If you're on this page, your baby probably snores, and like most parents, you're trying to find out if that's normal.
Yes and no. A snore could be expected, but it can also indicate an underlying problem. It all depends on how frequently your baby snores and the presence or absence of other symptoms.
Babies are generally noisy sleepers. They make cute snuffling sounds as they sleep, and sometimes, a snore or two might make it to the list. There is nothing alarming with this snore because it is a function of their respiratory system.
Babies normally have small nose canals at birth, so any build-up of mucus causes them to snore. A stuffy nose is usually the culprit for this occasional snoring.
You can rule out a stuffy nose by using a nasal aspirator to clear your baby's nostrils. If they breathe easier afterward, then they just had a stuffed nose.
On the other hand, snoring can also be an indicator of something else. Loud, consistent snores can point towards a couple of things.
Common causes of snoring in babies include;
Obstructed sleep apnea is a common cause of snoring in infants. A quick way to know if your child has sleep apnea is to monitor their breathing at night. Do they snore loudly? Do they gasp and extend their neck when sleeping? Crankiness in the daytime as a result of low-quality sleep is also a sign to look out for.
Another common cause of snoring is laryngomalacia. Laryngomalacia is an abnormality that affects the soundbox. In babies that have laryngomalacia, the soundbox is weak and collapses when the baby breathes in.
When babies with laryngomalacia sleep, their noisy breathes sound like loud snores. Other symptoms of laryngomalacia include;
Laryngomalacia isn't a severe condition. It usually resolves on its own before two years of age in more than 90% of cases. However, if you're worried about the snores, take your child to see a pediatrician.
Enlarged adenoids and tonsils are cells that collapse at night and cover up part of the respiratory tract. If your child has this, the sound of them trying to get enough oxygen is the snore you hear.
It is best to find out on time if your child is just making cute noises or if they are struggling to get oxygen into their lungs. Visit a doctor for an examination, so you'll know what's wrong with your child.
Reference:
1) Laryngomalacia. Genetic and rare disease Information center website. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6865/laryngomalacia. Last accessed May 10, 2021.