Snoring is usually harmless, but pauses in your child’s breathing, gasps or tiredness in the day are a reason to see the GP.
A two-minute read, three things to try, for children under 9.
Where to start
Listen for pauses in your child’s breathing, followed by a gasp or a snort.
Film your child asleep when the snoring is at its worst, and show the GP.
See the GP if snoring comes with pauses, gasps or tiredness in the day.
The GP may look at your child’s throat and refer them on, and some children have an overnight sleep study.
The rest of the tip, and why it works, is in the library.
Sources
Evelina London Children’s Hospital (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust), Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in children, leaflet 5482 (March 2024); Great Ormond Street Hospital, Obstructive sleep apnoea (reviewed January 2025); NHS, Sleep apnoea (2026)
It goes with
The Hour Before Bed.For parents whose child’s bedtime has turned into an hour of worries, questions and meltdowns.
Free on this subject
Sleep.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Child development.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.