Many parents tend to worry when their baby is snoring. Should you really be concerned? Most pediatricians will tell you that baby snoring is common and it usually does not indicate a serious problem. Your baby may snore because his breathing airways are still narrow and small. They are also likely to be filled with mucus and other similar secretions. When your baby breathes, the air he takes in tends to collide with these discharges. As a result, your baby may make noises usually described as snuffling, snoring, or whistling. Snoring in babies can usually be addressed by the right snoring solution.
When your baby has a cold, that is more likely to lead to snoring. This is also the case when he has allergies, or swollen tonsils or adenoids.
In general, the issue is likely to resolve itself, and as your baby grows, his airways will expand, becoming bigger and wider. This allows your baby to breathe without making noise.
Snoring Solutions
The following solutions will help you address your baby’s snoring:
Hosing
If your pediatrician approves, you can hose your infant’s nose to help him breathe more easily. Salty nasal sprays are available in most pharmacies.
You can also opt to make a basic nasal spray for your baby. Use 8 ounces of pure water and simply add ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Squirt two or three drops of the saline solution once a day into your baby’s nose. The solution will help clear his nasal passages and ease his breathing.
You can also gently suction excess secretions by using a nasal aspirator. Here are a few good ones:
- Snotty Boss Nasal Aspirator
- NoseFrida the Snot Sucker
- Battery-Powered Snot Sucker
- Or, if you’re on a budget, a simple nasal bulb syringe will work.
Humidifying the Air
Central heating tends to dry out the air. When your baby has a clogged nose, it helps to humidify the air in his bedroom. Using a warm mist vaporizer helps to do this.
Before putting your baby to sleep, you can give him a warm bath or shower. The warm humidified air will help ease and loosen nasal secretions so that your baby can sleep more comfortably.
A humidifier helps to sustain a level of humidity that promotes ease of breathing. It is not a treatment for snoring but it helps your baby breathe and sleep more soundly.
Controlling Allergens
Your baby may also snore when he has allergies, a cold, or other respiratory conditions. Make sure that you keep the surroundings free from dust, pet dander, and other allergens that may trigger such problems. Keep your baby’s room clean and well-ventilated.
Changing Your Infant’s Sleeping Position
Your baby’s sleeping posture may trigger snoring. Research shows that a baby who sleeps on his stomach is more likely to snore compared to a baby who sleeps on his side. The latter usually sleeps more quietly.
Moreover, it is better not to encourage your newborn to sleep on his stomach. He may find it difficult to turn his head to breathe when he assumes this sleeping position.
New studies indicate that the best thing to do is to have your baby lie on his back AND tilt his head to the side. This position will decrease the prospect of airway constriction. You can alternate tilts to the right and left sides.
Do not use snoring remedies or medications that you can buy over the counter. These are not intended for children or babies.
Baby snoring is likely to gradually subside as your baby matures and his airways expand.
Health Risks Associated with Baby Snoring
If your baby’s snoring persists and grows worse, consult your pediatrician. He may conduct a polysomnogram, a test that documents your baby’s breathing patterns as he sleeps.
Heed your instincts. If your baby’s snoring makes you anxious, inform your pediatrician about it in your next visit.
The doctor will do a thorough check on your baby’s airways to make sure that there are no structural issues or serious obstructions.
It is possible that the bone between the nasal passages, or what is clinically referred to as the nasal septum, leans to one side, resulting to the partial blocking in that nostril. If this is the case, your baby is likely to compensate by breathing heavily through the other nostril. This causes noisy breathing.
Your doctor will also take a look at your baby’s throat. He will check for structural abnormalities like cysts or atypical movement of palate.
Your doctor will observe how your baby breathes. There are some babies who have laryngomalacia, a peculiarity that results in noisy breathing. A baby with this condition usually has underdeveloped cartilage which is unable to keep the nasal passages open.
If there are structural problems behind your baby’s snoring, your pediatrician will refer you to a sleep specialist or an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialist who will determine if your baby needs further evaluation or treatment.
Conclusion
Structural problems may cause baby snoring. In general, however, baby snoring is simply a result of immature airways and the bubbly secretions that fill them, causing the soft tissues along the airways to vibrate. The appropriate snoring solution will easily improve the condition.
Author Bio–
Katherine Dilworth is a wife, mother and a blogger and she writes on caseydilworth.com, this blog provides exclusive information on Why Do People Snore and Snoring Solutions.
Need Baby and Toddler Sleep Help? We Have the Resources You Need!
If you are tired of wading through stacks of baby sleep books that just aren't working, if you are beyond exhausted and just can't solve your child's sleep problems on your own...then personalized sleep consulting is for you. We have been around since 2008 and invite you to tap into our MANY years of experience. Our team of expert consultants will create a Personalized Sleep Plan® just for your family and then support you through every step of implementing your plan. We encourage you to consider our personalized, one-on-one baby and toddler sleep consultation packages if you want to see real, meaningful results now. Your consultation package also includes ample follow-up help, designed to help you troubleshoot problems and tweak your plan as needed.Learn More About Services
For those persistent nighttime struggles, check out The 3 Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your baby sleep through the night.
Learn More About The 3-Step System
If you’re looking for ways to get your baby or toddler into a healthy sleeping routine during the day, explore Mastering Naps and Schedules, a comprehensive guide to napping routines, nap transitions, and all the other important “how-tos” of good baby sleep. With over 45 sample sleep schedules and worksheets, Mastering Naps and Schedules is a hands-on tool ideal for any parenting style.
Learn More About Mastering Naps
For those persistent toddler sleep struggles, check out The 5 Step System to Help Your Toddler Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your toddler sleep through the night and enjoy a better daytime schedule.
Learn More About The 5-Step System
Join our VIP Members Area packed with exclusive content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, expert advice, and more. As a VIP member, you'll also enjoy a weekly chat with an expert sleep consultant.
Learn More About VIP Membership
Julie Saldana says
Such an useful article! Thanks a lot!
Janelle Reid says
Thanks for reading @Julie Saldana!