My almost 9-month old daughter frequently has irregular breathing during her sleep, usually in the a.m. I have read before that during R.E.M. or light sleep babies tend to have irregular breathing patterns, etc. Occasionally, she will appear to be taking several quick breaths. Otherwise she seems fine, her color seems normal and does not appear to be in distress. Still it sort of freaks me out. Any ideas?
Thank you everyone for your responses. I feel a lot better and less nervous about it. We do have a dr. apt. scheduled next week for her 9-month check up and I will mention it to him, however, I believe he'll say the same thing most of you did. Thanks again.
You should go read an article by Dr. Sears, it was so amazing to read! http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T071000.asp
Gosh, that sounds familiar :). Pretty sure it's just dreaming. If she seems to STOP breathing, like some snorers do, that's when you should have her checked out.
I'm pretty sure this is normal. I'd be concerned if she stops breathing, like a sleep apnia symptom where people who have it will actually stop breating, and you can actually hear and watch their body struggling in their sleep for the next breath. If she's not doing that, don't worry about it.
My 2.5 yr old does this also and started around the age of your daughter. The docs say that it's normal but it still kindof wigs me out to hear it! When she was little, I would hold her or try to wake her up but nothing worked. I thinks it's totally fine, though
Do her eyes seem to move under her eyelids? If they do, then she is in REM sleep and is dreaming.
Hi there J.,
You are describing my youngest when you talk about your daughter. He does the same thing. And it seems that he is "trying" to wake himself up when doing so. Then again, he snores at night too and has since he was born. He seems to be gassy during those irregular sleeping/breathing moments too. That may be part of was your daughter is doing it too. I remember when I was a first time mom, though I was living at home and had my mother to fall back on, it was still scary at times. Quite honstly I was clueless about a few things and just had to figure them out for myself. I'm glad you are willing to ask for help, that shows you truly care about your child. In the end though, to settle your fears, taking her to the doctor wouldn't do any harm.
B.
J.,
Don't worry and don't watch her sleep. All four of my babies did this and they were fine. Babies are really good at finding ways of worrying their parents for no reason. :)
S.
Don't worry J., this is normal. Have you ever watched a dog sleep? They do the same thing and we probably do too but never get to watch ourselves sleep. Both my kids did this.
It is a mother's biggest fear that her child will not wake up from sleep. This is normal too! The best way to avoid SIDS is to keep your daughter close by you when she is sick. When she is healthy, she is just dreaming up a storm.
I could be nothing but I would take her to the doctors to have her checked out. Just to be on the safe side.
E.
