You've just stopped with your own pregnancy snoring and now it's your baby snoring that's keeping you awake. If you've noticed your baby snoring during their sleep, you might be wondering what's causing this, especially if it's starting to wake both you and your baby up in the night.
The good news is that a snoring baby isn't usually something to worry about. If you're wondering what could be causing the snoring or if it's something you're beginning to feel concerned about, we've rounded up all the possible causes plus a range of remedies.
Causes of baby snoring
Cold or allergies - Your baby's airways and nostrils are still very small and thin, making it very easy for their noses to become congested with mucus and fluid very easily, especially if your baby has a cold. This may cause snoring, a whistling sound or cause snuffling in the night.
Swollen tonsils - If your baby is generally unwell, it might be worth checking the back of their throat to check their tonsils aren't swollen. If you see any sort of swelling or redness at the back of the throat, you should visit your GP.
Sleep apnea - This is where the upper airways collapse during sleep. Snoring which is interrupted by periods of silence is a common symptom of sleep apnea and it's important to see a doctor if you suspect this.
Deviated septum - A deviated septum is common in the first days of your baby's life and this should resolve itself with time. Sometimes however, this can cause symptoms including snoring.
Laryngomalacia - This refers to a soft larynx which is caused by floppiness of the laryngeal tissues above the vocal cords which can cause obstruction of the airway. It's a condition which can affect babies but in most cases, babies recover without treatment by 18 to 20 months of age.
When to seek advice
If your baby is snoring for more than four nights in a row, it might be worth speaking to your doctor to discuss any possible causes that might need treatment to resolve. It's also a good idea to see your doctor if you notice your baby is tired and not sleeping well, if the snoring is impacting their sleep and if they're excessively sleepy throughout the day.
The good news is that it's rarely caused by something serious.
Remedies to help baby snoring
Baby humidifier - Placing a humidifier in your baby's room may help ease any stuffy noses at night.
Air purifier - Having one of these in your baby's room can help if your baby's snoring is caused by allergies.
Removing allergens - If you suspect your baby might be allergic to something in the room where they sleep, try eliminating any allergens such as feather stuffed pillows and toys. If you have any pets, stop them from going in the rooms where you sleep.