For many parents, there is nothing better than watching their baby sleep. It lies peacefully and processes the impressions of the day. You may notice that your baby snores or gasps from time to time. In many cases, this is completely normal and there is no need to worry. We summarize for you why your baby snores, what you can do about it and in which situations you should consult a doctor for clarification.
Why do babies snore and gasp in their sleep?
When babies snore at night, there is usually no serious cause behind it. There are soft soft palates in your baby's small nasal passages.
These vibrate when your baby snores and cause the soft snoring sound. In this case, the snoring has a harmless anatomical cause. However, every child is different: some babies snore every night, while others hardly ever snore.
Night-time snoring in babies can also be triggered or exacerbated by colds, infections, dry air, allergies or mucus. This is because your baby cannot yet clear their throat and therefore cannot get rid of mucus. In addition to snoring and wheezing, so-called carping can also occur. This is when mucus covers the larynx: your baby rattles, then makes no sound and then rattles again.
If your baby snores conspicuously loudly and the airways appear to be blocked, you should consult a doctor. Parents should observe their child closely and listen to their feelings. If your baby's breathing repeatedly stops and you get the impression that blocked airways could be the cause, then you should describe these observations to the pediatrician. Sleep apnea or an enlargement of the tonsils could possibly be the cause.
How do breathing problems manifest themselves in babies & toddlers?
It can be difficult for parents to distinguish between snoring and serious breathing problems in their baby. If you have the feeling that something is wrong, you should consult a doctor and have your baby's breathing checked to be on the safe side.
The following symptoms may indicate that your baby is suffering from a breathing problem:
- Breathing too fast for no apparent reason
- His face or fingers turn blue
- A whistling sound can be heard when breathing in and out
- He tenses his chest muscles and inflates his nostrils
Breathing problems in babies and toddlers are particularly dangerous as they are barely noticeable. Your baby is literally out of breath and therefore does not cry - it lacks the strength and air to do so. That's why they need you as parents to keep a close eye on how they are doing and whether they may have a breathing problem.
Recognize breathing problems: Observe your baby during the day too
Breathing problems are not always easy to recognize. After all, you can't watch your baby all night. What's more, the problems may only occur occasionally, but can still have serious consequences for your baby and their development.
This is why doctors recommend keeping a close eye on children during the day. Babies and toddlers who show the following symptoms could be suffering from breathing problems:
- It is restless and seems unbalanced
- They find it difficult to concentrate and are easily distracted
- They are often affected by infections or middle ear infections
- They are also noticeably tired during the day
- Their development is delayed
These symptoms do not necessarily have to be due to a breathing problem. However, it may be why you should share your suspicions with your pediatrician. This is because there could be causes behind the breathing problems that should be treated to ensure age-appropriate development.
What can I do if my baby snores?
If your baby snores quietly in their sleep, there is usually no need to take action. However, if blocked airways seem to be the cause, you can make it easier for your baby to breathe with a few simple steps:
- Use a nasal aspirator: If newborns or toddlers have a cold, mucus can make it difficult for them to breathe. A nasal aspirator helps you to get rid of the mucus and clear the blocked nose. This can help your baby to breathe more easily. You should refrain from using nasal spray if possible.
- Ensure higher humidity in the room: If the humidity in the bedroom or nursery is low, your baby's throat and mucous membranes can dry out, which in turn can increase snoring. Therefore, check the humidity regularly and increase it if necessary.
- Introduce rituals: You should introduce rituals to ensure that your baby goes to sleep calm and relaxed. These can include fixed cuddling times or reading a book aloud. This will help them to fall asleep relaxed and have a positive feeling, which is conducive to restful sleep.
- Ensure the right room temperature: The temperature is also crucial to promote healthy sleep for your baby. To prevent overheating, you should ensure cool temperatures. This can have a positive effect on sleep and reduce snoring.
- Avoid pillows & blankets: To ensure that your baby can breathe undisturbed, you should avoid using any blankets, pillows or cuddly toys in bed. These could block your baby's airways. It is therefore better to use a sleeping bag that is not harmful to your baby's airways.
- Change your baby's sleeping position: If your child snores, changing their sleeping position could help. The supine position is generally recommended, as your baby's airways are then clear. Some parents also prefer the side sleeping position, as it is said to counteract snoring and gasping. The prone position, on the other hand, is not recommended as it puts pressure on the lungs and airways.
As you can see, you can use simple methods to ensure that your baby sleeps better and more restfully. The above measures can reduce snoring and the risk of breathing problems. Continue to monitor your baby's sleeping behavior. If the snoring increases, you should make an appointment with your pediatrician to be on the safe side.
Toddler snoring: have problems with the tonsils and adenoids checked out
If your baby regularly has problems with their breathing, which are manifested by snoring and wheezing, then their tonsils (commonly known as adenoids) could be the cause. The tonsils are important for health as they ward off pathogens.
However, if your baby's tonsils become swollen and inflamed, they can block the upper airways. You can recognize swollen tonsils, for example, if your baby breathes heavily through the mouth. However, frequent infections can also be the first indication of a problem with the tonsils.
Your pediatrician can determine whether enlarged tonsils are the cause of your baby's symptoms during a visit with a simple examination of the throat. In most cases, doctors will then advise removing the tonsils to prevent future inflammation. After the procedure, your baby should be able to get enough air again. The breathing problems will disappear and your child's breathing will normalize.
Ensure a relaxed sleeping environment with the swing2sleep bassinet
If your baby rattles or snores, you should first find out the cause. If it is completely healthy, then you can ensure a restful sleep with a good sleeping environment. Your baby will feel particularly comfortable in the swing2sleep hammock. The hammock wraps your baby tightly around it and then rocks them to sleep with gentle up and down movements.
This makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep and also encourages them to sleep through the night. Conveniently, you can control the swing cradle via smartphone and receive push notifications when your baby wakes up.
Test the swing2sleep spring cradle and give your baby a cozy nest - you will see how comfortable your baby will feel.
