We all can agree - parenting comes with a never-ending list of questions, especially in the early months. Is that rash normal? Why does my baby always cry while sleeping? Are they having enough food? Sleep? And then at a point, you start observing your baby sleeping with mouth open. And then your mind races immediately – is it ok? Is it normal? 

So, the real question here is - should you be worried? Let’s break it down.

What it may mean if your baby’s sleeping with their mouth open?

Babies, by nature, are obligate nasal breathers. It means that in the first few months after birth, they are designed to breathe through the nose. So, when a baby regularly sleeps with their mouth open, it can be a subtle red flag. It can be a sign that something is interfering with their ability to breathe through their nose. Here are some common symptoms for which an infant sleeps with their mouth open: 

• Colds, allergies, or even dry indoor air can cause nasal stuffiness in babies. If their nose is blocked, they may automatically shift to mouth breathing. It mostly happens during sleep. 

• Some babies have enlarged adenoids (the tissue located behind the nose) or tonsils, which can restrict airflow and make nasal breathing difficult. In this condition, a baby usually snores or gasps while sleeping. 

• In some cases, a baby with a tongue tie or other oral anatomy issues may have trouble keeping their mouth closed at rest.  A tongue tie is a condition where the tissue under the tongue is too tight. 

• Some babies might fall into a deep sleep with their mouths open, especially if they’re lying in a particular position or are overtired.

• While rare in infants, sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing issues can cause symptoms like open-mouth sleeping, snoring, restless sleep, or poor weight gain. These conditions can affect your baby’s oxygen levels and overall development if left unaddressed. 

If you know the exact cause of your baby sleeping with your mouth open, it would be a lot easier for you to treat it. 

Treatments for your baby sleeping with their mouth open

If your baby only occasionally sleeps with their mouth open, especially when they have a cold, it’s probably nothing to stress over. However, if you notice your baby consistently mouth-breathing during sleep (or even while awake), it’s time to pay closer attention. Here are some tips that can help your baby sleep with mouth open. 

1. If the culprit is a stuffy nose, Saline nasal drops, a Humidifier, and an elevated sleep position can help. 

2. If your pediatrician suspects issues like enlarged adenoids or tonsils, they may refer you to an ENT specialist.

3. If a tongue tie or lip tie is the reason, your provider may suggest a procedure called a frenotomy.

4. A pediatric physical therapist can also work on strengthening oral muscles, improving tongue posture, and training the baby to breathe through the nose.

And remember — you’re doing great. Noticing the small things, like how your baby breathes while they sleep, is part of what makes you an attentive and caring parent.