Understanding Newborn Breathing From The Mouth
A lot of mothers may be concerned about their baby’s sleep, especially if they notice their precious newborn breathing from the mouth instead of normal nasal breathing. But by understanding the potential causes, remedies, and preventive measures, you can address these worries and ensure that your baby is experiencing a better quality of sleep. In this article, we will talk about 3 reasons why your newborn may be breathing from the mouth, along with some helpful ways to prevent and alleviate these concerns.
3 Common Causes of Newborn Mouth Breathing
There are many factors that may be causing your newborn to breath from the mouth but below are 3 common causes:
1.) Nasal Congestion
Babies have small nasal passages that can easily become congested due to mucus buildup. This is usually caused by common colds or allergies that may be seasonal. When nasal passages are blocked, babies are unable to clear their nose by themselves so they may resort to breathing through their mouths.
2.) Anatomy and Development
Newborns might breathe through their mouths if they have anatomical irregularities such as narrow nasal passages. Your baby may also have a deviated septum. Your baby may also need more time to adjust to breathing solely through the nose after birth.
3.) Sleep Apnea
Mouth breathing in infants could also be a sign of sleep apnea. This is a condition in which the infant may suddenly stop breathing for a short period during sleep because the brain is less active. It is also more common in babies who are born prematurely.
5 Remedies for Newborn Mouth Breathing
Below are 5 ways that you can alleviate your baby’s oral breathing problem
- Keep Nasal Passages Clear: Take some time to gently clean your baby’s nose using a bulb syringe or a saline solution to clear out the nasal mucus, especially before feeding and sleeping.
- Humidify the Air: By using a humidifier in the baby’s room, you can maintain moisture levels in the air and prevent dryness that might lead to nasal congestion.
- Proper Feeding Techniques: Always ensure that your baby is positioned correctly while feeding to minimize milk residue around the mouth, which can also obstruct nasal breathing.
- Proper hydration: Sometimes your baby may feel dehydrated and this may cause mucus to build up and clog his or her breathing. So please ensure that your baby is getting enough milk or formula.
- Consult with a healthcare provider: If your baby’s mouth breathing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like snoring or difficulty feeding, then please consult with a healthcare provider to help you to properly assess your situation while uncovering and solving any underlying issues.
Preventive measures for newborn oral breathing
- Maintain a Clean Environment: How clean is your baby’s environment? Take some time to regularly clean your home to reduce potential allergens and dust that could irritate your baby’s nasal passages.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding strengthens a baby’s immune system and can help prevent infections that might cause nasal congestion.
- Avoid Smoke Exposure: Keep your baby away as far away from cigarette smoke as possible because it can worsen respiratory problems and cause nasal congestion.
Is Mouth Breathing Safe for Newborns
Occasional mouth breathing in newborns is generally safe and often resolves on its own. However, persistent mouth breathing accompanied by other concerning symptoms may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.
Final Thoughts
Although newborn mouth breathing can be concerning for mothers, it’s usually a temporary and manageable issue, so please don’t be alarmed. By taking careful steps to clear nasal passages, humidify the air, and keep your baby hydrated with proper feeding techniques, you can alleviate these concerns and promote the well-being and comfort of your child. But be sure to speak with a healthcare provider today to properly access your situation. Every baby is unique, and consulting with healthcare providers can offer personalized guidance for your child’s specific needs.
I hope you found this article informative. If so then you may also be interested in a previous post on What To Do If Your Newborn Only Sleeps When Held.
