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WHY DOES MY BABY MAKE GROWLING NOISES
If you’ve recently found yourself wondering, “Why does my baby make growling noises?”, you’re certainly not the only parent asking. These low, grumbly sounds can be surprising, sometimes even concerning, but the reassuring truth is that growling is usually a completely normal part of your baby’s development.
Interestingly, research shows that these noises are far more meaningful than they first appear. Studies have found that growls, squeals, and other early sounds are a key part of how babies practise vocal skills, communicate emotions, and prepare for speech. With that in mind, let’s explore why your baby might be growling, when it’s likely to stop, and what the science tells us about these early vocal habits.
5 Reasons Why Your Baby Make Growling Noises.
1.Your Baby Is Exploring Their Voice
A 2024 study published in PLoS ONE examined the daily vocalisations of over 130 babies and discovered that infants don’t make random noises. Instead, they practise specific categories of sound, such as growls, squeals, and vowel-like noises, in deliberate clusters. Study link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38809807/
This means growling is simply part of how your baby learns the range of sounds they are capable of making.
2. Growling Helps Babies Express Emotion
Another study found that babies use different types of vocal sounds to express positive, neutral, or negative emotions, even before they develop words. Growling can therefore be your baby’s way of showing excitement, frustration, curiosity, or a desire for attention. Study link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23550164/
So if your baby is growling during play or while trying something new, it may simply be their early way of communicating their feelings.
3. Digestive Noises
Sometimes the noise isn’t vocal at all, it’s digestive. Babies commonly grunt or growl when:
- Passing wind
- Trying to poo
- Feeling bowel movement
- Experiencing normal tummy activity
This is especially common in younger infants as their digestive system matures.
4. Effort and Concentration
Babies often growl when they’re putting in physical effort, such as:
- During tummy time
- Trying to roll
- Reaching for toys
- Learning to sit
Just like adults might make effort noises when lifting something, babies do the same.
5. Their Individual Personality
Some babies naturally produce more growly sounds than others. If your baby make growling noises frequently but otherwise seems happy, content, and comfortable, it may simply be part of their unique personality. Some little ones just enjoy experimenting with deeper, grumbly sounds as they explore their voice.
When Will my baby stop making the Growling noises?
Although every baby is unique, most follow a general pattern as they grow:
0–3 months: At this age, growling is usually linked to digestion and early sound play. Their tummy is still maturing, so it’s very normal to hear your baby make growling noises while they’re trying to poo, passing wind, or simply exploring their voice for the first time.
3–6 months: Growling becomes more purposeful. Your baby has realised they can make the sound, so they practise it. You might notice your little one growling when they’re excited, frustrated, or trying to get your attention. They’re experimenting with their voice and learning how to control different sounds.
6–12 months: Growling often starts to settle down as babbling takes over. Babies at this stage are busy experimenting with new sounds like “ba-ba,” “da-da,” and “ma-ma”, so the growling may naturally become less frequent.
12+ months: Most babies grow out of constant growling by their first birthday. They may still do it occasionally for fun, during play, or simply because it makes you laugh. As long as your baby make growling noises happily and without any signs of discomfort, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
When Should You Be Concerned if Your Baby Make Growling Noises?
In most cases, growling is completely normal, but there are times when it’s worth paying closer attention. You should speak to a healthcare professional if your baby make growling noises and you notice any of the following:
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Breathing difficulties: Growling paired with wheezing, noisy breathing, or visible effort to breathe can signal an airway issue.
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High-pitched inhaling: A sharp or squeaky sound when breathing in (known as stridor) should always be checked.
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Persistent coughing: If coughs accompany the growling and don’t improve, it may indicate irritation or illness.
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Feeding problems: Trouble feeding, choking, or frequent vomiting alongside the growling can suggest digestive discomfort or reflux.
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Signs of pain or distress: If your baby seems unusually irritable, tense, or uncomfortable while growling, it’s best to get advice.
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Lethargy or reduced responsiveness: Any drop in energy, alertness, or interest in usual activities alongside growling warrants prompt attention.
If your baby is otherwise happy, feeding well, and gaining weight normally, occasional growling is usually nothing to worry about. Trust your instincts, if something feels off, it’s always safe to check with your GP or paediatrician.
When Should You Be Concerned?
You should seek medical advice if growling comes with:
- Laboured or noisy breathing
- Wheezing
- High-pitched inhaling
- Feeding difficulties
- Persistent coughing
- Signs of distress or pain
Trust your parental instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to check.
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