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As a mother, the safety of your baby is your top priority. Thus, you notice even the smallest things, especially ones that are worrisome. For example, your baby gasping in sleep;could make you panic. Of course, you would want to know the causes and what to do. This article explores that, as well as other things like when to seek help. Continue reading to find useful tips.
Causes of Baby Gasping in Sleep
There are several potential reasons why a baby gasps in their sleep. The most common ones include sleep apnea, GER, and laryngomalacia. Out of these, sleep apnea is the primary concern. But what they have in common is that they all cause obstructions in the body's airways. In other words, they can make it hard to breathe. With one way or another, they block the airways, causing gasping.
Symptoms of Baby Gasping in Sleep
You can observe your baby while they are sleeping to better understand their situation. The common symptoms of gasping in sleep include:
- pausing in breathing
- sudden, sharp intake of breath
- labored breathing (observed through their chest movement)
- restlessness
- mouth breathing
Besides these, gasping in sleep can also cause behavioral problems. The baby could become irritable or hyperactive. They may also ignore you or everything around them.
Why Is My Baby Making Gasping Sounds but Breathing Fine While Sleeping?
There is not enough research about this topic. Gasping while sleeping is more common in babies who experience difficulty breathing. Please consider consulting your doctor for your specific case.
Common Diseases Related to Baby Gasping
Here is a list of diseases commonly related to babies gasping while sleeping.
Sleep Apnea
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is the most common apnea type for babies and children. If a baby has this, their upper airways are blocked or narrow during sleep. That causes difficulty in breathing.
Laryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia is a condition where your baby's larynx is soft or floppy. The problem with this is that it causes problems related to respiration. Breathing makes the vocal cords drop for a little time. That causes a blockage in your baby's airways, causing them to gasp. While this is concerning, it gets better as time passes by. It may no longer be a problem once your baby reaches one year old.
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)
Some babies experience reflux. This causes milk or stomach contents to come back up after feeding. As you would expect, this can feel uncomfortable and bother their throat. Your baby may cough, gag, or gasp as they react to the irritation.
You should avoid overfeeding your baby to help. If your breasts still feel full after breastfeeding, consider expressing the remaining breastmilk. It helps prevent engorgement. Of course, using a reliable breast pump is essential. We recommend the Momcozy All-in-one M5 Wearable Breast Pump. This efficient, electric breast pump allows you to express milk painlessly and hands-free.
Signs Your Baby May Have Sleep Apnea
As we have mentioned, gasping during sleep is a sign of sleep apnea. But there are other signs that you should look for to confirm it's the right condition. For example, babies with sleep apnea wake up frequently. They also breathe through their mouths since breathing through their nose is difficult. On top of that, you can see through their chest movement that they're having breathing difficulties. Furthermore, babies with sleep apnea may experience sweating while sleeping.
Delays in reaching milestones are also common. Your baby may not be gaining weight even if they are getting enough food. Also, keep an eye out for respiratory infections that keep returning. It can also be a telltale sign.
When Should a Parent Be Concerned About a Baby’s Gasping in Sleep?
Some issues resolve after some time, so there's no need to feel alarmed. However, not all are like that. Some issues require immediate attention. They may be signs of a more serious medical condition. That said, get in touch with your doctor right away if your baby:
Turns Blue or Very Pale During Gasping
Your baby's skin or lips could turn blue or very pale. This could be a sign that they are not getting enough oxygen. Needless to say, this requires urgent attention.
Seems Distressed or is Really Struggling to Breathe
Watch for flared nostrils. Look for chest retractions, which means the skin pulls in between the ribs. Pay attention to any signs of panic on your baby’s face.
Has a Poor Appetite or Low Energy Levels
Gasping episodes can make it harder for your baby to feed. This can lead to tiredness and trouble gaining weight. Breastfeeding in an upright position can help prevent regurgitation. However, that still may not be enough.
Vomits Frequently After Gasping
Vomiting could be a sign of severe reflux. But that's not all. It might also point to another issue that needs medical attention. For example, it could be a sign of stomach bugs or even meningitis. That said, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider.
Has Noisy Breathing That Continues During the Day
Suppose the noisy breathing also happens during the day and not just while sleeping. Then, we recommend talking to your doctor. Gasping or odd noises, when they are awake, might be a sign that something else needs attention.
3 Tips to Reduce Baby Gasping in Sleep
Here are some tips to help your baby breathe easier during their sleep. Please note that their effectiveness varies depending on the root cause of the issue.
1. Clear Nasal Passages
Just like adults, babies mostly breathe through their noses. However, since they are still developing, even a little bit of stuffiness can make it hard for them to breathe well. This can lead to sounds like snorting, rough breathing, or gasping. If your baby seems blocked up, try using a few drops of saline (saltwater) spray in each nostril. It will help loosen the mucus. Then, gently use a nasal aspirator to clear it out. This can help your baby breathe more easily and sleep more soundly.
2. Breastfeed in an Upright Position
Reflux often occurs when milk flows back up from the baby’s stomach into the esophagus, especially if they're lying flat. Breastfeeding your baby in a more upright position helps gravity keep the milk down. This helps reduce the chances of spit-up or discomfort.
It's important to keep them upright 20 - 30 minutes after feeding, too. This can make digestion easier and reduce the likelihood of reflux-related gasping or disturbed sleep. To do this properly, hold your baby at a gentle angle where their head is higher than their stomach.
3. Track Patterns
Pay attention to when the gasping happens. It might be after feedings, during naps, or in certain positions. Tracking patterns can help you and your doctor find the underlying cause.
The Momcozy 5-Inch Dual-mode Smart Baby Monitor-BM04 allows you to do this even when your baby's in a different room. You can watch your baby in real-time or watch the recording in the morning. If anything urgently requires your attention, this device will also alert you. That said, it's great to have for the safety of your baby.
When Should You Seek Help?
As mentioned above, it’s important to seek medical advice if the gasping continues beyond the age when it typically resolves. That is after the first few months of life.
In addition to ongoing symptoms, you should consult a doctor if your baby shows any other concerning signs. These may include turning pale, noisy breathing even while awake, and persistent coughing. These symptoms could point to underlying conditions. It could be reflux, sleep apnea, or respiratory issues that need further assessment. In these cases, medical advice from a professional will be very helpful.
Conclusion
A baby gasping in sleep is probably experiencing issues. Most likely, it is a case of obstructive sleep apnea. This medical issue can cause your baby to stop breathing for up to 20 seconds or more during sleep. But that is not the only possible cause. It could also be other diseases, like GER or laryngomalacia. Proper identification can help you learn the correct course of action.
Treating these issues can take time. You can do some things to help your baby while they are still experiencing breathing issues. For example, you should avoid overfeeding and consider breastfeeding your baby in an upright position.
