring and a wet-sounding, low-pitched inhalation, you should speak to your pediatrician as soon as possible.
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Breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding
Newborns often have noisy breathing, which may be confused with snoring. In most cases, these noises are not indicative of any underlying health issues. However, if a newborn snores and exhibits additional symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any serious conditions. Now, here is an overview of the differences between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding:
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are two methods of feeding infants, and each has its own set of advantages and considerations. Breastfeeding is often recommended by health experts as it offers optimal nutrition for newborns and provides antibodies that protect against infections and illnesses. Breast milk is always available, served at the right temperature, and does not require the same level of planning and organization as bottle-feeding. Additionally, breastfeeding introduces infants to different tastes through the varying flavors in the mother's milk, which can make the transition to solid foods easier. It also promotes skin-to-skin contact, facilitating bonding and passive immunity transfer between the mother and child. Furthermore, breastfeeding is convenient, as it can be done anywhere, anytime, without the need for additional supplies, and it saves money that would otherwise be spent on formula. However, it is important to note that breastfeeding may not be possible for all women due to comfort levels, lifestyle choices, or specific medical situations.
On the other hand, bottle-feeding with infant formula is a healthy alternative for mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed. Formula provides babies with the necessary nutrients for growth and development. While formula feeding requires more planning and organization to ensure a constant supply of formula and clean supplies, it offers flexibility as multiple caregivers can feed the baby. Bottle-feeding may also be preferred by mothers who wish to share feeding responsibilities with their partners or other caregivers. Additionally, bottle-feeding can be a good option for mothers who are unable to produce enough breast milk or those who have medical conditions or medications that prevent them from breastfeeding. Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed or bottle-feed is a personal one, and parents should consider their unique circumstances, comfort levels, and any relevant medical advice when making their choice.
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Laryngomalacia
Newborns often have noisy breathing, which may be confused with snoring. In most cases, these noises are not indicative of anything dangerous. However, snoring in babies can be a symptom of laryngomalacia, a congenital softening of the tissues of the larynx (voice box) above the vocal cords. This condition is present at birth and causes a partial blockage of the airway, resulting in a distinct sound from the back of the throat due to the vibration of soft tissues.
In most cases, laryngomalacia in infants is not a serious condition as they can still eat and grow. However, a small percentage of babies with laryngomalacia struggle with breathing, eating, and gaining weight, requiring prompt medical attention. There is also a strong link between laryngomalacia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with acid reflux causing additional swelling of the floppy tissue in the larynx.
If your newborn is snoring and exhibiting other symptoms such as erratic breathing or loud and shrill wheezing sounds, it is important to consult a pediatrician or a doctor. They can advise on the necessary steps to ensure your baby's health and rule out any underlying medical conditions that may require treatment.
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Sleep apnea
Newborns often have noisy breathing, especially when they sleep. This noisy breathing can sound like snoring, and in some cases, it is snoring. In most cases, these noises are not a sign of something dangerous. Newborn snoring is a distinct sound that comes from the back of the throat due to the vibration of soft tissues. The nasal passages of newborns are very small, so even a little dryness or extra mucus in their noses can make them snore or have noisy breathing.
However, if a newborn starts snoring and has other symptoms, it may indicate something more serious, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that can prevent newborns and infants from getting the necessary amount of quality sleep they need to thrive. It is characterised by brief lapses in breathing that can last at least 20 seconds during sleep to be diagnosed as sleep apnea. These interruptions in breathing can result in sounds ranging from snoring to gasping and choking. If left untreated, severe apnea during infancy can result in long-term health complications.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is caused by an obstruction or narrowing in the path from the nose down to the opening of the lungs (upper airway). CSA is a rarer type of sleep apnea where the child's brain fails to signal the body to breathe when it should. CSA is most commonly idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown, but it can also be seen in children with neurological issues such as brain tumours, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and brain injuries.
Several factors can increase a newborn's risk of developing sleep apnea. These include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Premature birth
- Exposure to toxins or tobacco smoke during pregnancy
- Low birth weight
- Abnormalities in the structure of the face, head, or upper airway
- Cleft palate
- Neuromuscular disorders such as Down syndrome
If you suspect your newborn is experiencing sleep apnea, it is important to consult a pediatrician or a healthcare professional. They may recommend an overnight sleep study in a sleep lab, where sensors are placed on your child to monitor their brain waves, heartbeat, and breathing activity during different sleep stages.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns often have noisy breathing, especially when they sleep. In most cases, these noises are not a sign of something dangerous. The nasal passages of newborns are very small, so dryness or extra mucus in their noses can make them snore or have noisy breathing. According to one study, about 9% of infants snore more than three times a week.
If your baby is snoring loudly and developing additional symptoms, it is advised to see your doctor to ensure everything is well. If your baby is snoring and stops inhaling and exhaling, even for a little while, you must take them to the doctor as erratic breathing can adversely affect your baby's internal organs.
Snoring in newborns can be caused by a stuffy nose, dryness, or a dry sleeping environment. Some newborns are also born with deviated septums, which can cause snoring, and babies with certain genetic conditions such as Down's syndrome are more likely to snore during sleep.
