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Written by: Favour Francis | Reviewed by: Dr Ortega Ogomigo
Introduction
Snoring is more common in adults, but children can snore too. It often happens when they have a cold, a blocked nose, or allergies that make breathing a bit harder during sleep.
While occasional snoring in young children isn’t usually something to worry about, it becomes more important to pay attention when it happens regularly. Frequent snoring can indicate an underlying issue that should be checked, especially if their breathing sounds strained.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Reasons why your baby may be snoring
- How you can help your child stop snoring
- Frequently asked questions
Why Is My Baby Always Snoring?
Snoring in babies and children usually happens when airflow through the nose or throat is partially blocked during sleep.
Here are the common reasons for this:
- Blocked nose from a cold
When a child has a cold or the flu, the nose often gets congested. This forces them to breathe through the mouth while sleeping, which can lead to snoring. Even a mild cold can cause this.
- Allergies
Allergies from dust, smoke, or weather changes can irritate the nasal passages. This irritation makes it harder for air to flow smoothly, which can cause them to snore as they try to breathe.
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Some children have naturally larger tonsils or adenoids. These can partially block the airway during sleep, making snoring more frequent and sometimes louder.
- Sleeping position
Sometimes, the way a child sleeps can affect breathing. Sleeping on the back can cause the tongue or soft tissues to slightly block the airway, leading to snoring.
- Dry air or poor room conditions
Dry air, from fans or air conditioners, can irritate the throat and nose. Dusty or poorly ventilated rooms can also make breathing a struggle, which may trigger snoring.
How Can I Help My Child Stop Snoring?
If your child snores occasionally, there are a few simple things you can try at home. The aim is to address whatever might be making it harder for them to breathe comfortably while they sleep.
1.Treat a blocked nose before bedtime
A stuffy nose is one of the most common reasons children snore. When they can’t breathe well through their nose, they naturally switch to breathing through their mouth during sleep. If your child has a cold, try keeping them hydrated, as this can help to relieve nasal congestion. Saline nasal drops may also help loosen mucus and open up the nasal passages.
2. Keep their sleeping area as dust-free as possible
Doctors often see allergies contributing to snoring in children. Dust and other irritants can cause the airways to become inflamed, which can contribute to snoring at night. In many Nigerian homes, this can be easier said than done. Harmattan dust settles everywhere, fans can blow dust around the room, and generator fumes may find their way indoors. So, it is encouraged to wash bedsheets regularly and ensure good ventilation to help reduce these triggers.
3. Notice if certain sleeping positions make it worse
Some parents realise that their child only seems to snore when lying flat on their back. In that position, the tongue and soft tissues in the throat can partly narrow the airway. If you’ve noticed this pattern, encouraging your child to sleep on their side may help them breathe more comfortably.
4. Make bedtime as comfortable as possible
A room that’s too hot, dusty, or poorly ventilated may irritate the nose and throat. You don’t need expensive gadgets or a complete bedroom makeover. Simply keeping the room clean and well-aired is enough to support better sleep.
5. Know when it’s time to get medical advice
Most children who snore occasionally don’t have a serious problem. But if the snoring happens frequently, seems unusually loud, or comes with pauses in breathing, gasping, restless sleep, or excessive daytime tiredness, then it is advised that you speak with a doctor.
Persistent snoring is something healthcare professionals take seriously because it can sometimes be linked to conditions such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Getting it checked doesn’t mean something is definitely wrong; it is okay to ensure your child is getting the quality sleep they need to grow and develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my child still snore even when their nose isn’t blocked?
A blocked nose isn’t the only reason children snore. Some children may snore because they have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can partially narrow the airway during sleep. Others may have allergies that cause ongoing inflammation, even when they don’t seem to have obvious cold symptoms. If your child snores regularly despite not having a cold or stuffy nose, you should mention it to a doctor.
- Can teething cause snoring?
Teething itself doesn’t usually cause snoring. However, some babies produce more saliva or experience mild nasal congestion while teething, which may make their breathing sound noisier at night.
- Does using a pillow help stop snoring in children?
It’s best not to use pillows for babies under 12 months, as this isn’t considered safe for sleep. For toddlers and older children, typically from around 18 months to 2 years and above, a soft pillow may improve comfort, but it isn’t a guaranteed solution for snoring. If your child’s snoring persists, it’s more important to identify and address the major cause rather than relying on a pillow to fix it.
- Can my child still snore after having their tonsils or adenoids removed?
Yes, it’s possible. While many children improve after treatment for enlarged tonsils or adenoids, some may continue to snore for other reasons, such as allergies or other airway issues. If snoring persists after treatment, follow up with your healthcare provider.
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
Dear moms, you know your child better than anyone else.
You’re the one who notices when they’re more restless than usual or if something just doesn’t sit right. So don’t be too quick to dismiss your concerns as ‘unnecessary worry’. Always seek help when you need to.
You don’t have to panic over every little snore, but you also don’t have to carry the uncertainty alone. If you’re worried, speak to a doctor. A simple conversation with a doctor on Koyo can give you the reassurance you need.
After all, behind every ‘It’s probably nothing’ is a mum who wants her child to sleep peacefully and wake up healthy, and that’s never something to apologise for.
