When do babies start mouth breathing? | Mouth breathing

When do babies start mouth breathing?

In newborns and infants an obligatory nasal breathing takes place. This means that babies naturally breathe in and out through the nose. If nasal breathing is impeded by any cause, this can lead to difficulties.

If nasal breathing is obstructed, only about 40% of newborns can switch to mouth breathing. Only from the age of five months onwards are all babies able to breathe through the mouth. This is particularly relevant if the babies suffer from a cold and have difficulty breathing.

All articles in this series:

  1. Mouth breathing
  2. Disadvantages of oral respiration
  3. When do babies start mouth breathing?