Newborn Sleeps with Mouth Open but Breathes through Nose: Reddit Q&A
As a new parent, it’s common to worry about your baby’s health and development. One concern that many parents have is whether their newborn is breathing properly. If you notice your newborn sleeping with their mouth open but breathing through their nose, you may wonder if this is normal.
The answer is yes, it is normal for newborns to sleep with their mouths open but breathe through their noses. This is because their nasal passages are still small and underdeveloped, so they cannot breathe through their noses as effectively as adults. As a result, they may need to keep their mouths open to get enough air.
Understanding Nasal Breathing in Newborns
Newborns are obligate nose breathers, which means they must breathe through their noses to survive. However, their nasal passages are very small and narrow, and they may become blocked by mucus or other secretions. This can make it difficult for them to breathe through their noses, especially when they are lying down.
When a newborn’s nasal passages are blocked, they may start to breathe through their mouths. This is a natural reflex that helps them to get enough air. However, mouth breathing can lead to a number of problems, including dry mouth, sore throat, and increased risk of infection.
When to Be Concerned
In most cases, it is normal for newborns to sleep with their mouths open. However, there are some cases when you should be concerned. These include:
- Your baby is breathing rapidly or shallowly.
- Your baby’s lips or tongue are blue or purple.
- Your baby is making a grunting or wheezing sound.
- Your baby is having difficulty feeding.
- Your baby is not gaining weight.
If you are concerned about your baby’s breathing, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Tips for Improving Nasal Breathing
There are a number of things you can do to help improve your baby’s nasal breathing. These include:
- Use a nasal saline spray to help clear mucus from your baby’s nasal passages.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your baby’s room.
- Elevate your baby’s head when they are sleeping.
- Avoid exposing your baby to smoke or other air pollutants.
If you have tried these tips and your baby is still having difficulty breathing, it is important to see a doctor.
Expert Advice
In addition to the tips above, here is some expert advice from pediatricians on how to improve your baby’s nasal breathing:
- “If your baby is congested, try using a nasal saline spray or drops to help clear their nasal passages,” says Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
- “You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your baby’s room,” says Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic.
- “If your baby is having difficulty breathing, it is important to see a doctor right away,” says Dr. James Sears, a pediatrician at the University of Toronto.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about newborns sleeping with their mouths open:
- Q: Is it normal for newborns to sleep with their mouths open?
- A: Yes, it is normal for newborns to sleep with their mouths open. This is because their nasal passages are still small and underdeveloped, so they cannot breathe through their noses as effectively as adults.
- Q: What can I do to help improve my baby’s nasal breathing?
- A: There are a number of things you can do to help improve your baby’s nasal breathing, including using a nasal saline spray, using a humidifier, elevating your baby’s head when they are sleeping, and avoiding exposing your baby to smoke or other air pollutants.
- Q: When should I be concerned about my baby’s breathing?
- A: You should be concerned about your baby’s breathing if they are breathing rapidly or shallowly, their lips or tongue are blue or purple, they are making a grunting or wheezing sound, they are having difficulty feeding, or they are not gaining weight.
Conclusion
Newborns sleeping with their mouths open but breathing through their noses is usually normal. However, if you are concerned about your baby’s breathing, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Are you interested in learning more about newborns sleeping with their mouths open? Let us know in the comments below!
