Congested breathing

[BR44]

My DS is one month old. For the past few nights his breathing has sounded a bit congested around the time of his 4/5 am feed and he takes longer to fall back asleep. He sounds like I do when I have a cold (ie. a bit blocked up and uncomfortable rather than seriously struggling to take breaths). Weirdly, this doesn't seem to bother him at any other time of day.

Any ideas about what could be causing this? At first I assumed he must have a cold (as I have a mild runny nose at the moment - not unusual when the weather starts to change) but surely this would bother him throughout the whole day?

I have not posted on Mumsnet before but have been searching the boards for advice since he was born and have found it invaluable!

[sneezecakesmum]

Apparently newborns, having narrow little airway, tend to sound like little piglets through the night, snuffling away! Its very common, my grandson did it. I should imagine propping the top of the cot up so the head is a little higher, humidified air circulating and that type of thing would help. If your DS is otherwise well and not coldy I wouldnt worry.

[ChocFudgeCake]

Yes, babies' noses tend to be blocked at night. I did put a pillow under the baby's mattress in this situations, and some drops of oilbas on a cloth nearby. I bought a humidifier too. Good luck

[BR44]

Thank you both. The NCT tutor who took my antenatal classes did warn us that sharing a room with a newborn is like having a farm animal at close proximity - now I know what she meant...

I had wondered about trying to raise his head slightly but worried that this was not sensible as he's so little. ChocFudgeCake - from what age did you do this?

[rattling]

You can raise his head by putting something under the legs of the cot - as long as you aren't putting a pillow directly under his head he'll be fine. My boys were 8 weeks prem and the hospital had them in tilted cots from day one.

Sounds like he is just newborn snuffly - but have saline drops ready for when he gets totally bunged up.

[blinks]

those bogie sucking things are brilliant...

saline drops good too but hard to insert without accidentally ramming it up their wee noses.

wet towel on the radiator at night reeeally helps.

[BR44]

Really helpful suggestions - thanks so much!