Here's Why Your Newborn Baby Might Sneeze a Lot
Everything your newborn does, from cooing to yawning, is adorable—even those burps! But what does it mean when a newborn sneezes; are they sick? Learn about why newborns sneeze and when sneezing might be more than a cute achoo.
Courtney Rust / Stocksy
Medically reviewed by Teja Dyamenahalli, MD, MPH, FAAP
Is there anything cuter than watching your newborn stretch, yawn, coo, and... sneeze? That tiny little "achoo!" can be nerve-wracking, but have no fear—newborns are built to sneeze.
"Similar to hiccups, sneezes are a normal physiologic response to neurologic input," says Rachel Schlueter, M.D., a pediatrician at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, NE. "As babies adjust to the world outside of the uterus, these responses are very common and not typically cause for concern."
Related: 5 Baby Cold Remedies for Cough and Congestion
If your newborn is sneezing a lot, you may be wondering how much sneezing is too much and when to call the doctor. We talked to the experts to learn more about newborn sneezing.
Is It Normal for My Newborn To Sneeze a Lot?
Yes, it is normal (and natural) for newborns to sneeze a lot. "Frequent sneezing in newborns is normal. Usually, there's nothing to be concerned about, especially if other signs of illness don't accompany the sneezes," says Christine Kingsley, APRN, the health and wellness director of the Lung Institute in Manchester, Connecticut. "Babies sneeze as a way to clear their noses of germs and other particles. It's their reflex or natural defense against respiratory illnesses, so it doesn't necessarily mean that they have a cold."
Newborns are getting used to their new surroundings, and that includes having to deal with breathing air that might have dust and other particulates that can irritate the nasal cavities. And sure, it can feel alarming to watch your newborn sneezing since we often associate sneezing with allergies or sickness, but most of the time, it's nothing to be concerned about.
If your baby is sneezing a lot, try some of these tips:
Avoid burning scented candles or using air fresheners that rely on harsh chemicals to create a scent.
Use air purifiers to filter the air in your home, which can reduce the amount of dust your baby is breathing.
Vacuum regularly, especially if you have pets.
Use houseplants that are natural air purifiers to help keep your home air clean—make sure to keep them out of reach of small kids.
What Causes Newborn Sneezing?
There are numerous causes for newborn sneezing, and not all of them are cold or allergy related. Many babies sneeze, for example, as a result of irritants and/or to clean their nasal passage. Others sneeze due to inflammation. That said, some newborns do sneeze due to envirormental allergens. This is because their immune system is naive. Most, however, are not sneezing due to colds and/or illnesses.
"As babies transition from the uterus to the outside world, there are endless new exposures that challenge their nervous system," says Dr. Schlueter. "From bright lights to pet dander... sneezing is a normal physiologic response the body uses to protect against pathogens. As a baby's body matures, the frequency of sneezing will naturally decrease as the body acclimates to its new surroundings."
Sneezing is a natural function that helps the human body clear its respiratory system, and how it does that is pretty cool—the brain might have a "sneeze center." Researchers are still learning about how sneezing happens in the body, and they think our brains might have a dedicated spot near the base of the brain to help direct the nerves in what to do, much like an air traffic controller. When the tiny hairs in the nasal passage called cilia get irritated by things like dust or smoke, they send an electrical signal through the vagus nerve to the brain's "sneeze center." That center communicates to the lungs through the vagus nerve to start preparing for a sneeze. That's when your lungs fill with air and then contract hard enough to expel air, mucus, germs, and dust from the body at around 100 miles an hour.
But don't worry; babies are born knowing exactly what to do when their nasal passages start to tickle.
"There are three reasons why a newborn may sneeze frequently," says Kingsley. "First is their breathing pattern; babies breathe through their noses until they're a few months older. Sneezing is their way to clear their airways. The second reason is that, in addition to being nose breathers, they have smaller nasal passages. This small airway can easily get clogged, so it's incredibly good for them to sneeze. The third reason is that they can't sniff or snort. Both sniffing and snorting can clear your nasal passage as adults. However, babies don't have the ability to do these things, so they sneeze instead."
Newborn Sneezing as a Sign of Sickness
While it may be perfectly normal for babies to sneeze (even to sneeze a lot), there are times when sneezing can mean your baby is coming down with something. Call your child's pediatrician or health care provider if your baby is experiencing any of the symptoms below in addition to sneezing, as it is important to rule out any serious infections in newborns whose immune system aren't yet fully developed.
Congestion
Runny nose
Coughing
If it is a common cold or bug, try these simple and effective tips for alleviating symptoms.
Encourage plenty of fluids.
Run a humidifier to help reduce air dryness, which can irritate your baby's sensitive nose.
Use a bulb syringe to suction your baby's nose clear.
Ask your doctor about using nasal saline drops.
Is Newborn Sneezing Ever a Cause for Concern?
As mentioned, in most cases, newborn sneezing is normal—and not cause for concern. However, if baby is sneezing with a fever you can and should seek medical attention.
"Fevers in the first month of life are a medical emergency," says Dr. Schlueter. "If baby's sneezes are accompanied by sick symptoms such as fever, congestion, or signs of discomfort, call your pediatrician to discuss further."
If your baby has no other symptoms, then sneezing is not likely something to worry about. Signs that it is time to call the doctor include:
For babies under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4
Congestion that prevents feeding
Coughing
Low appetite or poor feeding
Sleepier than usual
Pain or other signs of discomfort
The Bottom Line
It is normal and common for newborns to sneeze a lot, and typically it is harmless. If your baby's sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, coughing, or other signs of infection, call your doctor. For babies under 3 months, a fever is considered a medical emergency.
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