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Breathing through the nose is normal for babies, especially right after birth. But many parents start to wonder when do babies start breathing through their mouth, especially if they spot it during sleep or feeding. It can be a short-term response to something simple, or it might signal a problem that needs attention. Either way, it’s helpful to know what to look for and how to support your baby’s breathing.
When Do Babies Start to Breathe Through Their Mouth?
Newborns are naturally nose breathers, especially during the first few months of life. This helps them breathe easily while feeding and sleeping. But there are times when a baby may switch to mouth breathing—either briefly or more often. Knowing when this happens and what triggers it can help parents respond with more confidence. Here’s what to know about when babies start breathing through their mouth and what it could mean.
Most Babies Start Mouth Breathing After 3–6 Months
In the early weeks, babies rely mostly on their nose to breathe. Around 3 to 6 months of age, many babies begin to breathe through their mouth occasionally—especially when their nose is blocked. This doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, but it does show they’ve developed the ability to switch between nose and mouth breathing.
Temporary Mouth Breathing Is Often Linked to Nasal Congestion
If your baby is breathing through their mouth during a cold or after crying a lot, it’s usually due to stuffy nasal passages. Once the congestion clears, they often go back to nose breathing. Short-term mouth breathing during illness is common and not usually a cause for concern.
Persistent Mouth Breathing May Need Medical Attention
If your baby continues to breathe through their mouth even after recovering from a cold, it could point to another issue—like enlarged adenoids, allergies, or structural concerns. Ongoing mouth breathing can affect feeding, sleep, and even facial development over time.
Watch for Changes Around Sleep or Feeding Time
Mouth breathing that happens during sleep or while feeding could signal a blockage or discomfort. Babies should be able to breathe easily through their nose while nursing or resting.
These Are 5 Causes Mouth Breathing in Babies
Baby mouth breathing usually happens if there is a blockage or obstruction of airflow through the nostrils. Below are the most common causes:
1. Nasal Congestion: Cold, dry air or mucus may clog the nose and make the babies breathe through the mouth.
2. Enlarged Adenoids or Tonsils: These block the nasal passage of air and lead to habitual mouth breathing particularly during sleep.
3. Allergens or Irritants: Nasal congestion and swelling can be caused by dust, pet dander, smoke, or other allergens.
4. Structural Problems: Narrow nasal passages or a deviated septum can impede nasal breathing.
5. Habit After Illness: Some babies persist in mouth breathing even after the nose is relieved of obstruction, particularly following long colds.
What Are the Signs That Your Child Breathes Through the Mouth?
Mouth breathing in babies and young children can be easy to miss at first, especially if it only happens during sleep or illness. But when it becomes a regular habit, there are clear signs that parents and caregivers can look for.
- Mouth Stays Open: If your baby has a tendency to keep their mouth open even when they are not crying or making any sound, it could be an indication that they are breathing from their mouth instead of their nose.
- Noisy Breathing or Snoring While Sleeping: Snoring, noisy breathing, or gasping while sleeping may indicate that your baby is a mouth breather. It is particularly so in the event of blocked nasal passages or a large adenoid.
- Dry Mouth or Chapped Lips: Breathing through the mouth can dry out the tongue and lips. If your child frequently wakes up with a dry mouth or chapped lips, it could be a sign that they are not nasal breathing during the night.
- Feeding Difficulties: Babies who mouth-breathe can have difficulty nursing or bottle-feeding. As normal feeding relies on nasal breathing, mouth breathers will be prone to stopping and starting feeds constantly or being irritable with feeds.
- Restless Sleep or Fatigue: Daytime fatigue, restlessness, or frequent waking may result from poor-quality sleep caused by open-mouth breathing.
- Facial Changes Through Time: In babies and older toddlers, habitual mouth breathing may lead to a shift in jaw position, a receding face shape, or an underdeveloped nasal bridge. These signs typically take a while to evolve and may be difficult to notice at first.
If you notice one or more of these signs consistently, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician or an ENT specialist. Early support can help improve breathing patterns and avoid long-term complications.
What Are the Complications of Mouth Breathing?
Occasional mouth breathing during a cold isn’t usually harmful. But when it becomes a long-term habit, especially in babies and young children, it can lead to several issues. These complications may affect sleep, feeding, development, and overall health. Here are the main problems linked to ongoing mouth breathing:
- Poor Sleep Quality: Mouth breathing can lead to snoring, nighttime awakenings, and light sleep. Infants can be restless at night and fatigued during the day, potentially impacting development and growth.
- Feeding Difficulty: Babies who cannot breathe easily through the nose have trouble nursing or bottle-feeding. They might terminate feeding early, swallow more air, or be fussy with feeds.
- Speech and Oral Development Problems: Chronic mouth breathing also has implications on the posture of the tongue and the jaw. This may result in delayed speech, crooked teeth, or problems with chewing and swallowing.
- Facial Structural Changes: Early childhood mouth breathing can lead to the face becoming longer and the upper jaw becoming narrower. It is occasionally referred to as "long face syndrome" and can affect appearance and oral function.
- Dry Mouth and Risk of Infection: Mouth breathing dries out the oral tissues and can diminish saliva. It raises the risk of bad breath, cavities, and throat infections.
If mouth breathing continues beyond a short illness, it’s important to check for underlying causes. Treating the problem early can help prevent these complications and support healthy development.
How to Treat Mouth Breathing in Babies and Young Children?
Treating mouth breathing starts with finding out what’s causing it. In many cases, it’s something simple like a stuffy nose. But if it becomes a long-term habit, treatment may involve more than just clearing congestion. The goal is to help your baby return to comfortable, natural nasal breathing. Here are the most common ways to manage and treat mouth breathing in babies and young children:
Clear Nasal Congestion Gently
If the mouth breathing is due to a cold or stuffy nose, use a saline spray or drops to loosen mucus. Follow with a soft nasal aspirator to gently clear the baby’s nose. A good option is the Momcozy 2-in-1 Spray & Suction Electric Nasal Aspirator, which first softens mucus with a fine mist spray, then clears it with hospital-grade suction—all in one quiet, easy-to-clean device. A humidifier in the room can also help keep nasal passages from drying out.
Use Allergy-Friendly Products at Home
Allergens like dust, pet dander, or pollen can cause nasal swelling. Use a HEPA air purifier, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and avoid strong fragrances or smoke near the baby. These changes may help reduce inflammation that blocks nasal airflow.
Check for Structural Issues
If mouth breathing continues after illness or allergy triggers are ruled out, ask your pediatrician for an ENT referral. Conditions like enlarged adenoids or a deviated septum may need to be evaluated. Early treatment can improve breathing and prevent long-term complications.
Support Good Sleep Positioning
Keeping your baby’s head slightly elevated during sleep may help them breathe more easily through their nose. Whether your baby sleeps in a bassinet or a crib,use a firm, flat mattress and avoid pillows for babies under one year, but check with your pediatrician for safe positioning tips if congestion is frequent.
Watch for Feeding and Speech Delays
If you notice mouth breathing alongside trouble feeding, delayed speech, or unclear sounds, ask your doctor whether a speech-language pathologist or feeding specialist is needed. They can help address any functional issues caused by persistent mouth breathing.
Don’t Delay Professional Help if It’s Ongoing
Occasional mouth breathing isn’t a big concern, but if it becomes constant—even when your child seems well—it’s best to seek medical advice. Early treatment helps protect healthy facial growth, sleep quality, and daily comfort.
Will a Baby Wake Up If They Can't Breathe?
Yes, most babies will naturally wake up or shift position if they’re having trouble breathing during sleep. Infants are born with protective reflexes for the continuation of breathing. If their nostril is obstructed or they're not getting sufficient air, they will move, cry, or make an effort to open the airway. But in some unusual circumstances—particularly in infants who are sick or under particular sleeping conditions—those reflexes might not respond fast enough. That's why it's so crucial to practice safe sleep habits. Always place babies on their backs to sleep on a firm mattress. While you must avoid pillows and loose bedding, you can buy special items designed for safe sleep, like a wearable blanket or sleep sack, and always keep their sleeping area smoke-free. If your baby has labored breathing, frequent waking with gasping, or persistent mouth breathing during sleep, it's best to discuss it with a pediatrician.
What Happens When Babies Start Breathing Through Their Mouth
It's not unusual for babies to mouth-breathe from time to time, particularly if they've got a cold. But if it's persistent, then it's likely worth taking notice. Snoring, difficulty feeding, or dry lips are some of the signs that something may be wrong. If unsure, a quick consultation with your pediatrician can catch small problems before they become big problems.
