Many new parents are concerned about their baby’s breathing patterns. Understanding how infants typically breathe, and when their breathing might indicate a need for attention, provides reassurance. While a baby’s breathing can seem varied, established norms help distinguish between usual patterns and those warranting a closer look.
Why Babies Prefer Nose Breathing
Newborns are primarily nasal breathers, a characteristic supporting their early development. Their unique anatomy, including a relatively high larynx, allows them to breathe through their nose while simultaneously feeding without aspirating milk. This coordination, known as the suck-swallow-breathe synchrony, is essential for safe and efficient feeding. Nasal passages also filter, warm, and humidify incoming air, which helps protect the baby’s respiratory system from irritants and potential infections.
When Mouth Breathing is Normal
While babies predominantly breathe through their noses, mouth breathing is normal in specific, temporary situations. Infants may breathe through their mouths when crying vigorously or during intense feeding sessions. A stuffy nose from a common cold or mucus blockage can also lead to temporary mouth breathing, as the baby needs more air. Babies may also occasionally breathe with their mouths open when deeply asleep or in certain sleeping positions. This temporary mouth breathing is generally not a cause for concern and often resolves once the underlying condition clears.
Understanding Persistent Mouth Breathing
When a baby consistently breathes through their mouth, it often indicates an underlying issue that prevents adequate nasal airflow. One common cause is nasal congestion, which can stem from allergies, colds, or an accumulation of mucus. Enlarged adenoids or tonsils can also obstruct the nasal airway, forcing a baby to breathe orally, especially during sleep. These lymphoid tissues, located at the back of the nasal passage and throat, can swell due to infections or allergies.
Structural abnormalities within the nasal passages can also contribute to persistent mouth breathing. A deviated septum, where the cartilage separating the nostrils is misaligned, can narrow the airway and make nasal breathing difficult. The shape of a baby’s jaw or palate might prevent them from properly closing their mouth, leading to habitual mouth breathing. Sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can also cause a baby to breathe through their mouth as their body works to get sufficient oxygen.
When to Consult a Doctor
Parents should seek medical attention for persistent or concerning signs related to their baby’s breathing. Indicators include consistently noisy breathing (snoring, gasping, snorting during sleep), which may signal an obstructed airway. Labored breathing, visible retractions of the chest and abdomen, pauses longer than 10-15 seconds, or a bluish tint around the lips or face warrant immediate medical attention.
Feeding difficulties, such as frequent interruptions during nursing or bottle-feeding, can also indicate breathing challenges. Chronic nasal discharge that does not resolve, or symptoms like cracked lips and dry mouth upon waking, may suggest ongoing mouth breathing. Consulting a pediatrician or pediatric dentist is important for proper diagnosis and to address any underlying causes of persistent mouth breathing. They can help determine if the issue is temporary or if it requires specific intervention or treatment.