When it comes to the sleep habits of infants, you might find yourself coming across some strange explanations. After all, it’s a time when almost everything your baby does is weird. But why does newborns sleep with mouth open while sleeping? Well, there’s an explanation for it. This article covers facts and myths on newborn breathing with mouth open.
If you have ever observed a sleeping baby, especially one who is nearing six months of age, you may have noticed that they tend to breathe through their open mouth as opposed to their nose. This happens on an almost constant basis and there isn’t anything to worry about. It seems bizarre and unnatural, but this can also happen to adults who are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety. Babies tend to breathe through their mouth when they aren’t getting enough air through their nose due to congestion or blockage in the nasal passages from mucus buildup.
Babies breathe better through their mouth
Babies tend to breathe with their mouth open because their nose isn’t fully developed. The main reason for a newborn breathing with mouth open is that their nasal passages aren’t fully formed yet and are quite narrow to breathe enough oxygen, which can make breathing through the nose difficult. Babies can also have a lot of nasal mucus and have trouble clearing it out. In some situation, a bulb syringe is used to clear child’s nose.
Due to these factors, babies are forced to breathe through their mouths. This can be rather uncomfortable and make it almost impossible to rest peacefully. They tend to rest their tongue against the roof of their mouth, which keeps the airway open.
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Newborns sleep with mouth open while sleeping can also be a sign of distress, especially if your baby wakes up crying. Because their mouth is open, they are getting more oxygen, so they can cry much harder than they would if they were only getting oxygen through their nose. Some babies who breathe through their mouths have higher pitched cries that sound like screams; others have lower pitched cries that sound like groans or bellows. Babies who breathe through their mouths may also have a red or blotchy face.
Bacteria and growth factors in the mouth
If your baby is dribbling out of their mouth while they sleep, it could be due to bacteria and growth factors naturally found in the mouth. Studies show that babies who sleep with their mouths open have more bacteria in their mouths and on their teeth, which could lead to tooth decay if not properly cared for.
If your baby has a bad case of drool, they could also have an ear infection, which is easy to mistake for drool. If your baby’s mouth is bubbly, swollen, or they’ve recently started drooling more than usual, you should contact their pediatrician immediately. Babies can also have a build-up of extra saliva in their mouths, which can cause them to drool. The best way to deal with this is to massage your baby’s gums with your finger to help get rid of the extra saliva.
Facts behind Newborn breathing with mouth open
Healthy newborn babies can breathe through their mouths for several reasons, but luckily, most of these are relatively harmless. If your baby is sleeping with their mouth open, they may have an infection in their nasal passages, which can cause swelling. This can also cause a runny nose, but generally, breathing through their mouth is a good way for them to get more air.
Babies who are sleeping with mouth open may have very dry mouth and throat because the air that is coming in through their mouths is very hot and dry. A teething baby may have swollen gums, which can make it hard for them to close their mouth and they may prefer to breathe through their mouth to avoid biting their fingers. Babies who are sleeping with their mouths open may also be suffering from allergic reaction, which can cause a stuffy nose.
How do you know if your baby is breathing through their mouth or nose?
You can try to tell by feeling around their nose. If it feels very blocked, your baby is likely breathing through their mouth. You can also try to look at their chest while they’re sleeping. If they’re breathing through their mouth, you’ll notice their chest rising and falling more quickly than if they were breathing through their nose.
Babies who are breathing through their mouths will often wake up more easily and have trouble getting back to sleep because they aren’t getting enough air. You can help your baby get better sleep by using a cool-mist humidifier, which can help with nasal congestion. You can also try making sure your baby sleeps on their back and isn’t wearing anything around their face.
Tips for helping your baby breathe easier and faster at night
If your baby is suffering from a blocked nose, try using a saline spray to help clear it out. If your baby isn’t old enough to do it themselves, you can do it for them.
If your baby is teething, you can use a cold teething ring to help soothe their gums. If your baby is still having trouble nose breathing, consult your child’s healthcare provider. They can tell you if there’s anything you can do at home to help your baby breathe easier and get sleep. They can also check to make sure your baby isn’t sick and offer a solution if they are.
If your baby is sleeping with their mouth open, don’t worry. Babies who are sleeping with their mouths open are generally fine and are just resting more comfortably than if they were breathing through their noses. If your baby has a really bad case of drool or is breathing through their mouth for a long time, you should talk to your pediatrician.
When should you see a doctor?
If a baby has a breathing disorder, it is important to get treatment right away. Newborn baby can quickly develop a breathing issue that may need to be treated with medication, therapy or surgery. The sooner that the condition is treated, the better the outcome.
There are different reasons why newborns sleep with mouth open while sleeping. Some babies have tongue-tie and need to have their mouth cleaned so that they can properly close their mouth when they eat. Another reason why newborns sleep with mouth open while sleeping is airway obstruction, which can lead to serious health condition such as pneumonia and death. If your baby is showing signs of mouth breathing problem, contact your healthcare provider.
In addition to being at risk for serious health problems, open mouth breathing can also be uncomfortable for the baby. It may result in poor feeding or trouble sleeping. Your child’s comfort should be your top priority when treating any type of breathing issue, no matter how small it may seem.
In some cases this could lead to serious medical conditions or speech problems.
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Conclusion
So why do Newborn breathing with mouth open? There are different reasons why newborns sleep with mouth open while sleeping, but the most common symptom is stuffy baby’s nose. Babies tend to breathe through their mouth when swollen or inflamed nasal passages make it difficult to breathe through their noses.
A stuffy nose can be caused by allergies, a cold, or even sleeping on their back. It might sound weird, but sleeping with their mouth open allows them to breathe more freely and avoid being woken up by allergies or a CO2 build-up. If you baby is having sleep problems due to stuff nose, it is recommended you try nasal sprays or saline drops.
Another reason newborns sleep with mouth open while sleeping is that they are growing teeth. Teething can cause babies to drool a lot and make strange chewing movements while they sleep. Teething babies will often sleep with their mouths open to try and soothe the discomfort in their gums. Babies can also breathe through their mouths while they are dreaming.
It is always recommended that you take necessary steps and keep a check of young babies breathing rate. As a new parent understanding sleep patterns would help you identify respiratory distress and choose treatment options carefully.
I worry about this (and well everything related to baby). Thanks for the tips and reassurance.
My kid always snored as a baby. It worried me one night when I didn’t hear him but he was just fine.
This is quite interesting and will keep those in mind. My friend became a new mom recently and will surely pass this knowledge to her. Thanks for the share!
I’m going to have a baby in Dec and your post brings so much needed info to me. Thanks for sharing!
Ooh, I didn’ tknow that. When my babies slept with their mouths open, I just thought they were cute, haha. Didn’t know it had to do with their development.
Oh wow really good to know. I cant remember if my kids did this.
Such an amazing article to read, it’s just so informative and very detailed! A great reference to all the parents and soon parents out there! This will help them to fully understand the babies breathing habits!
Thank’s for all the interesting facts and taking out the myths. Being a parent of a newborn can be pretty stressful
A very helpful and informative article. As a new parent, these are all new to me but thank you for the guide.
I had no idea about this. I’ve yet to have kids so this is a real eye opener!
My sister-in-law is in labor right now and we are having a new baby niece in a few hours. These things are good to know. Thank you.
I would never have thought about breathing disorders. Honestly, when my kids were babies, I never even watched things like that. I was consumed with making sure their chests were rising and falling when they were asleep, though.
Aaaahhhh…I have always wondered about this. The explanation you have given about the nasal region being under-developed made all the sense.
Great tips, I didn’t about them even though I helped my mom with my little brother haha. I will keep them in mind. Thank you for sharing!
Oh wow! I never even thought about looking for a breathing disorder. There is so much to look out for with babies!
Very good article for any parents. Thanks for sharing with us.