Why does my baby make a gasping sound while feeding?

Understanding Your Baby’s Gasping Sounds While Feeding
As a parent, hearing your baby make unusual sounds during feeding can be concerning. One common sound that may arise is a gasping noise, which can be alarming. However, understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can help ease your worries.
Common Causes of Gasping Sounds
One of the primary reasons your baby might make gasping sounds while feeding is related to their anatomy and the way they breathe. Infants are often described as “obligate nose breathers,” meaning they primarily breathe through their noses. This can lead to noisy feeding sessions, especially if their nasal passages are congested or if they are not effectively coordinating sucking and breathing.
Another significant factor could be laryngomalacia, a condition where the larynx (voice box) is soft and floppy. This condition is the most common cause of noisy breathing in infants and typically manifests as a sound known as stridor, which can resemble gasping. While laryngomalacia is prevalent, it usually requires intervention in only a small number of cases.
Feeding Position and Technique
The way you position your baby during feeding can also contribute to these sounds. If your baby is not latched properly or is feeding in a position that compresses their airway, they may gasp for air. Ensuring a good latch and a comfortable feeding position can help minimize these noises.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional gasping sounds can be normal, it’s essential to monitor your baby for other signs of distress. If the gasping is accompanied by a noticeable decrease in feeding intake or if your baby appears to be struggling to breathe, it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician.
In summary, while gasping sounds during feeding can be concerning, they are often linked to normal anatomical features of infants or feeding techniques. However, staying vigilant and consulting with a healthcare professional if you have concerns is always a wise approach.

What does RSV sound like in babies?

RSV symptoms in babies:
A long exhale sound (usually exhaling is pretty fast, in RSV it is longer than the inhale sound) Flaring of your baby’s nostrils with every breath. A persistent cough. Wheezing (a whistling sound each time your baby breathes out)

Why does my baby sound like he’s gasping for air when eating?

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.

Why is my baby gasping 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 it sound like my baby can’t breathe while feeding?

Laryngomalacia is caused by floppy tissue falling over the larynx (voice box) and partially blocking the airway when a child breathes in. The sound from laryngomalacia is often a high-pitched squeak that often worsens when the baby is agitated, feeding, crying, or sleeping on his or her back.

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.

Why does my baby make gasping noises while breastfeeding?

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.

Why does my baby sound like gulping air when feeding?

The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk. The infant’s hands should be open and relax and eye contact maintained with the mother.

When is SIDS risk highest?

The peak incidence of SIDS occurs between 1 – 4 months of age; 90% of cases occur before 6 months of age. Babies continue to be at risk for SIDS up to 12 months.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

When should I be concerned about my baby gasping?

Make an appointment with your baby’s doctor if your baby’s breathing pauses often or if they stop breathing for 20 seconds or more, or if you hear your baby gasp (or choke, snore, cough, or snort) in their sleep. These may all be signs of apnea.