Why does my baby breathe squeaky while feeding?

Understanding Squeaky Breathing in Babies During Feeding
When a baby breathes with a squeaky sound while feeding, it can understandably cause concern for parents. This phenomenon is often linked to a condition known as laryngomalacia, which is the most common cause of noisy breathing in infants. Laryngomalacia occurs when the soft tissues around the voice box (larynx) are floppy and can partially obstruct the airway, leading to a high-pitched sound known as stridor during inhalation.
The Mechanics of Noisy Breathing
During feeding, especially in newborns, the act of sucking and swallowing can create a situation where the baby’s breathing becomes more audible. The combination of sucking, swallowing, and the position of the baby can exacerbate the sounds produced. In many cases, this squeaky breathing is not a sign of a serious issue but rather a normal part of the baby’s adjustment to feeding.
When to Be Concerned
While laryngomalacia is typically benign and resolves on its own as the baby grows, there are certain signs that parents should watch for. If the squeaky breathing is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, or persistent respiratory distress, it may warrant a visit to a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
In some instances, babies with laryngomalacia may also experience gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can further complicate their breathing sounds. If stomach acid irritates the voice box, it can lead to increased noisy breathing.
Conclusion
In summary, while a squeaky sound during feeding can be alarming, it is often a normal occurrence related to laryngomalacia. Most infants outgrow this condition without any intervention. However, parents should remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if they notice any concerning symptoms. Understanding the nuances of your baby’s breathing can help ease worries and ensure that they are feeding comfortably and healthily.

Why does my baby make a gasping noise while eating?

Most babies who have laryngomalacia start having symptoms within a few days to weeks after birth. These symptoms may include: Noisy breathing. Difficulty feeding or gasping/choking noises while feeding.

Can laryngomalacia cause SIDS?

It is suggested that laryngomalacia may be a cause for early apnea of infancy. Obstructive apnea is a well-documented cause for apnea of infancy (‘near miss’ sudden infant death syndrome) [2,7,12,19,20].

Is it normal for babies to gasp for air while bottle feeding?

Your baby should not gasp, cough, or cry while bottle-feeding. If your baby drinks too fast, tip the bottle down to slow their feed or take the bottle away. You can tell if your baby is swallowing too fast when: They’re not taking a breath between swallows.

Why does my baby wheeze while feeding?

Baby wheezing: Why it happens. Wheezing or a high-pitched noise that comes from the chest during breathing is common in babies and children. There are various possible causes, including asthma, allergies, GERD, infections, and more. Between 25-30 percent of infants will experience at least one episode.

What causes squeaky breathing?

High-pitched or squeaky sounds when breathing may mean your airways are smaller in size than normal and air isn’t moving through the lungs well. There are different causes, but it could indicate a medical emergency. When you breathe in and out, the exchange of air in your lungs produces turbulence called breath sounds.

Why does my baby squeak when feeding?

Signs and Symptoms
Most children outgrow laryngomalacia by about 9-18 months old, once the tissue in the larynx has grown stiffer. Symptoms for laryngomalacia include: Noisy breathing (stridor), a high-pitched squeaking noise you hear when your baby breathes in. Difficulty feeding and gasps or chokes during feeds.

Why is my baby gasping while breastfeeding?

Some mothers have such a strong let-down at times that the baby can’t always handle the volume of milk well. If your baby chokes, gags, or pushes off of the breast a minute or two after starting to feed, an overactive let-down may be the cause.

Why is my baby breathing out squeaky?

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants. It happens when a baby’s larynx (or voice box) is soft and floppy. When the baby takes a breath, the part of the larynx above the vocal cords falls in and temporarily blocks the baby’s airway.

What is silent reflux in babies?

Sometimes babies may have signs of reflux but will not bring up milk or be sick. This is known as silent reflux.

What are the red flags of laryngomalacia?

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngomalacia
Infants with LM have intermittent noisy breathing when breathing in. It becomes worse with agitation, crying, excitement, feeding or position / sleeping on their back. These symptoms are often present at birth and are usually apparent within the first 10 days of life.