Babies primarily breathe through their noses, though they can breathe through their mouths, especially when nasal passages are obstructed. Mouth breathing is not their typical method of respiration. Understanding usual breathing patterns and when deviations occur helps parents recognize potential concerns.
Why Babies Typically Breathe Through Their Noses
Newborns are often described as “obligate nasal breathers,” meaning they instinctively breathe through their noses. This is a physiological reflex supported by their unique anatomy. A baby’s epiglottis, a flap of cartilage, is positioned high in the throat, creating a direct airway from the nose to the lungs. This arrangement helps prevent milk from entering the airway during feeding, allowing infants to feed and breathe simultaneously.
Nasal breathing provides several benefits. The nasal passages act as a natural filter, trapping dust, allergens, and other airborne particles, protecting against irritants and infections. The nose also warms and humidifies inhaled air, regulating the baby’s body temperature. Consistent nasal breathing supports the proper development of facial structures, including the jaw and palate, and contributes to better sleep quality, cognitive function, and physical growth.
Common Reasons for Mouth Breathing
Babies typically develop the reflex to breathe through their mouths around 3 to 6 months of age. They may resort to mouth breathing if their nasal passages are blocked. Nasal congestion, often caused by common colds, allergies, or excess mucus, is a frequent temporary reason for mouth breathing.
More persistent issues can also lead to mouth breathing. These include enlarged adenoids or tonsils, which can obstruct the upper airway. A deviated septum, where the cartilage and bone separating the nostrils are misaligned, can also impede nasal airflow. Other potential blockages include enlarged blood vessels or tissues within the nasal passage. A tongue-tie, where the tongue’s frenulum is too tight, can affect tongue posture and indirectly impact nasal breathing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If mouth breathing persists after temporary causes like congestion resolve, or if it occurs frequently, it may indicate an underlying issue requiring medical evaluation. Signs of respiratory distress, such as flaring nostrils, chest retractions (when skin pulls in around the ribs or neck with each breath), or unusually rapid breathing, require immediate medical attention.
Other indicators for medical consultation include noisy breathing, difficulty feeding due to breathing challenges, or consistent snoring or snorting, especially during sleep. Poor sleep quality, characterized by restlessness, frequent waking, or daytime fatigue, may also relate to breathing difficulties. A doctor can assess the cause of persistent mouth breathing and recommend appropriate interventions, from allergy management to addressing anatomical obstructions.