Put simply, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where a blocked or obstructed airway causes difficulties with breathing, and ultimately stops breathing during sleep for short periods. When children have this condition doctors refer to it as paediatric (or pediatric) sleep apnoea.Newborns and babies aged up to one year can also have infant sleep apnoea, which is usually detected during routine early health checks at hospital or home and has some different symptoms and treatment to those discussed below. If you have any concerns about an infant’s breathing, seek medical advice straightaway.OSA is the most common form of sleep apnoea1, which we will discuss in this article, but there others that you can read about here.While the description of OSA may sound a bit scary to parents, it’s important to note that childhood obstructive sleep apnoea is not common (and much less common than it is in adults!), with only around two per cent of children affected2. However, if you’re concerned about your child and want to know more, read on for help and advice.What is the main cause of sleep apnoea in children? ➜How can I tell if my child has sleep apnoea? ➜How serious is sleep apnoea in children? ➜Does childhood sleep apnoea go away by itself? ➜Diagnosing childhood sleep apnoea: when to see a doctor ➜Childhood sleep apnoea treatment ➜