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Have you ever noticed your baby sleeps with mouth open? At first it may just be a natural behavior, but when it occurs often and your little one keeps opening his/her mouth while sleeping then the worry comes in. As babies are just developing their senses and haven’t learned anything yet from their bodily functions. Pay attention to these small details that make you worry, and notice worrying issues brought by the mouth opening while sleeping.
Worry not, and let’s dive into this article to ease your worries on how, when, and what you can do to be ready and prevent this issue to become more serious also with the help of useful tools from Momcozy for a comfortable and peaceful night with your baby.
Is It Common for a Baby to Sleep with Mouth Open?
Yes, it can be common for babies to sleep with their mouths open but that doesn’t mean that you should let it happen.
The usual way for your newborn baby to breathe is through their nose. This is unless their nasal passage has some blockage, which can lead to mouth breathing.
If your baby sleeping with its mouth open only happens sometimes then it’s usually not a big deal. But if your baby always sleeps with their mouth open, it’s worth checking why to be prepared and not to worry.
Causes of Baby Sleeping with Mouth Open
There are a few common reasons why your baby sleeps with mouth open. Some are temporary, while other instances when it looks unusual may need more attention.
1. Stuffy Nose or Congestion
As babies can't blow their noses themselves, even a little bit of mucus can block their nasal passages. And when that happens, they will breathe through their mouths especially at night.
What to try: Use a nasal aspirator for newborn like the Momcozy BreezyClear Pro™ 2-in-1 Spray & Suction Electric Nasal Aspirator. It gently clears out mucus so your baby can breathe comfortably through the nose again.
2. Dry Air
Dry indoor air, especially in winter or air conditioned rooms, can dry out the nose and make breathing harder and also accumulate mucus that may cause blockage.
What to try: A newborn sound machine from Momcozy’s sound machine collection not only soothes your baby and makes them comfortable so they can sleep peacefully.
3. Tongue-Tie or Mouth Structure Issues
If your baby has tongue-tie which is a short, tight piece of skin under the tongue, then it may be hard for them to close their mouth fully. Similarly, other jaw development issues can also cause mouth breathing or the mouth opening of your babies.
4. Habit After Illness
When your baby just had been sick and their way of breathing was affected. The behavior of breathing with their mouth when their nose was blocked was practiced. The habit of breathing through their mouth may still be there even after illness.
5. Sleeping Position
Lying flat on their back can sometimes cause the jaw to relax and the mouth to fall open to show you that they are comfortable.
Potential Consequences of Baby Sleeping Mouth Open Long-Term
Over time, mouth breathing during sleep can lead to some concerns you’ll want to watch out for.
- Dry Mouth and Discomfort
If babies breathe through their mouth, it can cause their saliva to dry and result in a dry mouth, a sore throat, and even cracked lips. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, it can be even worse overnight and can affect your baby’s feeding.
- Poor Sleep Quality
Breathing through the mouth may be a sign to only a quick sleep and increased night waking. Your baby might seem more irritable or wake up more frequently crying.
- Higher Risk of Infections
When you use your nose for breathing, it also filters the air you are inhaling and makes sure to protect you in case of any infections. And when your babies use their mouth instead of their nose to breathe, it involves the opening of the mouth that may attract bacterias or infections easily to invade your baby’s system.
- Speech or Feeding Issues
For some people, the practice of mouth breathing might be connected to tongue-tie or muscular weakness around their mouth that may be the effect brought to by a child/baby when they had problems being fed.
Tip: Keep an eye out for any feeding trouble you experience or if your baby’s mouth stays open even when awake. Early checks can help prevent future problems.
How to Stop Baby Sleeping with Mouth Open？
It is natural to worry about your baby even with small things like sleeping with their mouth open. Here are some steps to take to prevent it.
1. Clear Nasal Congestion
When your baby is breathing through their mouth then something must be wrong with their nose or it’s blocked. Try using a nasal aspirator for newborns like the Momcozy BreezyClear Pro™ 2-in-1 Spray & Suction Electric Nasal Aspirator. This helps remove mucus quickly and safely so your baby can breathe comfortably through their nose.
2. Use a Humidifier or Sound Machine
Your baby may experience some difficulties breathing through the nose when dry air causes irritation to the nose and throat. A newborn sound machine like the Smart Baby Sound Machine - App Remote Control that calms your baby to sleep or adds moisture to the air, helping keep their nasal passage clear.
3. Adjust Sleeping Position
It is best to put your baby to sleep on their back with their head slightly raised to aid in nasal breathing. Always keep the crib free of soft bedding and loose blankets.
When Else Should I Get My Baby Checked Out?
If you keep getting worried about your baby sleeping with their mouth open and want to contact a professional. Here are signs to look for:
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Your baby always breathes through their mouth
If your baby doesn’t breathe through their nose, even when they are wide awake, it may mean something is blocking or irritating their nostrils.
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Loud snoring or noisy breathing
If your baby snores loudly, wheezes, or makes sounds while breathing, this may be a sign of a problem. Babies who are having problems in breathing may not feed well or sleep well which could also slow their development.
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Dry lips or mouth in the morning
If your baby breathes through their mouth, their mouth can become dry which may result in chapped lips or a sign of dehydration.
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Trouble feeding
If you notice problems regarding your baby’s feeding often, if they’re hard to feed or can’t swallow properly. Then you should contact a professional.
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Frequent colds or infections
If your baby keeps experiencing colds and infections easily while they are breathing through their mouth, then you should seek help with a professional.
If you see any of these signs, then don’t worry but reach out with your doctor. Early help can make a big difference in your baby’s comfort and development.
What Needs to Be Checked?
If your baby is always sleeping with their mouth open, your pediatrician may check:
- Nasal passages: Are they blocked by mucus, allergies, or something irritating?
- Tongue-tie: A condition where the tissue under the tongue is too tight, which can make feeding and sleeping more difficult.
- Facial structure: Some babies may have a high palate or smaller jaw that affects how they breathe.
Checking should be quick and sure, and they help rule out any bigger issues.
Can This Be a Problem?
Yes, if your baby always sleeps with their mouth open, it could lead to issues such as:
- Dry mouth and lips
- More colds and infections, since the nose filters infections from air better than the mouth
- Feeding challenges
- Sleep troubles, like snoring or waking up often
- Facial development concerns, if mouth breathing continues
That’s why it’s helpful to catch and manage it early. Good news? Most of these concerns are treatable with simple care and guidance.
FAQs
Is It Normal for a Baby to Gasp for Air While Sleeping?
It can be normal if it happens just once in a while. Babies sometimes gasp, sigh, or make noise while adjusting their breathing during sleep. However, if it happens often, or your baby seems to struggle to breathe, consult your pediatrician.
Will a Baby Wake Up If They’re Having Trouble Breathing?
Yes, babies have reflexes that will wake them up if they’re not getting enough air. But if you're concerned about this, a video baby monitor like the Momcozy 5-Inch Dual-mode Smart Baby Monitor-BM04 can give you peace of mind by letting you watch and observe your baby a screen away.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie is when the strip of tissue under the tongue is too tight. It can make it hard for a baby to drink milk, and may also cause breathing issues or sleep with an open mouth. A pediatrician can check for this and guide you on what to do next.
Conclusion
It is not unusual for parents to spot their baby sleeping with their mouth open, especially during allergy or cold seasons. Most of the time, it is nothing serious and just a phase..
But if it's happening regularly, then you should take a closer look. With gentle tools like nasal aspirators or sound machines, you can help your baby sleep better and breathe easier.
Always follow your instincts and if something feels off. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
