Grunting and grumbling noises happen not only in preterm babies, but also in term babies. In addition to grumbling and grunting noises, sneezing, gurgling, snorting noises are also common in newborns.
The cells, which line the nose, make mucus. But, proportionally there is much more mucus in the airways of a newborn than in an older child. This is why it is completely normal for newborns to sneeze frequently. Because the passageways of a newborn are very flexible and narrow, air coming through them often makes snorting or gurgling or grumbling sounds. These noises though distressing to parents do not mean that the baby is uncomfortable. They are normal sounds babies make.
Stool patterns in babies vary considerably. While it is common for newborns to pass stools with each feed, as the child grows older the frequency reduces sometimes to 1 stool per day or 1 stool per 3 to 4 days. Also, straining while passing stools is common. The following symptoms warrant medical attention:
a. Very hard stone-like stools
b. Blood in stools
c. Crying rather than straining while passing stools
d. Poor feeding