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Normal Newborn Breathing Sounds

Many newborns make snorting, squeaking, or irregular breathing sounds. Learn which sounds are normal and the warning signs to watch for.

Normal Newborn Breathing Sounds

Important: This page is educational and not a diagnosis. If your baby is struggling to breathe, turning blue/grey, feeding poorly, or seems very unwell, seek urgent medical care.

Normal Newborn Breathing Sounds (What’s Normal vs When to Worry)

If your newborn sounds like they’re snorting, squeaking, wheezing, clicking, or breathing irregularly, you’re not imagining things—and you’re definitely not alone.

Many parents are surprised by how noisy newborn breathing can be. Unlike adults, babies have tiny airways, immature breathing control, and spend much of their time in active sleep. All of that can produce sounds that feel alarming at first—but are often completely normal.

This guide explains:

  • which newborn breathing sounds are normal
  • why babies breathe the way they do
  • and the red flags that mean it’s time to get medical help

Why newborns sound so noisy when they breathe

Newborn breathing is different from adult breathing for a few key reasons:

1) Tiny airways amplify normal airflow

Newborn noses and airways are extremely small. Even normal airflow can sound loud or uneven, especially when your baby is lying on their back.

2) Babies are “nose breathers”

Newborns primarily breathe through their nose. Any mild congestion—milk residue, dry air, or normal mucus—can make breathing sound noisy without blocking airflow.

3) Immature breathing control

A newborn’s brain is still learning how to regulate breathing smoothly. This can lead to:

  • brief pauses
  • faster bursts of breathing
  • irregular rhythms

All of this can be normal if your baby looks comfortable.

Common normal newborn breathing sounds

Snorting or squeaking

Often caused by air moving through a narrow nasal passage. This is especially common in dry environments or during sleep.

Usually normal if:
Baby feeds well, has normal color, and isn’t struggling to breathe.

Gurgling or “wet” sounds

These can happen when milk or saliva pools briefly in the throat, especially after feeds.

Usually normal if:
The sound comes and goes and baby clears it on their own.

Irregular breathing or brief pauses

Many newborns have periodic breathing, where they pause briefly and then breathe faster for a few seconds.

Usually normal if:
Pauses are short, baby stays pink, and breathing resumes easily.

Grunting during sleep

Grunting can happen as babies:

  • move between sleep stages
  • pass gas or stool
  • briefly adjust breathing

This is very common in the first weeks.

(If you’re seeing frequent grunting during sleep, this pairs well with:
/learn/why-do-newborns-grunt-while-sleeping.)

When breathing sounds are NOT normal

While many sounds are harmless, some signs suggest your baby is working harder to breathe.

Red flags: seek urgent medical care if you notice

Call urgent care or emergency services if your baby has:

  • Blue or grey lips, tongue, or skin
  • Very fast breathing that doesn’t settle
  • Skin pulling in under the ribs or at the neck (retractions)
  • Nostrils flaring with each breath
  • Grunting with every breath
  • Poor feeding, extreme sleepiness, or limpness

If something feels off, it’s always okay to get checked. Breathing concerns should never be ignored.

What about wheezing?

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound, usually when breathing out.

Occasional sounds that clear on their own can happen, but persistent wheezing—especially with coughing, fever, or difficulty feeding—should be evaluated by a clinician.

What you can safely do at home

If your baby seems comfortable and you’re not seeing red flags:

Support easier breathing

  • Keep baby upright briefly after feeds (if recommended by your pediatrician)
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier in dry air
  • Ensure safe sleep positioning (on the back, firm surface)

Reduce nasal noise

  • Saline drops can help loosen dry nasal mucus
  • Gentle suction only if needed (avoid overuse)

Avoid: steam inhalation, essential oils, or anything placed in the crib.

FAQ

Is it normal for newborn breathing to sound irregular?

Yes. Newborn breathing patterns can be uneven, especially during sleep, as long as baby looks comfortable and well.

Can newborns breathe too quietly?

Some newborns breathe very softly at times. What matters most is color, comfort, and feeding, not volume.

Do breathing sounds mean my baby has reflux?

Not always. While reflux can cause gurgling or discomfort, breathing sounds alone don’t automatically mean reflux. Look at the whole picture.

When should I worry about newborn breathing sounds?

If sounds come with color changes, labored breathing, poor feeding, or constant distress, seek medical help.

A gentle next step

Understanding what’s normal can reduce anxiety—especially during night wakings.

MyBabySoothe helps parents understand newborn sounds, behaviors, and cries with calm, science-backed explanations designed for real life.

  • Why newborns grunt while sleeping: /learn/why-do-newborns-grunt-while-sleeping
  • Why babies pause breathing: /learn/why-babies-pause-breathing
  • Is newborn reflux normal: /learn/is-newborn-reflux-normal
  • Baby gas vs reflux: /learn/baby-gas-vs-reflux

References (optional reading)

M

MyBabySoothe Team

Author

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