Show Grunting in babies is characterized by short, guttural noises that indicate strain, especially when they are trying to pass stool. Babies may grunt to relieve tension, express their irritation or frustration, or gain their parents’ attention. Babies may also grunt when they try to adjust to changes in feeding. However, in most cases, grunting is a sign that the baby is adjusting to passing stools (1). Grunting in babies is common, but it may be a sign of an underlying problem in some cases. Read this post to learn more about the causes of grunting in babies, ways to interpret grunting sounds, and ways to manage grunting in babies. Is Grunting Normal In Babies?Towards the end of the first year, grunting could be used as a means of communication (2). It is informally known as grunting baby syndrome (GBS), which is relatively normal in babies. It could also be an indication of your baby learning to have a bowel movement. However, in some cases, the sound could be a symptom of an underlying health problem warranting medical attention. In newborns, grunting may need attention. A recent research study involving 453 babies suggested that all the term and near-term newborns with persistent grunting after birth should be carefully observed and treated if required (3). What Are The Causes Of Baby Grunting?While the primary reason for grunting in babies is to aid bowel movements, there are a few other causes for newborn grunting. Let us look at each in detail.
Newborns may also grunt:
Baby grunting is mostly normal. If there are no serious signs, but you are concerned about your baby’s grunting, you could try a few home remedies after seeking the doctor’s opinion. Home Remedies For GruntingHere are a few tips you can try at home to reduce the baby’s grunting.
When To Be Concerned About Baby Grunting?As long as your baby is happy, healthy, and active, you need not worry about it. However, grunting with every breath is not normal, especially if grunting comes with symptoms like shortness of breath or red or blue discoloration of the face when you must consult a pediatrician. Here are some more instances where a baby’s grunting may not be normal.
When grunting is associated with any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it is best to consult your doctor. Grunting in babies is common toward the end of the first year. In most cases, it is a natural part of the development and should not be a reason for worry. Most babies grunt during bowel movements, breathing, or breastfeeding. You may try home remedies such as smaller meals and regular winding to reduce baby grunts. However, if the grunting continues, consult a doctor. Sometimes, the grunts may be due to underlying causes such as respiratory issues or heart problems. As long as your baby is happy and active, you need not worry about grunting. Babies will eventually stop it as their stomach muscles develop. 1. How long does grunting last in babies? There is no fixed duration for how long babies grunt. Babies may usually start grunting during the initial months of life, and it continues for about a few weeks after that. However, if the grunting persists until your baby is about a year old and is accompanied by signs of breathlessness, consult with the doctor right away. 2. Is respiratory grunting normal in newborns? Yes. Grunting due to respiration is a normal occurrence in newborns and usually disappears by itself during the initial months after the baby’s birth. 3. Why is my baby grunting and groaning so much? When your baby is grunting and groaning while they are asleep, or otherwise, they are adjusting to their bowel movements or going through some digestive distress due to the air they inhaled while feeding. It is usually not a cause for concern and will resolve on its own. 4. How do I stop my baby from grunting? Grunting stops when the babies learn to relax their pelvic floor muscles and abdominal muscles become stronger. Treat the underlying conditions to prevent grunting due to illnesses. You may also try home remedies, such as giving tummy time and feeding smaller quantities at frequent intervals to help prevent grunting in babies. Key Pointers
References:MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy. The following two tabs change content below. Dr. Elna Gibson is a general pediatrician. She did her MBChB and specialization as a pediatrician in South Africa at the University of Pretoria. She obtained MMed Pediatrics (masters) with distinction in 1993. As a young specialist, Dr. Gibson spent some time in the Netherlands, and then settled in the Vaal Triangle where she has practiced for 25 years. She... more |