Do Babies Snore? Causes, When to Worry, and What You Can Do

Hearing your baby snore for the first time can be surprising—after all, we often associate snoring with adults. But yes, babies can snore too, and in many cases, it’s completely normal. Snoring in infants is often caused by small nasal passages, temporary congestion, or airway immaturity. As babies grow, their breathing becomes more stable, and the snoring may subside on its own.

However, persistent or loud snoring could indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention. Understanding why babies snore, when it’s harmless, and when to consult a doctor can help ensure your little one is breathing properly and getting quality sleep.

Why Do Babies Snore?

Snoring in babies usually occurs because airflow is temporarily restricted due to nasal congestion, immature airways, or anatomical factors. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Nasal Congestion

Babies primarily breathe through their noses, especially in the first few months. If their nasal passages are blocked with mucus, airflow becomes restricted, leading to snoring sounds.

• Dry air, colds, or exposure to allergens can contribute to congestion.
• Since babies can’t blow their noses, mucus buildup is common.

Solution: Using a saline spray and a bulb syringe can help clear nasal passages, making breathing easier. Running a humidifier in the baby’s room can also keep airways moist and reduce congestion.

2. Laryngomalacia (Soft Airway Tissue)

Some infants are born with a condition called laryngomalacia, where the soft cartilage in the upper airway collapses slightly when they inhale, causing noisy breathing, snoring, or wheezing sounds.

• This condition is usually harmless and resolves as the airway strengthens, typically by 18 to 20 months.
• If your baby has noisy breathing only while sleeping and doesn’t seem distressed, it’s likely normal.

Solution: In most cases, no treatment is needed. However, if breathing difficulties arise—such as frequent choking, pauses in breathing, or feeding issues—a doctor should evaluate the condition.

3. Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids

Tonsils and adenoids help fight infections but can become enlarged due to frequent colds or allergies. When these tissues block the airway, snoring can occur.

• Enlarged adenoids may cause mouth breathing, restless sleep, and snoring most nights.
• Some children may also experience sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Solution: If your baby snores loudly most nights, a pediatrician may assess whether enlarged tonsils or adenoids are affecting their breathing.

When to Be Concerned About Baby Snoring

Occasional light snoring isn’t usually a cause for concern, but if snoring is persistent, loud, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to consult a doctor.

Signs That Snoring May Indicate a Problem

1. Loud, Frequent Snoring – If your baby snores most nights and it disrupts their sleep, it may indicate an airway obstruction.
2. Pauses in Breathing (Sleep Apnea) – If your baby stops breathing for a few seconds, followed by gasping or choking, this could be sleep apnea.
3. Difficulty Gaining Weight – Breathing difficulties can sometimes affect feeding, leading to poor weight gain.
4. Cyanosis (Blue Tint to Lips or Skin) – A bluish tint may indicate a lack of oxygen, which requires immediate medical attention.
5. Extreme Restlessness or Sweating During Sleep – If your baby tosses and turns excessively or wakes up sweaty, their body may be working harder to breathe.

If your baby exhibits any of these signs, schedule a visit with their pediatrician for further evaluation.

How to Help a Baby Who Snores

If your baby’s snoring isn’t caused by a medical issue but still disrupts their sleep, a few simple adjustments can make breathing easier.

1. Use a Humidifier

Dry air can make congestion worse. A cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room adds moisture to the air, helping keep nasal passages clear.

2. Elevate the Head Slightly

Lying flat can worsen nasal congestion. Placing a rolled towel under the crib mattress to elevate your baby’s head slightly (without using pillows) may help.

3. Keep the Nose Clear

• Use saline drops to loosen mucus.
• Gently suction with a bulb syringe or a nasal aspirator.
• Avoid excessive suctioning, as it can irritate the nasal passages.

4. Monitor for Allergies

If your baby is frequently congested, dust, pet dander, or certain fabrics could be triggering allergies. Keeping bedding and the nursery clean may help reduce allergens.

Can Baby Snoring Be Sleep Apnea?

Some babies who snore may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airway temporarily collapses during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. While rare in newborns, OSA is more common in toddlers with enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Symptoms of sleep apnea in babies include:

• Loud, chronic snoring (several nights a week).
• Pauses in breathing, followed by gasping or choking sounds.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or difficulty staying asleep.
• Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing.

If you suspect sleep apnea, your pediatrician may recommend a sleep study to monitor breathing patterns and determine if intervention is needed.

Summing Up

Yes, babies can snore, and in most cases, it’s completely normal. Their airways are small, and congestion, soft tissues, or sleeping position can cause temporary snoring. However, loud, persistent snoring—especially when accompanied by pauses in breathing or difficulty feeding—should be evaluated by a doctor.

By monitoring your baby’s sleep, keeping their nasal passages clear, and creating a comfortable sleeping environment, you can help them breathe easier and sleep better. If in doubt, consulting a pediatrician will provide peace of mind and ensure your baby’s health is on track.