Snoring is a common sound you might hear when your baby sleeps, and while it can be disruptive, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if snoring is accompanied by signs like extreme restlessness, choking, or gasping, it may require attention.
In most cases, baby snoring is simply due to their tiny nasal passages. Even slight dryness or excess mucus in their nostrils can result in noisy breathing.
Read on to learn more about what causes snoring in babies, whether it’s normal, and what steps you can take to address it.
Is It Normal for a Baby To Snore?
Generally, soft breathing noises (snoring) that don't disturb your infant's sleep tend to be normal. A study reveals that snoring in newborns is almost harmless, and nearly 3% to 9% of infants at 3 months snore regularly.
What Causes a Baby To Snore?
Babies may snore due to the following reasons:
- Developmental causes: Many infants have a soft larynx (voice box). Air moves past the larynx whenever your baby breathes, causing the voice box to vibrate and generate more noise during sleep. This condition is known as laryngomalacia, and most babies in this state can breathe easily with no feeding issues. They also grow normally, and the condition improves on its own as the child gets older.
- Congestion or nasal discharges: Upper respiratory infections are a common cause of baby snoring. Nasal congestion makes it more difficult for babies to breathe through their noses, and this issue often worsens during sleep, leading to snoring.
- Genetic defects: Some babies are born with defects like a deviated septum, which can cause frequent snoring. Also, babies born with genetic conditions like Down's syndrome tend to snore during sleep.
What To Do About Baby Snoring
Eventually, most babies outgrow the snoring phase. However, you can take the following measures in the meantime to reduce baby snoring:
- Run a humidifier in your baby's room: The humidifier helps moisten dry air and ease nasal congestion. Additionally, avoid turning up the heat too high if your central heating is on. Doing this can worsen your child's nasal congestion.
- Spray the nasal saline solution in your baby's nostrils: Spraying the nasal saline solution helps loosen congestion and relieve snoring.
- Use a bulb syringe to remove mucus: Use a syringe to suction mucus from your child’s nostrils.
Conclusion
Snoring is a common phenomenon that typically doesn’t warrant any concern. However, if your baby also displays unusual symptoms like respiratory distress, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention.
The specialist may also conduct necessary tests and screenings to rule out any concerns. An appropriate mediclaim policy can cover the cost of preventative check-ups for your baby during this delicate period, safeguarding their well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.