Baby Making Gurgling/Rattling Sounds While Breathing? Real Cause & Safe Home Remedies

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Many parents notice a gurgling or rattling "gharghar" sound coming from their baby's throat, and sounds from the nose and mouth while the baby is sleeping. Most parents assume the baby has caught a cold or that cough/phlegm has settled in the baby's chest. This video explains that the actual cause is different: mucus (balgam) inside the baby's nose dries up and blocks the nasal passage, which makes it difficult for the baby to breathe — and that blocked nose is what produces the noisy breathing sound. Remedies covered in the video: Saline nasal drops – a non-medicated drop, used 4–6 times a day in the baby's nose. It loosens the dried mucus so it either drains inward or comes out. Bulb suction – if mucus is still visible after the drops, it can be removed using a bulb suction device. Hydration – breastfeed the baby frequently to maintain good hydration. Humidifier – if a heater is being used in the room, a humidifier should be used along with it. Steam – a small amount of steam can be given to the baby. Back patting – when the gurgling sound is excessive, holding the baby and gently patting the back helps the mucus settle and stops the noisy breathing. Relevant for: parents of newborns and infants who hear rattling, gurgling, snoring or congested breathing sounds from their baby's nose, throat or chest; parents worried about a blocked nose, dried mucus, nasal congestion, chest cough, or noisy breathing during sleep; and parents wanting safe, non-medicated home care steps before assuming their baby has a cold. A detailed video on this topic is available on YouTube.