Baby Sleeps With Mouth Open
As a parent or caregiver, we notice everything our children do. The little birthmark on their arm, the way they twiddle their feet while feeding, or the cute noise they make right before they fall asleep. You may have noticed that your child has their own little quirk: mouth breathing. As cute as it may look, you might be wondering if it is normal? While open-mouth breathing is common, it can be unsettling, and many parents wonder if it’s something to worry about.
It’s important to first recognize that open-mouth breathing, or mouth breathing, is a normal part of development. Babies are still learning how to breathe properly, and their nasal passages may not always be clear. It is common for babies to sleep with their mouths open, especially if they’re congested or have a stuffy nose. It can leave parents and caregivers feeling hopeless when their little one is struggling to breathe through their nose, due to illness. In this post, we’ll break down the causes, potential concerns, and steps you can take to ensure your baby sleeps comfortably and healthily.
Is Mouth Breathing Bad For Babies?
Generally speaking, occasional mouth breathing in babies is not harmful, but there are potential risks if the behavior continues over the long term.
Can Mouth Breathing Cause Facial Deformation?
Yes, long-term mouth breathing can lead to certain facial and dental issues. When babies consistently breathe through their mouths, it can cause the muscles around their mouths and face to develop differently. Over time, this could lead to facial deformation, such as:
- Narrowing of the jaw (this would potentially cause a change in their alignment of teeth)
- High, arched palates due to the lack of proper tongue posture
- Prolonged mouth breathing can also affect the growth of the nose. This can lead to issues such as a deviated septum, which further complicates nasal breathing.
Therefore, while short bouts of mouth breathing are typically harmless, it’s essential to address any long-term issues as they can affect both breathing and facial development.
Why Do Babies Sleep With Their Mouth Open?
There are several reasons why your baby may sleep with their mouth open:
1. Nasal Congestion or Stuffy Nose:
A stuffy nose is one of the most common reasons why babies sleep with their mouths open. When their nasal passages are blocked due to colds, allergies, or other respiratory issues, babies will often resort to mouth breathing to get enough air. Typically, this is not long term and goes away with time.
- Nasal congestion in babies can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. The duration will depend on the cause, whether it’s a cold, allergies, or some other condition.
2. Enlarged Adenoids or Tonsils:
Sometimes, the adenoids and tonsils—tissues located in the back of the throat—can become enlarged, leading to a blockage in the upper airway. This condition makes it more difficult for babies to breathe through their noses, especially when they sleep. This can cause snoring in your infant or toddler.
- This issue can last for months or even years, depending on the severity of the enlargement. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the adenoids or tonsils if the condition becomes problematic.
3. Deviated Septum:
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, which divides the nostrils, is displaced or crooked. This can obstruct airflow through the nasal passages, leading babies to breathe through their mouths.
- If the deviation is mild, your baby may outgrow this issue. However, more severe cases may require medical intervention, such as surgery, later in life.
4. Reflex to Breathe:
In some cases, babies may simply have a reflex to breathe through their mouths. If your child is in a deep sleep or congested, they may revert to mouth breathing. This is typically a short-term issue and will resolve itself.
- A pacifier can help with soothing and may reduce the chances of mouth breathing by encouraging babies to keep their mouths closed while sleeping: Can a Newborn Sleep with a Pacifier?.
How To Stop Baby Sleeping With Mouth Open
If you’re concerned about your baby’s mouth breathing, there are several things you can do to help them breathe easier and encourage breathing through their noses. Here are some tips to try:
Tip #1: Use a Cool Mist Humidifier:
A cool mist humidifier can be a great way to keep your baby’s nasal passages moist. It also helps reduce the chances of nasal congestion. A humidifier can help prevent stuffiness and encourage your baby to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth.
- Placing the humidifier in your baby’s room during the night can create a more comfortable sleeping environment and make it easier for them to breathe.
Tip #2: Clear Nasal Passages with Saline Drops:
If your baby’s nasal passages are congested, using saline drops can help loosen mucus and clear the way for easier breathing. Make sure to follow the recommended guidelines for safe use with babies and consult with your pediatrician.
- Saline solutions are available in many forms, such as sprays or drops. They can be used in combination with a bulb syringe to gently clear out mucus.
Tip #3: Consult with a Pediatrician About Nasal Congestion:
If your baby’s nasal congestion is persistent and causing frequent mouth breathing, it might be a good idea to consult with a pediatrician. Checking for underlying conditions, such as enlarged adenoids, and offering advice on treatments that may help is priceless.
Please remember that mouth breathing is a common behavior, and in many cases, it’s harmless. However, if it becomes persistent, it’s worth investigating. Consult with your pediatrician if these symptoms persist for the long term.
Using a cool mist humidifier, clearing nasal passages, or consulting with a pediatrician, can help your baby sleep more peacefully and reduce the risk of any long-term breathing issues. Always be mindful of changes in your baby’s sleep patterns and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting
Is your little one having difficulty self-soothing for naps and bedtimes? If your child is unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts and Michigan area. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too! See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below:
“Molly is an absolute God send! We went from having to hold our baby to sleep all night long, to her sleeping through the night almost immediately. I had purchased other written plans from the other big name sleep consultants and they just weren’t working for us and they were confusing. Molly customizes the plan to your child and your comfort level and is so easy to work with, flexible, knowledgeable, helpful and understanding. I’m sooooo glad we chose to work with her and I know where we will go when we have future sleep hiccups.” – Mom of 8-Month-Old