Evie Summers
Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, with a normal breathing rate of between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. While sleeping, their breathing rate may slow down to 20-30 breaths per minute. Fast breathing in newborns can be caused by various factors, including exertion, illness, or infection, and is usually harmless as long as their breathing returns to its regular rate. However, if a newborn continues to breathe rapidly and their breathing does not return to normal, it may indicate a serious breathing problem, and medical attention should be sought.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal breathing rate | 40-60 breaths per minute while awake |
| Normal breathing rate during sleep | 30-60 breaths per minute |
| Breathing rate indicative of trouble breathing | More than 60 breaths per minute |
| Noises while breathing | Normal |
| Pauses between breaths | Normal, but concerning if more than 10 seconds |
| Skin colour change | Concerning |
| Chest pulling in with each breath | Concerning |
| Bluish colouring around lips, eyes, hands or feet | Concerning |
| Signs of discomfort | Concerning |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns breathe faster than adults, with a normal breathing rate of 40-60 breaths per minute
- Irregular breathing patterns are normal and can include long pauses between breaths
- Noisy breathing is common, but certain noises may be a cause for concern
- Bluish discolouration around the skin/lips may indicate a newborn is not getting enough air
- If a newborn is unwell, contact a doctor
Newborns breathe faster than adults, with a normal breathing rate of 40-60 breaths per minute
It is perfectly normal for newborns to breathe faster than adults, with a typical breathing rate of 40-60 breaths per minute while awake. During sleep, this rate can slow to anywhere from 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Newborns are just learning how to breathe, as they received all their oxygen through their mother's umbilical cord while in the womb. They have smaller lungs and weaker muscles, and breathe mostly through their noses.
Periodic breathing is also common in newborns, where their breathing may stop for 5 to 10 seconds and then begin again more rapidly—at a rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute—for 10 to 15 seconds. This can be alarming for new parents, but it is usually normal. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to monitor them and watch for any signs of discomfort or distress. Take a video of any worrisome behaviour to share with a doctor.
If your newborn is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, has pauses between breaths that last longer than 10 seconds, or is showing any signs of discomfort such as retractions by their windpipe or belly, you should seek immediate medical attention. Bluish discolouration around the lips, skin, eyes, hands or feet is also a cause for concern.
It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your newborn's health, so if you have any concerns at all, don't hesitate to contact your doctor or paediatrician.
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Irregular breathing patterns are normal and can include long pauses between breaths
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older children, older babies, kids, and adults. This is because newborns have smaller lungs and weaker muscles, and they breathe mostly through their noses. While awake, a newborn typically takes 40 to 60 breaths per minute. During sleep, a newborn's breathing rate typically slows down to 20 to 30 breaths per minute.
Irregular breathing patterns are normal for newborns and can include long pauses between breaths. This is known as periodic breathing. In periodic breathing, a newborn's breathing may stop for 5 to 10 seconds and then begin again more rapidly—at a rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute—for 10 to 15 seconds. However, if a baby pauses for more than 10 seconds between breaths, this could be a sign of respiratory distress, and the baby should be rushed to a doctor. Other signs of respiratory distress include fast breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute) that doesn't slow down when the baby is calm, a chest that pulls in with each breath, and bluish colouring around the lips, eyes, hands, or feet. If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours and contact a doctor or visit an emergency room if necessary.
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Noisy breathing is common, but certain noises may be a cause for concern
Noisy breathing is common in newborns, but certain noises may be a cause for concern. Newborns typically breathe faster than adults—between 40 and 60 breaths per minute while awake, and 30 to 60 breaths per minute during sleep. They may also breathe irregularly, with their breathing stopping for 5 to 10 seconds, then starting again more rapidly at a rate of 50 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds. This is known as periodic breathing and is usually normal.
However, if you're concerned about your newborn's breathing, it's important to monitor them over a few hours and watch for any signs of distress or discomfort. Take note of their skin colour, as any discolouration, especially a bluish colour around the lips, eyes, hands, or feet, could indicate that they're not getting enough air. Other warning signs include wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, as well as retractions by their windpipe or belly. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care.
Premature babies, babies born via cesarean section, and babies with infections or illnesses are at a higher risk of developing breathing issues. Infections or illnesses, such as a lung infection, can make breathing more difficult for babies than for older children and adults. Additionally, aspiration, which occurs when a baby inhales fluid, is more common among newborns and can cause breathing difficulties.
If your newborn seems unwell, even slightly, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. You can communicate with a doctor or pediatrician online or through an app, or you can call an emergency hotline or visit an emergency room if the situation is urgent.
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Bluish discolouration around the skin/lips may indicate a newborn is not getting enough air
Newborns breathe faster than older babies, kids, and adults. They breathe between 40 and 60 times per minute and may have periodic breathing, which involves breathing fast and then slowing down for about 10 seconds. It is normal for newborns to breathe fast even while sleeping. However, bluish discolouration around the skin or lips of a newborn may indicate that they are not getting enough air.
Bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, also known as cyanosis, is caused by decreased oxygenation or poor circulation. It is often a sign that the body isn't getting enough oxygen. This can occur rapidly due to an acute health problem or slowly over time as a chronic condition worsens. Many health disorders involving the heart, lungs, blood, or circulation can cause cyanosis.
Central cyanosis affects the lips, tongue, and chest, while peripheral cyanosis often affects the hands and feet and is caused by cold temperatures. Circumoral cyanosis refers specifically to blue discolouration around the mouth, and it is usually seen in infants, especially above the upper lip. Acrocyanosis is a type of circumoral cyanosis that occurs when small blood vessels shrink in response to cold temperatures. It is common in infants during the first few days after birth and should resolve as they warm up.
If your newborn exhibits bluish discolouration around their skin or lips, it is important to monitor them closely and seek medical advice if concerned. Taking a video of any worrisome behaviour can be helpful to show to a doctor. In a medical emergency, call your local emergency services or take your newborn to the nearest emergency room.
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If a newborn is unwell, contact a doctor
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than adults, with normal breathing patterns ranging from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. Some newborns may also have periodic breathing, which is characterised by periods of fast breathing followed by a brief slowdown. While this may be normal, it can be very alarming for new parents. It is important to learn your newborn's typical behaviour so that you can act quickly if you notice any signs of breathing trouble.
If your newborn is unwell, contact a doctor. Trust your instincts and do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you are worried about your newborn's health. Here are some signs that your newborn may be unwell:
- Breathing difficulties: If you notice any irregular breathing patterns or breathing difficulties, this can be a sign of a serious illness. Act quickly and consider contacting a doctor or seeking immediate medical care.
- High temperature: A high temperature that does not come down with medication (paracetamol for babies over 2 months and ibuprofen for babies over 3 months or 5kg) can indicate a serious illness.
- Skin discolouration: Blue, pale, blotchy, or ashen (grey) skin can be a warning sign. On brown or black skin, check the palms of the hands or soles of the feet for discolouration.
- Drowsiness: Severe drowsiness or constant crying that cannot be consoled can indicate that your newborn is unwell.
- Rash: A spotty, purple, or red rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it can be a sign of sepsis.
- Seizures: Febrile seizures or fits can be harmful, and you should call an ambulance to take your newborn to the hospital for a check-up.
- Frequent vomiting: This can be a symptom of a serious illness.
- Fever: If your newborn is under 3 months old and has a fever, take them to the doctor immediately, even if there are no other signs of illness. Young babies are at higher risk of complications from infections, and these infections may not exhibit obvious symptoms.
If you are ever unsure, it is always best to contact a doctor or seek medical advice. You know your child best, and if you're worried, that's a good enough reason to seek help.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns breathe faster than older babies, kids, and adults. They also breathe mostly through their nose and are still developing a regular breathing pattern. While awake, a newborn takes about 40-60 breaths per minute, and this can slow down to 20-30 breaths per minute while they sleep.
If your newborn is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, has discoloration on their skin/lips, or is showing any signs of discomfort, you should contact a doctor or visit an emergency room.
If your newborn is struggling to breathe due to respiratory distress, you can move them to a cooler area or bring them outside into cold air. If they continue breathing rapidly, contact a doctor.
