Why Do Newborns Blow Bubbles?
May 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Weiling
Introduction
One reason newborns produce oral bubbles is that their organs and central nervous system are still developing, and their oral swallowing function is not yet fully mature. Another possible cause is neonatal pneumonia, which may present with excessive salivation. Because all organ systems in newborns are still immature, early signs of illness may be subtle or nonspecific.
It is very common for newborns to blow bubbles with their mouths—a generally normal physiological phenomenon. This occurs because a newborn’s oral swallowing function is still immature. In fact, the infant’s organs and central nervous system are still developing, making precise control over certain behaviors—such as drooling—difficult; thus, blowing bubbles is also considered relatively normal.
Under typical circumstances, increased salivary secretion leads babies to blow bubbles—often simply because they enjoy playing with saliva. In some cases, excessive drooling may be triggered by teething, both of which are normal. However, frequent spitting or drooling can also signal neonatal pneumonia. Because all organ systems in newborns remain incompletely developed, early signs of illness may be subtle or nonspecific. During neonatal pneumonia, pulmonary function declines, potentially manifesting as bubble-blowing. To screen for possible pneumonia, count the baby’s respiratory rate while asleep: if it exceeds 40 breaths per minute, pneumonia should be suspected, and prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
