Colin Snow
Newborns are notoriously noisy sleepers, and it can be stressful for new parents who are unsure what sounds are normal and what might be a cause for concern. While newborns tend to make a range of sounds in their sleep, from grunting and snoring to squealing and squeaking, most of these noises are harmless and can be ignored. However, there are a few sounds that may indicate a problem and should prompt a call to the doctor or even a trip to the emergency room.
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What You'll Learn
- Squeaking could be a sign of laryngomalacia, a common condition in newborns
- Newborns are noisy sleepers, especially during the REM stage
- Irregular breathing and sleep sounds are normal for newborns
- Newborns' lungs are still developing, so harmless misfires are common
- Most newborn sleep sounds are normal, but when to call the doctor
Squeaking could be a sign of laryngomalacia, a common condition in newborns
It is perfectly normal for newborns to be noisy sleepers. Their lungs and stomach are still developing, and their airways are small, which can make breathing audible. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's squeaking, it could be a sign of a common condition called laryngomalacia.
Laryngomalacia is a condition that causes noisy breathing in babies. It occurs when the tissues around the voice box, or larynx, soften and temporarily block the airway. This blockage creates a squeaking or squealing sound, known as stridor, which is usually more prominent when the baby is crying, feeding, or exerting themselves. The condition is typically congenital, meaning the baby is born with it, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Over half of all newborn babies develop laryngomalacia during their first week of life, and it is often present at birth or observed in the first few weeks as the baby begins to take deeper breaths. The good news is that laryngomalacia is usually not serious and often goes away on its own within a year or two. Most babies with laryngomalacia do not have trouble breathing or feeding, even though their breathing sounds concerning. However, in severe cases, it can cause breathing and feeding issues, among other complications.
If you are concerned that your newborn may have laryngomalacia, it is important to seek medical advice. A paediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can perform a flexible laryngoscopy to examine your baby's throat and vocal cords. Treatment options may include medications to help with reflux or simply observing and monitoring your baby's symptoms for the first year or two. In rare cases, surgery may be required to trim the loosened throat tissues causing the squeaky breath sounds.
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Newborns are noisy sleepers, especially during the REM stage
While newborn sleep noises can be stressful for new parents, most of these sounds are normal and can be ignored. Newborns' lungs and stomachs are still developing, so there will be harmless misfires. Their airways are small, and congestion or dry nasal membranes can make breathing audible. Additionally, newborn sleep cycles are short, so they constantly drift in and out of sleep, making noises as they do so.
If you are concerned about your baby's breathing, look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate a condition called laryngomalacia, or "noisy breathing":
- The baby's neck or chest pulls in with each breath
- Noisy breathing interrupts or lengthens feeding times
- Low weight gain
- Reflux or frequent spit up
- Symptoms worsen when lying flat, feeding, or crying
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to schedule a visit with your baby's pediatrician and ask for a referral to an ENT specialist.
To help your baby sleep better, you can establish a bedtime routine and provide a safe sleep environment. Remove soft items from the crib, such as pillows, quilts, and stuffed toys, and ensure the baby's head remains uncovered during sleep. You can also offer a pacifier at sleep times, as this has been linked to a lower rate of SIDS.
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Irregular breathing and sleep sounds are normal for newborns
It's completely normal to worry about your newborn's breathing and sleep sounds, especially if you're a new parent. Baby sleep, especially in the newborn months, is unpredictable and restless and full of unusual sounds. However, almost all of these noises are normal and can be ignored.
Newborn breathing patterns are very different from those of older children. Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns that alternate between fast and slow, with occasional pauses. This is because their lungs are still developing and learning how to work efficiently. Their noses are also very small, and congestion or dry or swollen nasal membranes can make breathing audible. Newborns also breathe mostly through their nose, which means that leftover fluid from the birth process can cause a congested, cold-like sound.
Some of the sounds you might hear from your newborn include gurgles, grunts, whines, and squeals. Irregular breathing sounds are also common, and you might hear soft panting or dreamy sighs. While these sounds can be worrying, they are usually nothing to worry about.
However, there are a few breathing sounds that could indicate a problem. Two sounds, in particular, should prompt you to call your baby's doctor or seek emergency care: rapid breathing and grunting at the end of every breath. Other signs of potentially worrisome breathing problems include persistently increased breathing rates (greater than 60 breaths per minute), increased work to breathe (such as flaring nostrils or visible chest and neck muscles working harder), cyanosis (bluish skin due to insufficient oxygen), difficulty feeding, poor feeding, and lethargy.
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it's always a good idea to schedule a visit with your baby's pediatrician. They can help determine if there is a problem and provide guidance and support.
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Newborns' lungs are still developing, so harmless misfires are common
Newborns tend to be noisy sleepers, and it can be surprising how much noise they make while sleeping. It is common for newborns to make a range of sleep sounds, including grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, moaning, squeaking, squawking, groaning, and even squealing. These noises are expected and are usually nothing to worry about. Newborn babies have short sleep cycles, constantly drifting in and out of sleep. Their lungs and stomach are still developing and learning to work in harmony with other body systems. This means there will be harmless misfires when it comes to running smoothly.
Newborns tend to breathe through their noses, and those airways are tiny. Congestion and dry or swollen nasal membranes can clog up the works, making breathing audible instead of peaceful. Their sleep cycles are short, and they are constantly drifting in and out of sleep. It would be unusual if you didn't hear them making some noise as they fall asleep and then wake up about an hour later. Their breathing patterns can be irregular, with short periods of faster or slower breathing, and even pauses. This is because their brains are still figuring out how to communicate with the other body systems.
While these sleep sounds are usually harmless, there are a few things to watch out for. If you notice your baby is having difficulty breathing when sleeping on their back, seek medical advice. Additionally, if your baby is grunting at the end of every breath, this could be a sign of something more serious. Rapid breathing is normal in brief periods, but if it persists, it may be a cause for concern.
If you are concerned about your baby's breathing or sleep sounds, it is always best to consult your paediatrician or a healthcare professional. They can perform simple procedures and tests to evaluate your baby's breathing and rule out any serious conditions.
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Most newborn sleep sounds are normal, but when to call the doctor
It's normal for newborns to make a symphony of nighttime sounds, including gurgles, grunts, whines, squeals, moans, and sighs. This is because newborns are still developing their digestive and respiratory systems, and their sleep cycles are short and frequently disrupted. Their lungs are also still developing, which can lead to irregular breathing patterns.
While most newborn sleep sounds are normal, there are a few instances where you should call the doctor or seek emergency care. These include:
- Rapid breathing: While brief periods of faster-than-average breathing are normal, if your baby is exhibiting rapid breathing for an extended period, it could indicate a problem.
- Grunting at the end of every breath: Occasional grunting is typical, but if your baby is grunting after each breath, it could be a sign of something blocking their airway.
- Difficulty breathing: If your baby is having difficulty breathing, especially when sleeping on their back, it's important to see a healthcare provider.
- Congestion: If your baby sounds congested, it could be due to nasal swelling or extra fluid in their nose. While this is common in newborns, it's still a good idea to consult a doctor if you're concerned.
- Laryngomalacia: This condition causes noisy or squeaky breathing due to floppy tissues around the larynx. While it often resolves within a year or two, it's important to get a proper diagnosis to rule out more serious conditions.
In general, if you have any concerns about your baby's breathing or overall well-being, don't hesitate to contact your baby's medical provider. Trust your instincts and seek help if you feel something is not right.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns tend to be noisy sleepers, and it can be surprising how much noise they make while sleeping peacefully. Their lungs and stomach are still developing, so there will be many harmless misfires. It is common for newborns to make a range of sleep sounds, including squeaking, grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, and moaning. These noises are usually nothing to worry about, and you can rest easy knowing your baby is fine.
Newborn sleep sounds are normal and expected. Babies make noise during active sleep, and it can be disruptive to their sleep cycle if a parent wakes them every time they make a sound. If they need something, they will let you know. However, if you have any concerns, always check in with your child's doctor.
Newborns make a variety of sleep sounds, including gurgles, grunts, whines, and squeals. Their breathing may also be irregular, with periods of faster-than-average breathing and even pauses in breathing. These sounds are all typical and part of the maturing process as your baby's respiratory and digestive systems develop.
Newborn sleep sounds typically settle down after the newborn phase ends. By the time your baby is between 3 and 6 months old, they will spend more time in deep sleep and experience fewer sleep-wake disruptions. Their sleep cycles will lengthen, and the growing pains associated with their lungs will resolve.
