What causes newborn babies to sneeze?
Newborn babies sneeze for the same reason adults do: irritation of the nasal passages. Babies may be irritated by dust, smoke, allergens, or other substances in the air.
Congestion from a cold or flu can also cause a baby to sneeze frequently so it’s important to ensure your baby is getting adequate rest and avoiding overcrowded spaces.
Occasionally, sneezing might signal a potentially more serious medical issue caused by difficulties with the nose or throat, so if your newborn’s sneezing does not appear to slow down then it's best to consult your doctor for an assessment.
How much sneezing is normal for a newborn baby?
It's normal for a newborn baby to sneeze often. Newborn babies usually sneeze about 4-5 times in an hour, especially shortly after feeding.
It’s their body’s way of getting rid of dust and other tiny particles that may have gotten into their nose. If your newborn baby is sneezing slightly more than normal but still appears comfortable, then don’t be too worried.
However, if they appear to be uncomfortable while sneezing and if the sneezes are accompanied by a runny nose or cough, it could be a sign of a cold and it might be time to call the pediatrician.
When is a newborns sneeze something to be worried about?
When it comes to newborns, a sneeze may cause a parent to worry unnecessarily. Generally speaking, it's nothing to be concerned about; sneezing is simply a way for the baby's immature body to remove irritants or clear out mucous that has built up in their nasal passages.
It's important to note, however, that a continual repeat of sneezing could be an indication of asthma or viral infections such as the common cold.
If your newborn continues to have frequent or if there are other signs such as fever or congestion then seek help from your doctor - they will be able to provide advice and come up with a plan of action if necessary.
Is a runny nose a sign of sickness or normal baby behavior?
A runny nose is a common symptom of illnesses such as colds and allergies, but it's important to remember that fluid running out of a baby's nose is quite normal and healthy as it means they are cleaning it out.
The key thing to look out for is if it's accompanied by other symptoms like dry skin, sneezing or a stuffy nose; these may indicate an infection or allergy that requires medical attention.
When do a baby's nasal passages expand?
A baby's nasal passages start to expand during the 19th week of pregnancy, as part of lung development. As the baby's body begins to mature, these nasal passages begin a process called ventilation.
This means that the baby can now move air into and out of their lungs, allowing them to take their first breath once they're born. After birth, the expansion of their nasal passages will continue and become adapted for life outside the womb.
Doctors believe that this adaptation helps babies comprehend scents and better adjust to their environment in those very early weeks of life. So as cute as newborns look when they try to sniff something out with their little noses, it turns out there may be much more going on than just cuteness – those little noses are hard at work!
Does frequent sneezing mean my baby has an allergy?
If your baby is frequently sneezing, it could be that they are having an allergic reaction to something in their environment. Allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and certain foods can cause these kinds of reactions.
However, it is important to keep in mind that frequent sneezing could also just be a sign of a cold or other viral infection as well as just trying to get some irritant out of their tiny noses.
If the frequency of sneezing does not slow down a few weeks after birth you can start talking to your doctor about what possible allergens to look for around the house.
Also Read: How To Introduce Pets To A New BabyWhat are some other symptoms related to newborn sneezing?
Newborns can display a range of other symptoms when they sneeze. For instance, they may experience nasal congestion from excess mucus.
Coughing and watery eyes are other common side effects of sneezing. Many infants will also experience an increase in temperature and flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue.
It is important to monitor your baby for any changes in their behavior, including decreased appetite or trouble sleeping, which could signal that the symptoms have become more serious and need medical attention.
How to treat a stuffy nose in your newborn baby
To help your baby out, there are some effective methods you can use. Start by gently running a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer near the crib to give moisture and humidity to the environment.
This can help reduce congestion and make breathing much easier for your little one. For more immediate relief from irritation, you can try putting saline drops into your baby's nose followed by using a soft bulb syringe to carefully suck out any mucus that has built up.
While this is challenging with a wriggling newborn, it can be done! Our daughter started to look forward to this and treated it as a game.
Our final thoughts on how to help frequent newborn sneezing
We hope that this article on how to help frequent newborn sneezing has been informative and helpful. As newborns can be particularly vulnerable, it is particularly important to monitor your baby's sneezing and act appropriately if it seems excessive or ongoing.
Pay attention to environmental changes or potential allergens, and if conditions don't improve soon, speak with a pediatrician. Allergies such as hay fever can account for severe bouts of sneezing, so adequate air filtration and cleaning is key.
You may also decide to try home remedies like saline solutions or eucalyptus oil depending on what wakes up the reflexive sneeze in your baby. Above all, be sure to monitor your baby for any sign of a changing environment and keep them well hydrated at all times.
