Newborn baby noises: What they mean & when to worry

Even though your little one doesn’t talk yet, newborn babies still make plenty of sounds! From crying and grunting to panting or cooing, you might be wondering what these newborn noises mean and if any of them are cause for concern. Let’s break it down together. Read on to learn more about newborn sounds from Samira Armin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Texas Children’s. 

Why didn't anyone tell me about all the noises newborns make?

I still remember bringing my newborn daughter home. I was a first-time mom, but also a pediatrician-in-training who had worked with kids for years. I thought I was prepared. The first two nights in the hospital were a breeze (as they often are) because newborns have a funny way of lulling you into a false sense of confidence. They love to give their parents a false sense of security. It’s kind of like when they show up to the pediatrician's office looking completely fine after keeping you up all night with a fever and rash. Trust me, we doctors are never judging, we know how that goes. Our kids do it, too. 

But that first night at home? I barely slept. I kept one eye open the whole time, listening to every noise. 

What are these newborn noises? Is that a grunt from my newborn? Is that her breathing normal for a newborn? Should I be concerned or worried about these newborn sounds? Is that a pant or baby wheezing sound? Why is my newborn making gasping sounds? Wait, I haven't heard this one before.

Just when I got used to the newborn baby noises she made, a new one would pop up. Meanwhile, my husband slept like a rock. (I always say the only time our kids “slept through the night” was when I was on call at the hospital and he was home alone. He probably just slept through all their crying and newborn baby noises!)    

Understanding newborn baby noises

In my daily practice at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Fall Creek, I reassure new parents all the time; most newborn baby noises are completely normal. These noises are rarely explained in baby books, and most people don’t warn us about them.

Here are some of the reasons your new baby may be making so much noise and what you can do about it: 

Hiccups

Bronchomalacia

Periodic breathing 

Reflux

Let’s go through what each of these sounds like, and when — if ever — you should worry.

When to worry about newborn baby noises

While most sounds are harmless, certain signs could point to breathing trouble. Call your pediatrician if you notice:

• Persistent wheezing or stridor (a high-pitched noise when breathing in)
• Pauses in breathing longer than 10 seconds
• Breathing that seems too fast (more than 60 breaths per minute) or labored
• Blue or dusky lips or skin
• High-pitched, shrill crying that sounds different from your baby’s usual cry
• Fever in a baby under 28 days old

Pro tip: Take a short video of the sound to show your pediatrician — it can help us make a more accurate assessment during a visit.

Common newborn noises and what they mean

• Grunting: Usually digestive! Babies often grunt when they’re trying to pass gas or poop
• Sneezing: Completely normal. It’s just a reflex to clear tiny nasal passages
• Hiccups: Caused by an immature diaphragm and totally harmless. You probably felt them when baby was still in the womb!
• Gurgling or whistling: Often from saliva or slightly narrow nasal passages
• Snorting or congested breathing: Babies are nose breathers, and their airways are tiny. A little congestion is very normal
• Snoring: Mild snoring in babies is common — learn more about snoring in children. Let your pediatrician know if it’s loud or persistent

Newborn baby nasal congestion

Nasal congestion in newborn babies is probably the most common concern I hear about. Babies can sound super congested, especially in the first few weeks. It even has an official name: “nasal congestion of the newborn.” Babies are “obligate nose breathers,” which means they mostly breathe through their nose — except when crying.  

What helps: A newborn stuffy nose or baby congestion can be remedied with a cool mist humidifier in the room, nasal saline spray and gentle suction if needed. Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm surface. This is the best position to ensure their airway is open and straight.

Newborn baby hiccups

Hiccups are more annoying for you than they are for your baby! They usually happen after feeding and resolve on their own within a few minutes.

Newborn baby hiccups are thought to be due to a stimulation or irritation of a nerve called the phrenic nerve. Babies can even practice hiccups in the womb. Many mothers can recall their babies having hiccups during their pregnancy. Hiccups become less frequent the older infants are.

What helps: Hiccups in babies are typically harmless, and many newborn babies can sleep right through them! They usually resolve on their own in 5 to 10 minutes.

To help prevent hiccups or help get rid of baby hiccups, try slowing down feedings, keeping baby calm during and after feeds and burping often. If bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple is filled properly and the flow isn’t too fast.

Newborn bronchomalacia (wheezing or troubled breathing)

Bronchomalacia happens when the cartilage in a baby’s airway is soft, making breathing a bit noisier — especially when lying flat. Bronchomalacia is usually a louder sound, often described more like newborn wheezing. 

This baby wheezing sound typically starts after a few weeks and improves over a few months. Your pediatrician can help you in this diagnosis; however, this is also very common and typically harmless. 

Solution: Most cases of bronchomalacia are mild and improve by 6 months as baby grows. If breathing becomes labored or oxygen levels are affected, your pediatrician may recommend further evaluation or treatment of your newborn baby.

Periodic breathing of a newborn

Periodic breathing is one of those things that sounds scary but is often completely normal. It means your baby may pause their breathing for a few seconds, then breathe rapidly to catch up. It’s a sign of a developing nervous system. 

What helps: Nothing is needed unless pauses last longer than 10 seconds, their skin changes color or you can’t wake them up. In that case, call us.

Newborn reflux

Many babies spit up — it’s common and usually not painful. Some babies will make gurgling or gulping sounds during or after feeds. Reflux can cause newborn fussiness, back arching and a lot of spit up. 

What helps: Our guide on reflux provides practical tips to help your baby’s symptoms. Keep your baby upright after feeding, burp often, and feed smaller amounts more frequently. If your baby is uncomfortable or not gaining weight, we can help. 

Normal newborn baby breathing and noises: You’re not alone

Most of the noises your baby makes are part of normal newborn life. But if anything feels off or is keeping you up at night (besides your baby), reach out. That’s what we’re here for. Your pediatrician will make sure your baby is growing and that their exam is normal during all your scheduled wellness appointments. 

And I’ll let you in on a little secret: The first time your baby sleeps soundlessly through the night, you might be the one lying awake, staring at the monitor, wondering if they’re breathing. 

It’s okay. It’s normal. It’s all part of being a parent. 

Expert newborn care at Texas Children’s

At Texas Children’s Pediatrics, our team of board-certified pediatricians provides expert, compassionate care for your growing family. With locations across the Houston and North Austin areas, we’re here to guide you through every stage — from those first newborn squeaks to the big kid years and beyond.