Baby or Toddler Snoring
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Sleep concerns affect nearly every family at some point. When it comes to baby or toddler snoring, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Occasional, quiet snoring is common in babies and toddlers, especially during colds or congestion. However, loud snoring that occurs most nights could be a sign of enlarged tonsils or adenoids and may warrant evaluation, particularly if accompanied by pauses in breathing or restless sleep.
Key takeaways
- Occasional, quiet snoring is common in babies and toddlers, especially during colds or congestion. However, loud snoring that occurs most nights could be a sign of enlarged tonsils or adenoids and may warrant evaluation, particularly if accompanied by pauses in breathing or restless sleep.
- Usually normal when: Your baby snores occasionally during a cold or when congested and stops when the congestion clears
- Call your doctor if: You observe pauses in breathing during sleep lasting more than a few seconds, followed by a gasp or snort
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, the AAP recommends that infants sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, without any soft bedding.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, occasional, quiet snoring is common in babies and toddlers, especially during colds or congestion. However, loud snoring that occurs most nights could be a sign of enlarged tonsils or adenoids and may warrant evaluation, particularly if accompanied by pauses in breathing or restless sleep. At 0-3 months, newborns are naturally noisy breathers. Their tiny nasal passages are easily congested by normal mucus, dry air, or milk residue, and this can produce snoring or snorting sounds. Using saline drops and a bulb syringe before feeds and sleep can help. True snoring (the vibrating sound of tissue in the airway) is less common at this age and should be mentioned to your pediatrician. It is generally considered normal when your baby snores occasionally during a cold or when congested and stops when the congestion clears. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you observe pauses in breathing during sleep lasting more than a few seconds, followed by a gasp or snort.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Newborns are naturally noisy breathers. Their tiny nasal passages are easily congested by normal mucus, dry air, or milk residue, and this can produce snoring or snorting sounds. Using saline drops and a bulb syringe before feeds and sleep can help. True snoring (the vibrating sound of tissue in the airway) is less common at this age and should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
3-12 months
Occasional snoring during a cold or upper respiratory infection is very normal. If your baby snores most nights when well, mention it at your next checkup. At this age, the most common causes are nasal congestion, enlarged adenoids, or occasionally laryngomalacia (a floppy larynx, which usually resolves by 12-18 months).
1-3 years
Toddlers develop frequent upper respiratory infections (8-12 per year is normal), so intermittent snoring is expected. However, habitual snoring - defined as snoring more than 3 nights per week when your child is well - occurs in about 10% of children and should be evaluated. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause and are very treatable.
3+ years
Persistent habitual snoring in preschool-age children is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, which affects about 1-5% of children. Other signs include mouth breathing during sleep, restless sleep, unusual sleeping positions (head tilted back or propped up), and daytime sleepiness or behavior problems. An evaluation by your pediatrician can determine if a referral to an ENT specialist or a sleep study is needed.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler snoring and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child snores most nights when they are not sick.
- Mention if snoring is accompanied by mouth breathing, restless sleep, or frequent position changes during the night.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby snores occasionally during a cold or when congested and stops when the congestion clears
- Your newborn makes noisy breathing sounds but feeds and breathes comfortably when awake
- Snoring occurs only when your baby is in a particular position and resolves with repositioning
- Mild snoring that does not cause any visible breathing difficulty or sleep disruption
- Your child snores most nights when they are not sick
- Snoring is accompanied by mouth breathing, restless sleep, or frequent position changes during the night
- Your child sweats excessively during sleep or sleeps in unusual positions like with their neck extended
- You notice daytime sleepiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or behavioral issues that could be related to poor sleep quality
- You observe pauses in breathing during sleep lasting more than a few seconds, followed by a gasp or snort
- Your baby or toddler turns blue or very pale during sleep or has episodes of labored breathing with rib retractions
- Snoring is accompanied by a high-pitched crowing sound (stridor) that worsens with feeding, crying, or respiratory illness
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby or toddler snoring — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby snores occasionally during a cold or when congested and stops when the congestion clears — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine. Keep the sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you observe pauses in breathing during sleep lasting more than a few seconds, followed by a gasp or snort.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Breathing Difficulty Triage
Assess breathing concerns and know when to seek emergency care.
Baby Sleep Guide
Age-by-age sleep needs, schedules, and evidence-based sleep strategies.
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 baby or toddler snoring normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby or toddler snoring?
When is baby or toddler snoring normal?
What causes baby or toddler snoring?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby or toddler snoring?
Is baby or toddler snoring normal at 0-3 months?
Is baby or toddler snoring normal at 3-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby or toddler snoring?
Does baby or toddler snoring go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Your Child. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Pediatrics, 2012. AAP
- [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep and Sleep Disorders. CDC
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby or Toddler Snoring.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler snoring and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child snores most nights when they are not sick.
- Mention if snoring is accompanied by mouth breathing, restless sleep, or frequent position changes during the night.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child snores most nights when they are not sick
- Snoring is accompanied by mouth breathing, restless sleep, or frequent position changes during the night
- Your child sweats excessively during sleep or sleeps in unusual positions like with their neck extended
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You observe pauses in breathing during sleep lasting more than a few seconds, followed by a gasp or snort
- Your baby or toddler turns blue or very pale during sleep or has episodes of labored breathing with rib retractions
- Snoring is accompanied by a high-pitched crowing sound (stridor) that worsens with feeding, crying, or respiratory illness
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 baby or toddler snoring are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you observe pauses in breathing during sleep lasting more than a few seconds, followed by a gasp or snort.
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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Is a Bath Before Bed Really Necessary?
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Is My Baby's Bedtime Too Early?
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Is My Baby's Bedtime Too Late?
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Is It Dangerous for My Baby to Sleep in a Car Seat?
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