Why is my babys breathing so loud when feeding?

Understanding Noisy Breathing in Babies During Feeding
When you hear your baby breathing loudly while feeding, it can understandably cause concern. However, this phenomenon is often linked to several benign factors that are common in infants.
Laryngomalacia: A Common Culprit
One of the most frequent reasons for noisy breathing in babies is a condition known as laryngomalacia. This condition occurs when the tissues above the larynx (voice box) are soft and floppy, leading to a partial obstruction of the airway. As a result, when your baby breathes, especially during feeding, you may hear a high-pitched sound known as stridor. This is particularly noticeable when the baby is lying on their back, which is a common position during feeding.
Laryngomalacia is typically harmless and resolves on its own as the child grows, usually by the age of one to two years. Dr. Jocelyn Kohn, an ENT specialist, notes that while laryngomalacia is prevalent, it requires intervention in only a small number of cases.
Nasal Breathing and Feeding Dynamics
Another factor contributing to loud breathing is that infants are primarily nose-breathers. This anatomical feature allows them to breathe and nurse simultaneously, which is essential for feeding. However, this can lead to noticeable sounds, such as grunting or snorting, particularly if the baby is congested or if they are feeding quickly and swallowing air.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While noisy breathing during feeding is often normal, there are instances when it may indicate a more serious issue. If your baby exhibits persistent grunting, difficulty breathing, or if the noisy breathing is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as lethargy or a change in skin color, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician.
In summary, while loud breathing during feeding can be alarming, it is often a normal part of infant physiology, particularly due to conditions like laryngomalacia and the nature of nasal breathing. However, staying vigilant and aware of your baby’s overall health is always advisable.

Why does my baby breathe loud when eating?

If your child’s stridor worsens with feeding, agitation or lying on their back, it may be laryngomalacia. Having trouble nursing and poor weight gain are also symptoms of laryngomalacia. There are a number of potential causes of stridor including, among many other causes: infections, like croup.

Why does my baby grunt so much while feeding?

Grunting in newborns is usually due to digestion since their body is getting acclimatised to breast or formula milk.

When should I worry about my baby’s breathing?

Changes in a baby’s breathing rate or pattern, using other muscles and parts of the chest to breathe, or changes in color may mean the baby is having respiratory distress and needs immediate medical attention.

Why is my baby so noisy when feeding?

Why is my baby making clicking noises?

• Poor positioning/latch
• A strong, forceful letdown
• Engorgement
• Poor tongue mobility/function (Such as tongue tie)
• A weakness of the tongue
• Inability to maintain a seal due to weak muscles or restricted lip (lip tie)
• Body tension or physical limitations such as Torticollis

Why does my baby breathe heavy when feeding?

Sometimes a baby’s breathing rate may increase for a longer period of time if they are unwell and you may also notice they are working harder to breath. For babies, the most tiring thing they do is feeding, so this can be the first time you notice them struggling to breathe.

Why does my baby make loud noises while bottle feeding?

If your baby makes gulping and sputtering sounds during feedings and milk tends to dribble out of the corners of her mouth, the flow of the bottle nipple is probably too fast. If she seems to work very hard at sucking and acts frustrated, the flow might be too slow.

Why does it sound like my baby is gasping for air after feeding?

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 does my baby breathe loudly when eating?

If your child’s stridor worsens with feeding, agitation or lying on their back, it may be laryngomalacia. Having trouble nursing and poor weight gain are also symptoms of laryngomalacia. There are a number of potential causes of stridor including, among many other causes: infections, like croup.

Is it normal for babies to breathe loud while breastfeeding?

Sometimes babies make grunting noises or have raspy or squeaky breathing. These sounds may be fine but you should discuss with your healthcare provider or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The most important thing to remember is that breastfeeding should not be painful.

When should I be concerned about my baby’s noisy breathing?

Stridor usually indicates an obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway, outside of the chest cavity. “Stridor in infants, particularly without any associated illness, should always be checked out by a physician,” Walsh says. A number of conditions can block or narrow the upper airway and cause stridor.