Babies can’t talk, so they cry to tell you what they need. But for new parents, a crying baby can be stressful.
Some parents have a trick: they blow gently on their baby’s face to make them stop crying, even if just for a little while.
But is it safe? Blowing in baby face might seem simple, but there are more things we, as parents, should consider to ensure our little one’s health.
Let’s talk about what happens when you blow on your baby’s face, whether it’s a good idea, and if it can harm your baby in any way.
Is It Safe When Blowing In Baby Face?
Yes, blowing in baby’s face is generally safe, but it’s essential to understand what happens when you do it.
Blowing gently on a baby’s face can make them stop breathing momentarily, leading to a reflex that lowers their heart rate and blood pressure.
However, there is no clear scientific evidence about whether it’s entirely safe. Many parents do it, and most babies enjoy it, often smiling when it happens.
The main thing to consider is the transfer of saliva and germs from the adult’s mouth to the baby, which can help stimulate the baby’s immune system with beneficial bacteria.
If the adult is not sick and the baby is healthy, blowing in a baby’s face is generally considered safe.
When Should You Blow In Baby Face?
Calming A Crying Baby
Blowing in baby’s face can be a helpful trick for calming a fussy baby. The gentle rush of air from blowing triggers two natural reflexes in the baby: the dive reflex and the rooting reflex.
As a result, the baby momentarily stops crying and focuses on this new sensation.
However, it’s essential to use this method judiciously. Crying is a baby’s way of signaling various needs.
It’s best to blow in the face properly to provide a moment of relaxation and assess the baby’s needs.
Washing Your Baby’s Face
When it comes to bathing your baby, there’s a helpful technique you can use. If your cute baby has difficulty during this process, gently blowing in their face can be quite beneficial.
When you do that, they often react by closing their eyes and holding their breath for a few seconds.
This natural response allows you to wash their face without worrying about water getting into their nose and eyes, making the experience more comfortable for you and your baby.
It’s a practical and gentle way to ensure a stress-free face wash for your little one and maintain a positive and enjoyable hygiene routine.
Assisting With Sleep
A blow in a baby’s face also helps put your little one to sleep. This calming effect works wonders in soothing the baby and inducing relaxation.
When you blow in their face, it often makes their eyes close, and their breathing pattern slows down to a gentle and peaceful pace.
It can be beneficial during bedtime routines as it signals the baby that it’s time to wind down and sleep.
Aiding Breathing When Baby Stops
Sometimes, when babies cry hard, they can stop breathing for a moment. Blowing in a baby’s face can help them start breathing again.
It happens because it triggers a reflex in the baby, making them briefly pause their breathing.
It’s like a little break that helps them focus and feel better when they’re upset. But remember, always be gentle and think about what’s best for the baby.
You can combine this with calming things like gentle touches and comforting words.
And if you massage your baby, it can make the baby feel even better, improve their digestion, and bring you closer to them.
Swimming Preparation (With Caution)
Some research suggests that blowing on baby’s face is connected to swimming readiness.
Survival swim courses have demonstrated that blowing and submerging them in water can make learning to swim easier and less distressing.
This method is also used in child swimming training to help them practice holding their breath and closing their eyes before going underwater.
What Are The Risks Of Blowing In Baby Face?
Disease Transmission
When you blow on your baby’s face, even though it usually helps calm them, it can have some potential health risks depending on the situation.
For example, if someone is sick or has an infection, they might pass on the sickness to the baby when they breathe out.
So, it’s important to ensure babies don’t get close to people who are sick.
Also, if you blow too hard on the baby’s face, it might accidentally push tiny things like dust into their eyes or nose, making them uncomfortable or sick.
That’s why it’s a good idea to be careful and gentle when you use this method to comfort the baby.
Discomfort
Blowing on a toddler’s face might not always have the same effect on every baby.
While some babies might find it funny or interesting, others could feel uncomfortable and show signs of being upset.
The sudden rush of air against their skin might startle them or make them feel uneasy, especially if they are sensitive to things like touches and air movement.
In some rare cases, this discomfort caused by blowing in the face could even lead to physical problems for the baby, like breathing or coughing.
You may hear some gasping sounds when they’re breathing.
Also, blowing in baby’s face when choking could worsen the situation.
Anxiety Or Fear
The blowing behavior can impact their emotions, and it’s important to think about their feelings.
Sometimes, the sudden rush of air can surprise or even frighten the baby, making them anxious or scared. It can show up as shaking, crying, or being upset.
Parents and caregivers should always pay close attention to how the baby reacts when trying new things, like blowing in their face.
If the baby seems uncomfortable or frightened, it’s a good idea to stop doing it to ensure they feel safe and happy.
What Are Other Alternatives To Blowing In A Baby Face?
Instead of blowing in a baby’s face, there are many safer and more beneficial ways to comfort and soothe your little one.
Below are some tips we suggest:
- Holding and rocking: Gentle rocking or cradling your baby in your arms can provide comfort and security.
- Singing and soothing music: Softly singing lullabies or calming music can help ease a fussy baby.
- Burping: If your baby has hiccups or gas, try burping them to release trapped air.
- Massaging: A gentle stomach massage in a clockwise motion can alleviate colic symptoms and discomfort.
- Feeding: For constipation, offer high-fiber foods like prune juice.
If blowing in a baby’s face doesn’t solve any problems effectively, it’s better to rely on these alternative methods for a happy and healthy baby.
FAQs
Why Do Babies Gasp/ Inhale When I Blow In Their Face?
You might notice that they briefly hold their breath or gasp when you blow into your baby’s face.
It happens because of a natural reflex known as the diving reflex, often seen in newborns.
When something like a gentle burst of air hits their face, their body responds by making them momentarily hold their breath. It’s almost like a little automatic reaction.
After that, your baby will try to catch their breath, which can lead to a gasping sensation.
It’s a normal response and usually nothing to worry about; it’s just their body’s way of reacting to the unexpected burst of air.
Should I Blow Too Hard In The Babies’ Face?
No. Blowing too hard into a baby’s face may hurt them. Many babies might even find being blown in faces interesting or playful.
However, if your baby is already uncomfortable or upset, blowing in their face could make them even more upset.
It’s essential to notice your baby’s cues and emotions. If they seem to be choking, stop blowing in their face.
In such situations, addressing their breathing difficulties and seeking help is more important.
Can Blowing To The Baby Face Stop Hiccups?
No. There is no scientific evidence to support this belief. While some parents may try it, there are more established techniques to alleviate infant hiccups.
One common approach is burping your baby, as trapped air in their stomach can sometimes trigger hiccups.
Alternatively, you can offer your baby a small amount of water to stop hiccups.
These methods are generally safer and more likely to be effective in relieving hiccups in babies compared to blowing in their faces.
Conclusion
Is it safe when blowing in baby face? It can be a safe and effective way to calm them or engage their natural reflexes momentarily.
When done with care and in moderation, it can provide a brief respite for the baby and the caregiver.
However, be attentive to the baby’s comfort and emotional state, as it may startle or discomfort some infants.
Besides, avoid blowing if you are ill to prevent disease transmission. It should be used judiciously and with the baby’s well-being in mind.