Newborn sleep

Why is my newborn grunting or moving constantly in their sleep?

For someone so small, a newborn can be a surprisingly noisy sleeper. Those little sounds and wriggles can leave you wondering whether to pick them up, offer a feed or simply let them sleep.

When to get help straight away

Call 999 if your baby grunts with every breath, is struggling for breath, has pauses in breathing, turns blue or grey, or is floppy or difficult to wake. Pulling in under the ribs or flaring nostrils can also signal breathing difficulty. Do not wait to see whether a feed or a change of position helps.

If your baby has a suspected first seizure, call 999. Repeated rhythmic jerking, stiffening or a change in responsiveness needs urgent attention, rather than being labelled normal sleep movement.

When to ask for urgent advice

Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111 if your baby is feeding much less, has fewer wet nappies, seems unwell or has new or persistent noises that worry you. A baby under three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical assessment; do not wait until the next day. Use 999 for breathing difficulty or the emergency signs above.

You do not have to work out what is wrong before asking for help. If you cannot tell whether the noise is linked to every breath, call for advice.

Why do they wriggle so much?

Newborns move between quieter sleep and active sleep. During active sleep, you may see fluttering eyelids, sucking movements, changing facial expressions and small twitches of the arms or legs. They can look busy without being fully awake.

These brief movements may settle back into quieter sleep. “Constantly moving” is worth discussing with your midwife, health visitor or GP if it does not settle, happens when your baby is awake too, or feels different from their usual pattern. A written description can help; a short video may be useful if your baby is otherwise well, but never delay getting help to record one.

Watch: what active sleep can look like

Bradford District Care NHS’s Ready to Relate resource includes “Do not disturb_active sleep”. Its accompanying explanation highlights mouth movements, yawning and fluttering eyelids as the baby briefly stirs and returns to sleep.

This is an illustration of a sleep state, not a way to rule out illness. Do not delay medical help to compare your baby with a video. Follow your baby’s individual feeding plan even if they are sleepy.

What about the grunts and snuffles?

Occasional snorts, gurgles and grunts are common in newborns. A sound on its own cannot tell you whether your baby is hungry, uncomfortable or unwell.

The important difference is between an occasional noise in an otherwise comfortable baby and a grunt that accompanies every outward breath. The second can be a sign that breathing is hard work and needs emergency help. Do not assume grunting is just wind, reflux or a normal sleep phase.

Do I need to wake or pick them up?

If your baby looks comfortable, is breathing easily and is only briefly stirring, you can watch quietly to see whether they remain asleep. You do not need to turn every little twitch into a settling routine.

If they wake, show feeding cues or cry, respond to them. Offer a feed, check their nappy and comfort them as needed. Keep night-time lights low and your voice gentle. Follow any feeding or waking plan given by your midwife or neonatal team; this guide does not replace it.

Keep the sleep space simple

Place your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot or Moses basket. Keep them in the same room as you for every sleep for at least the first six months, even if their little noises keep catching your attention.

Do not use pillows, pods, nests or positioners to keep them still. Do not move them onto their front or side to quieten the grunting. Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

Noisy nights can be tiring for you, too

It takes time to learn your baby’s sounds. Ask your midwife or health visitor to talk through what you are noticing, especially if worry is stopping you resting. If possible, arrange some help with feeds, changes or daytime care so you can get a break.

You are not expected to diagnose a noise at three in the morning. If something feels wrong, seek advice, even if your baby does not match a checklist.

About this guide

Written by Floreo using the NHS and NHS-service sources below, checked on 18 October 2026. This is general information, not a diagnosis or personalised medical advice. It is not NHS-approved or endorsed and has not been independently clinically reviewed.