Herbie Murray
Newborns can be noisy sleepers, making a range of sounds from grunts and snorts to bird noises and piggy squeals. This is because newborns spend about half of their sleep time in REM sleep, which is a light, active sleep with lots of movement. Newborns are also still learning to regulate their digestive and respiratory systems, which can cause them to make noises such as gurgles and bubbles. While most newborn sleep noises are normal, there are some warning signs that parents should look out for, such as rapid breathing, grunting at the end of every breath, or a baby holding their breath for more than 20 seconds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Noises | Grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, moaning, crying, hiccuping, gurgles, bird noises, piggy squeals, sleep screams, babbling, snoring, gasps, wheezes, chatty noises, giggling, and grumbling |
| Sleep Patterns | Newborns spend about half their time in REM sleep, which is light, active sleep, resulting in a lot of movement |
| Irregular Breathing | Normal periodic breathing of infancy, newborns may stop breathing for a few seconds before restarting with a sudden burst of fast breaths |
| Congestion | Newborns may have nasal swelling or extra fluid in their nose after birth, leading to congestion |
| Digestive System | Newborns are learning to digest new food and move air and nutrients through their immature digestive systems, which can cause discomfort and unusual noises |
| Sleep Cycles | Newborn sleep cycles last around 50 minutes, with about 25 minutes spent in active sleep; by 3-6 months, sleep cycles lengthen, with more time spent in deep sleep |
| Warning Signs | Signs of something more serious include blue or purple lips, holding breath for more than 20 seconds, fever in the first 28 days, or struggling to breathe |
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What You'll Learn
- Irregular breathing is normal for newborns
- Grunting is often caused by extra fluid in the nose
- Newborns are noisy sleepers because they spend more time in REM sleep
- Gurgles and bubbles come from the tummy and developing digestive system
- Newborns may be noisy because they are testing out their new muscles
Irregular breathing is normal for newborns
Newborns often make a symphony of nighttime sounds, including grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, moaning, gurgling, and squealing. While these noises may be alarming to new parents, they are usually no cause for concern. Babies make these noises due to a variety of developmental and physical factors, including their sleep patterns, immature digestive systems, and the fact that their lungs are still developing.
Irregular breathing is common in newborns and is typically not something to worry about. Newborns can breathe rapidly, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. Their breathing patterns differ from those of adults because they breathe more through their nostrils, have smaller breathing pathways, and have more pliable chest walls. Additionally, their respiration isn't fully developed, and they may still have amniotic fluid or meconium in their airways right after birth.
During REM sleep, newborns may experience periodic breathing, where they stop breathing for a few seconds before restarting with rapid breaths. This is because they are still learning to regulate their breathing. Their breathing rate may also be affected by factors such as being overheated, upset, or crying. While brief periods of faster-than-average breathing are normal, it should not be accompanied by grunting at the end of each breath.
It's important for parents to learn their baby's typical breathing patterns to identify any potential concerns. Warning signs of more serious issues include blue or purple lips, holding their breath for more than 20 seconds, or a fever within the first 28 days of life. If you have any concerns about your baby's breathing or overall well-being, always consult your child's medical provider.
By the time a baby is between 3 and 6 months old, their sleep sounds usually settle down, and they spend more time in deep sleep. Their sleep cycles lengthen, resulting in fewer sleep-wake disruptions.
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Grunting is often caused by extra fluid in the nose
Newborns tend to be noisy sleepers, and it can be surprising how much noise they make while sleeping peacefully. Newborn sleep is unpredictable and restless, and full of unusual sounds. It is normal for newborns and infants to make a symphony of nighttime sounds, including grunting, moaning, snoring, crying, and hiccuping, all while asleep.
Babies are still working on their ability to regulate their digestive and respiratory systems, and their sleep cycles are irregular. This means that "normal" sleep for your baby will usually be a noisy affair. Their overall sleep cycles will lengthen over time, meaning there will be fewer sleep-wake disruptions. By the time they are about 3 to 6 months old, they will be spending more time in deep sleep versus active REM sleep.
If your baby is congested, you can help them sleep more peacefully by using a humidifier, air purifier, saline drops, or gentle suction. Creating a soothing sleep environment and ensuring your baby is well-hydrated can also promote sleep. Babies typically outgrow their grunting and sleep sounds over their first year. Although it's normal for babies to make noises while sleeping, always contact your baby's medical provider if you have any concerns about their breathing or overall well-being.
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Newborns are noisy sleepers because they spend more time in REM sleep
REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is a light sleep during which dreams occur and the eyes move rapidly back and forth. Although babies spend about 16 hours a day sleeping, about half of this is in REM sleep. This is in contrast to older children and adults, who spend fewer hours sleeping and much less time in REM sleep.
During REM sleep, babies experience periodic breathing, which is why it is common for them to stop breathing for a few seconds before restarting with a sudden burst of fast breaths. This can be alarming for parents, but it is typically not a cause for concern. However, if you have any concerns about your baby's breathing or overall well-being, always contact your baby's medical provider.
In addition to irregular breathing, newborns make a variety of other noises while sleeping, including grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, moaning, gurgling, and bubbles. These noises are usually nothing to worry about and are due to developmental and physical factors such as being nasal obligate breathers, having different sleep patterns, and having immature digestive systems.
As babies get older, their sleep patterns change, and they spend more time in deep sleep versus active REM sleep. Their overall sleep cycles lengthen, resulting in fewer sleep-wake disruptions. By the time they are about 6 months old, most of the noisy sleep sounds settle down.
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Gurgles and bubbles come from the tummy and developing digestive system
It is normal for newborns to make a variety of noises while sleeping, including gurgles, grunts, moans, whines, squeals, snoring, crying, and hiccuping. These sounds are usually no cause for concern and are a result of newborns' immature digestive and respiratory systems, as well as their irregular sleep patterns.
Gurgles and bubbles coming from a newborn's tummy are a typical occurrence and are indicative of a developing digestive system. These sounds are often amplified during feeding, especially at night when the environment is quieter. The gurgling noises are a result of air entering the gastrointestinal tract and moving through the lower digestive system. While these noises may seem alarming, they are a sign that your baby's digestive system is functioning properly.
In between feeds, it is common to hear gurgling or tinkling sounds every 15 to 20 seconds. These sounds are similar to the 'growling' and 'rumbling' noises that adults experience when hungry, and they occur when the stomach is empty and begins to contract, moving air and liquid around. The liquid sloshing sounds can be particularly worrying for new parents, but they are a typical part of a newborn's digestive process.
To alleviate tummy troubles, parents can try different strategies such as burping the baby mid-feed or in a different position to help release gas. Additionally, gently bicycling the baby's legs can help relieve gas pain by engaging the abdominal muscles. It is important to note that while tummy issues are common, persistent pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting may indicate something more serious, and parents should not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if they have any concerns.
While most newborn sleep noises are normal, there are a few warning signs that parents should be aware of. If a baby is struggling to breathe, has blue or purple lips, holds their breath for more than 20 seconds, or has a fever in the first 28 days of life, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
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Newborns may be noisy because they are testing out their new muscles
Newborns tend to be noisy sleepers, making a range of sounds including grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, moaning, gurgling, and squealing. These noises are typically nothing to worry about and are considered normal, as newborns are still developing their respiratory and digestive systems.
One reason newborns may be noisy is that they are testing out their new muscles. Newborns are learning to use their abdominal muscles to move gas and stool through their digestive system. They are also learning to relax their pelvic floor muscles and use their stomach muscles to push out stools, which can result in noisy grunting and straining. This is sometimes called "grunting baby syndrome" and is considered normal.
Additionally, newborns are still developing their respiratory systems, including their lungs and nasal passages. Their lungs are working to regulate breathing, which can result in irregular breathing patterns such as brief periods of faster-than-average breathing or pauses in breathing. Newborns may also experience nasal congestion due to swelling or extra fluid in their noses, which can lead to snoring or other breathing noises.
Newborns may also make noises related to feeding and hunger. Lip-smacking, suckling, and rooting noises may indicate that your baby is dreaming about feeding or will soon wake up hungry. Noises related to feeding and hunger can be particularly noticeable if your baby falls asleep before completing their evening feed, as they may feel uncomfortable or less settled due to an empty stomach.
While most newborn noises are normal and expected, there are some warning signs that may indicate a more serious issue. If you notice your baby struggling to breathe, exhibiting labored breathing, or showing signs of distress, it is important to consult a doctor. Other warning signs include blue or purple lips, holding their breath for more than 20 seconds, or a fever in the first 28 days of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns can be very noisy sleepers. Normal noises include grunting, snoring, whimpering, sighing, moaning, crying, hiccuping, gurgling, babbling, and even sleep screams. Newborns spend a lot of time in REM sleep, which is light and active, resulting in a lot of movement.
Newborns are still developing their digestive and respiratory systems, and their sleep cycles are irregular. They are also testing out their new muscles and getting used to their bodies.
While most newborn sleep noises are normal, there are some warning signs that something may be wrong. If your baby is struggling to breathe, has blue or purple lips, is holding their breath for more than 20 seconds, or has a fever, seek medical attention.
