Snoring is very common in infants and toddlers. This is not only related to the structural characteristics of their upper respiratory tract, but also has many different causes. Addressing the specific cause is crucial to finding the right approach.
If the baby's snoring isn't due to a nasal problem, check if the pillow is unsuitable. Some babies snore because their head and neck positions are not coordinated while sleeping. It's recommended to make a pillow using millet, creating a hollow in the center, and encourage the baby to lie flat.
There might be phlegm in the throat or trachea. Babies can't cough up phlegm, so secretions from illness can remain in the trachea, causing snoring. This will usually clear up gradually. If you're concerned, you can give them some anti-inflammatory medication.
Some newborns also snore occasionally due to swallowing difficulties. Some infants have milk residue buildup in their throats, making feeding difficult and obstructing the airway, resulting in snoring during sleep. After feeding your baby, don't immediately put them down to sleep. Instead, hold them upright and gently pat their back to prevent snoring caused by milk residue buildup. If the milk residue is severe and interfering with feeding, simply put 1-2 drops of saline solution into their nasal cavity to dilute the milk residue.
In obese children, the airways are filled with fat, making breathing difficult. When the vibration frequency between the soft palate and the pharyngeal wall exceeds 30 Hz, snoring will occur. In this case, weight loss should be pursued scientifically and healthily without affecting their health or lowering their immunity.
Nighttime Coughing: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that babies' physical constitution is not yet fully developed, their skin is delicate, their defense function is poor, and they cannot regulate their body temperature, which leads to coughing. Specifically, the causes of nighttime coughing in babies are as follows: Improper sleeping position, causing obstructed breathing in the lungs or bronchi, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath and tearing.
Frequent nighttime coughing in children is related to throat inflammation and dryness/itching irritating the respiratory mucosa.
Indoor ventilation issues. To keep their babies warm, parents may close doors and windows at night, leading to poor indoor air quality and causing the baby to cough more severely.
Indoor temperature can also cause nighttime coughing. In summer it's hot, and in winter it's cold, many people keep the air conditioning on at night, causing babies to cough.
Illnesses can also cause nighttime coughing, such as allergic cough. Allergic cough is a persistent or recurring, severe cough, often occurring in paroxysms, more pronounced in the morning, and worsening when the baby is active or crying. The child tends to sneeze and cough when exposed to cold air, but produces very little phlegm. Nighttime coughing is more severe than daytime coughing and lasts longer, usually for up to 3 months, and is more common during pollen season.
There are many reasons why babies cough at night, so parents must pay close attention. If the cough doesn't improve over time, it's essential to consult a doctor promptly. However, avoid using medication blindly, as this can negatively impact the baby's growth and development. It's best to encourage the baby to drink plenty of water.