#asktheexperts baby is producing too much sound while sleeping, is it normal? How to find if baby is having cold?

A. It’s quite common for babies to make a variety of sounds while sleeping, especially in the early months. These sounds can include grunting, snorting, and even squeaking. Here's what you need to know: Why Babies Make Noise While Sleeping: 1. Immature Respiratory System: Babies have small airways and an underdeveloped respiratory system, which can cause them to make more noise as they breathe. 2. Normal Sleep Sounds: Babies go through active sleep cycles, and during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, they may grunt, gurgle, or make other noises. 3. Nasal Congestion: If your baby has a stuffy nose (common in newborns), it can make breathing noisier. How to Tell if Your Baby Has a Cold: 1. Nasal Congestion: If your baby’s nose seems stuffy or blocked, they may be breathing through their mouth or have difficulty breathing, leading to noisy sleep. 2. Coughing or Sneezing: Frequent coughing or sneezing can indicate a cold. 3. Runny or Stuffy Nose: Clear, yellow, or green discharge from the nose may be a sign of a cold. 4. Fever: If your baby has a fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), it can indicate an infection like a cold. 5. Difficulty Feeding: If your baby is fussy during feeding, has trouble latching, or seems to have difficulty sucking due to nasal congestion, this can be a sign of a cold. What You Can Do: Use a Humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room can help relieve nasal congestion and make breathing easier. Nasal Saline Drops: You can use saline drops in your baby’s nose to loosen mucus, followed by gentle suction with a nasal aspirator. Elevate the Head Slightly: Keeping your baby's head slightly elevated (but safely, following sleep guidelines) can help reduce congestion. If your baby shows signs of difficulty breathing, has a persistent cough, high fever, or seems unusually fussy or lethargic, consult your pediatrician. These could be signs of a more serious issue like a respiratory infection.