Grunting Sounds in Newborns
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect grunting sounds in newborns, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Grunting in newborns is very common and usually normal. Babies grunt during sleep as they learn to coordinate their breathing, and they grunt while straining to have a bowel movement (grunting baby syndrome or infant dyschezia). However, continuous grunting with every breath, especially if accompanied by other signs of breathing difficulty, requires immediate medical attention.
Key takeaways
- Grunting in newborns is very common and usually normal. Babies grunt during sleep as they learn to coordinate their breathing, and they grunt while straining to have a bowel movement (grunting baby syndrome or infant dyschezia). However, continuous grunting with every breath, especially if accompanied by other signs of breathing difficulty, requires immediate medical attention.
- Usually normal when: Grunting during sleep that comes and goes
- Call your doctor if: Continuous grunting with every breath, especially with nasal flaring, chest retractions, or belly breathing, which indicates respiratory distress
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, grunting in newborns is very common and usually normal. Babies grunt during sleep as they learn to coordinate their breathing, and they grunt while straining to have a bowel movement (grunting baby syndrome or infant dyschezia). However, continuous grunting with every breath, especially if accompanied by other signs of breathing difficulty, requires immediate medical attention. At 0-1 month, newborns are notoriously noisy sleepers, and grunting is one of the most common sounds they make. Grunting during sleep occurs as your baby's respiratory system matures and they learn to regulate breathing. Grunting while straining to pass a bowel movement (infant dyschezia) is also very common. Your baby's abdominal muscles are not yet strong enough to effectively push stool out, so they grunt, strain, and may turn red. This is normal as long as the stool is soft when it comes out. The key distinction is: occasional grunting is normal, but grunting with every breath can be a sign of respiratory distress. It is generally considered normal when grunting during sleep that comes and goes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if continuous grunting with every breath, especially with nasal flaring, chest retractions, or belly breathing, which indicates respiratory distress.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Newborns are notoriously noisy sleepers, and grunting is one of the most common sounds they make. Grunting during sleep occurs as your baby's respiratory system matures and they learn to regulate breathing. Grunting while straining to pass a bowel movement (infant dyschezia) is also very common. Your baby's abdominal muscles are not yet strong enough to effectively push stool out, so they grunt, strain, and may turn red. This is normal as long as the stool is soft when it comes out. The key distinction is: occasional grunting is normal, but grunting with every breath can be a sign of respiratory distress.
1-3 months
Grunting during sleep and bowel movements remains common. Grunting baby syndrome typically resolves by 3-4 months as your baby learns to coordinate relaxing the pelvic floor while pushing with the abdomen. Sleep grunting also decreases as the respiratory system matures. If grunting seems to increase or is accompanied by changes in breathing pattern, consult your doctor.
3-6 months
Most grunting from infant dyschezia resolves by this age. Sleep-related grunting also decreases significantly. If grunting persists or increases, or if your baby seems uncomfortable, discuss with your pediatrician.
6-12 months
Occasional grunting during effort or play is normal. Persistent grunting with every breath at this age is not typical and should be evaluated for respiratory or other causes.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed grunting sounds in newborns and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if grunting with bowel movements that seems to cause significant distress for more than 10-15 minutes.
- Mention if grunting is accompanied by hard stools or no stool production despite straining.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Grunting during sleep that comes and goes
- Grunting and straining during bowel movements with production of soft stools
- Baby has normal skin color, is feeding well, and has no difficulty breathing
- Grunting that stops when baby wakes up or finishes straining
- Grunting with bowel movements that seems to cause significant distress for more than 10-15 minutes
- Grunting is accompanied by hard stools or no stool production despite straining
- Sleep grunting seems excessive and keeps baby (or parents) from resting
- Continuous grunting with every breath, especially with nasal flaring, chest retractions, or belly breathing, which indicates respiratory distress
- Grunting with a fever, poor feeding, lethargy, or blue/gray color of the lips or skin
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice grunting sounds in newborns — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that grunting during sleep that comes and goes — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if continuous grunting with every breath, especially with nasal flaring, chest retractions, or belly breathing, which indicates respiratory distress.
Related Conditions
Straining and Grunting to Poop (Infant Dyschezia)
Straining, grunting, and turning red during bowel movements is very common in newborns and is called infant dyschezia. It occurs because babies are learning to coordinate relaxing the pelvic floor while bearing down with the abdomen. It is NOT constipation as long as the stool is soft. It typically resolves by 3-4 months.
Noisy Sleeping: Grunting, Snoring, and Squeaking
Newborns are notoriously noisy sleepers. Grunting, squeaking, snorting, cooing, and even brief pauses in breathing are all normal during newborn sleep. These sounds are caused by small nasal passages, immature breathing patterns, and active (REM) sleep. Most noisy sleeping resolves as baby grows.
Normal Noisy Breathing in Newborns
Newborns are notoriously noisy breathers. Squeaking, whistling, snorting, rattling, and gurgling sounds are very common and usually normal because babies have small, flexible airways and narrow nasal passages. As long as your baby is breathing comfortably, feeding well, and has normal skin color, noisy breathing is rarely a cause for concern.
Related Resources
Breathing Difficulty Triage
Assess breathing concerns and know when to seek emergency care.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is grunting sounds in newborns normal?
When should I call the doctor about grunting sounds in newborns?
When is grunting sounds in newborns normal?
What causes grunting sounds in newborns?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about grunting sounds in newborns?
Is grunting sounds in newborns normal at 0-1 month?
Is grunting sounds in newborns normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for grunting sounds in newborns?
Does grunting sounds in newborns go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Grunting Sounds in Newborns.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed grunting sounds in newborns and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if grunting with bowel movements that seems to cause significant distress for more than 10-15 minutes.
- Mention if grunting is accompanied by hard stools or no stool production despite straining.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Grunting with bowel movements that seems to cause significant distress for more than 10-15 minutes
- Grunting is accompanied by hard stools or no stool production despite straining
- Sleep grunting seems excessive and keeps baby (or parents) from resting
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Continuous grunting with every breath, especially with nasal flaring, chest retractions, or belly breathing, which indicates respiratory distress
- Grunting with a fever, poor feeding, lethargy, or blue/gray color of the lips or skin
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of grunting sounds in newborns are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if continuous grunting with every breath, especially with nasal flaring, chest retractions, or belly breathing, which indicates respiratory distress.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Straining and Grunting to Poop (Infant Dyschezia)
Straining, grunting, and turning red during bowel movements is very common in newborns and is called infant dyschezia. It occurs because babies are learning to coordinate relaxing the pelvic floor while bearing down with the abdomen. It is NOT constipation as long as the stool is soft. It typically resolves by 3-4 months.
Noisy Sleeping: Grunting, Snoring, and Squeaking
Newborns are notoriously noisy sleepers. Grunting, squeaking, snorting, cooing, and even brief pauses in breathing are all normal during newborn sleep. These sounds are caused by small nasal passages, immature breathing patterns, and active (REM) sleep. Most noisy sleeping resolves as baby grows.
Normal Noisy Breathing in Newborns
Newborns are notoriously noisy breathers. Squeaking, whistling, snorting, rattling, and gurgling sounds are very common and usually normal because babies have small, flexible airways and narrow nasal passages. As long as your baby is breathing comfortably, feeding well, and has normal skin color, noisy breathing is rarely a cause for concern.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.