Normal Newborn Breathing Patterns

Noisy Breathing Pattern

Don't be at all surprised if your child seems to be a noisy breather. Infants can only breathe through their noses in the first couple of months of life, which can cause them to make all sorts of sounds—from snorts and grunts to gurgles and whistles—as they inhale and exhale.

This noisy breathing shouldn't necessarily cause concern. However, pay attention to signs of respiratory distress. Contact your baby's doctor right away if you notice any warning signs.

Baby Sneezes Frequently

Some parents bring their baby home, witness them sneezing frequently, and jump to the conclusion that their baby must have an allergy to the family pet. Even after sending their family pet packing, the parents may soon find there is no change in their baby's frequent sneezes.

Breathing entirely through the nose means all air particles that enter the body land there. Because babies' nasal passages are so very tiny, they are prone to sneeze frequently to clear these substances out.

When frequent sneezes are present with other issues like vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, and colic, it could mean that your baby is allergic to the formula you're feeding them. Discuss this concern with your pediatrician, who may recommend you use a hypoallergenic formula.

Periodic Breathing

When your baby's asleep, you'll notice them go through what is known as periodic breathing. At times their breathing rate may be rapid, followed by periods of shallow breaths. There may even be brief pauses where your baby doesn't seem to breathe at all for a few seconds.

This periodic breathing pattern is usually perfectly normal and part of typical newborn development. Your baby should grow out of this as they age.

False "First Cold"

It really is not unusual for your baby to seemingly have their "first cold" early on. Again, this goes back to how tiny the nose is and how prone it is to get clogged with lint, fuzz, spit up, and other gunk. It probably bothers you more than it does your baby, and there may be no need to "help" them clear things out.

However, if you strongly feel that your child needs assistance to breathe clearly, you may consider keeping the nursery free of dust and pet hair, using saline drops, and if absolutely necessary, trying a nasal aspirator. But talk to your pediatrician first.

If your baby is displaying additional symptoms along with a stuffy nose, they may indeed be experiencing their first cold and should be seen by your pediatrician. Here are some things to watch for:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased appetite
• Increased irritability

Baby Hiccups

Hiccups are another common experience for newborns that can be persistent. In fact, many moms may even feel their baby having hiccups in the womb. Swallowing air while feeding and experiencing a sudden change in stomach temperature are both common reasons for baby hiccups. But there's no need to worry. They will pass in their own time.

GER is especially common in premature babies and is usually outgrown as their stomachs stretch and can hold more food. That said, if your baby is showing signs of persistent GER, such as poor weight gain, extreme irritability, and consistent coughing, it's time to pay a visit to your pediatrician.