Many parents are surprised by how noisy and active their newborns are during sleep. If you’ve noticed your newborn grunting and squirming while sleeping, you may wonder if it’s normal or if something is wrong. The good news? Most newborn grunting and squirming is completely normal and part of their early development.
In this guide, we’ll explain why newborns grunt and squirm, when to be concerned, and how to help your baby sleep more peacefully.
Is It Normal for a Newborn to Grunt and Squirm While Sleeping?
Yes! Newborns often grunt, squirm, and make noises during sleep. Unlike adults, they spend a lot of time in active (REM) sleep, which makes their sleep appear restless and noisy.
📌 Common reasons newborns grunt and squirm in sleep:
✔ Immature digestive system – Newborns are still learning how to pass gas and stool.
✔ Active sleep cycle – Babies experience lighter, more restless sleep than adults.
✔ Developing breathing patterns – Their breathing is still irregular, leading to grunts and sounds.
✔ Moro reflex (startle reflex) – Babies often move their arms and legs in their sleep.
✔ Passing gas or mild reflux – Digestive discomfort can cause grunting and squirming.
💡 Key takeaway: In most cases, newborn grunting and squirming is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Why Is My Newborn Grunting and Squirming While Sleeping?
Here’s a deeper look at the most common causes of grunting and squirming in newborn sleep.
1. Newborns Have an Immature Digestive System
Newborns have developing intestines and weak abdominal muscles, making it harder for them to pass gas or stool comfortably. This can lead to grunting, squirming, and straining, especially after feeding.
📌 Signs of digestive discomfort in sleep:
✔ Baby grunts, squirms, and makes faces.
✔ Their tummy appears hard or bloated.
✔ They pass gas or poop soon after grunting.
💡 What to do: Try bicycle leg exercises or gentle tummy massages to help relieve gas.
2. Babies Have Noisy Breathing & Irregular Sleep Movements
Newborns’ breathing patterns are still developing, which means they may breathe noisily, pause, or grunt. Their active sleep cycle also causes frequent movement.
📌 What’s normal breathing in newborns?
✔ Occasional pauses in breathing (5-10 seconds) – This is called periodic breathing.
✔ Light snoring or grunting – As long as baby isn’t struggling to breathe.
✔ Movements like twitching, stretching, or smiling in sleep.
💡 What to do: If your baby breathes normally when awake, these sleep movements and sounds are not a concern.
3. Newborn Sleep Cycles Are Different from Adults
Babies spend about 50% of their sleep in active (REM) sleep, where they move, grunt, and make noises.
📌 How newborn sleep cycles work:
✔ Light sleep (Active REM) – Baby squirms, makes noises, and moves arms/legs.
✔ Deep sleep (Quiet sleep) – Baby is still and breathes more evenly.
💡 What to do: Don’t rush to pick them up—most grunting and squirming will stop on its own as they move into deep sleep.
4. Babies Struggle to Pass Gas or Poop While Sleeping
Newborns often grunt and squirm due to trapped gas or difficulty pooping. This is commonly known as Grunting Baby Syndrome (GBS).
📌 Signs of gas-related grunting:
✔ Baby grunts, squirms, and strains but doesn’t cry.
✔ They appear uncomfortable but calm down after passing gas or stool.
✔ More common at night after feedings.
💡 How to help:
✔ Hold your baby in an upright position after feedings.
✔ Try bicycle leg movements to help gas move through.
✔ Use gentle tummy massage to encourage digestion.
5. Mild Reflux Can Cause Squirming and Grunting
Some babies experience silent reflux, where stomach acid briefly moves up the esophagus, causing discomfort and movement in sleep.
📌 Signs of reflux in newborns:
✔ Frequent grunting and arching of the back.
✔ Spitting up or swallowing sounds while asleep.
✔ Increased fussiness after lying down.
💡 What to do:
✔ Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding.
✔ Burp them frequently during and after feedings.
✔ If symptoms persist, consult a pediatrician.
When Should You Worry About Newborn Grunting and Squirming?
While most grunting and squirming is normal, some cases may require medical attention.
🚨 Call your pediatrician if:
✔ Baby’s grunting is constant and sounds like struggling to breathe.
✔ They have flaring nostrils, bluish lips, or retracting ribs while breathing.
✔ Grunting is accompanied by high fever, vomiting, or refusal to feed.
✔ Baby’s tummy appears bloated and hard for long periods.
💡 If your baby has any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
How to Help Your Baby Sleep More Comfortably
If your baby grunts and squirms frequently, here are some ways to help:
✅ 1. Swaddle Your Baby for Better Sleep
✔ Swaddling reduces startle reflex and movement, helping your baby sleep soundly.
✔ Use a light, breathable swaddle for comfort.
✅ 2. Try a Gentle Tummy Massage
✔ Rub your baby’s tummy in circular motions to relieve gas.
✔ Do bicycle leg movements to help pass trapped gas.
✅ 3. Keep Baby Upright After Feedings
✔ Hold your baby upright for at least 20-30 minutes after feeding.
✔ This prevents reflux and reduces digestive discomfort.
✅ 4. Use White Noise for Better Sleep
✔ White noise mimics womb sounds, which can help calm grunting and squirming.
✔ Keep the sound low and consistent throughout the night.
✅ 5. Wait Before Picking Baby Up
✔ If your baby grunts and squirms but isn’t crying, give them a few minutes.
✔ Many babies will self-soothe and settle on their own.
Final Thoughts
If your newborn grunts and squirms while sleeping, it’s usually a normal part of their development. Their digestive system, breathing, and sleep cycles are still adjusting, which can lead to noisy, restless sleep.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✔ Grunting and squirming are normal and often due to gas, sleep cycles, or digestion.
✔ Most babies outgrow grunting and squirming by 2-3 months.
✔ Keep baby upright after feedings, use swaddling, and try tummy massages for comfort.
✔ If baby shows signs of breathing distress or persistent discomfort, consult a pediatrician.
By understanding your baby’s sleep patterns and making small adjustments, you can help them sleep peacefully and comfortably.
FAQs: Baby Sleep Grunting
Disclaimer: The content on Passive Parenting is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert for parenting or medical concerns.
