Colin Snow
Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, alternating between fast and slow breathing, with occasional pauses. This is usually normal and does not require treatment. However, certain breathing patterns and noises may indicate a blockage or infection and could be a cause for concern. It is important to learn your newborn's breathing patterns to know what's typical and what's not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal breathing rate | 40-60 breaths per minute while awake |
| Normal breathing rate during sleep | 30-60 breaths per minute |
| Breathing pattern | Alternates between fast and slow, with occasional pauses |
| Noises | Grunting, snorting, whistling, wheezing, snoring, sneezing, hiccups |
| Skin colour | Should not change with breathing pauses |
| Mucus | Can cause whistling noise and difficulty moving air in and out |
| Retractions | Muscles in the chest and neck sink in with each attempt to inhale |
| Flaring | Nostrils flare during breathing |
| Cyanosis | Blood remains blue due to lack of oxygen from the lungs |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns breathe faster than older children
Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, alternating between fast and slow breathing, with occasional pauses. This is because their nasal passages are very small and can easily get clogged with mucus or dried milk, resulting in noisy breathing. Newborns take about 40 to 60 breaths per minute while awake, and their breathing rate during sleep can be anywhere from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This is significantly faster than older children, who typically breathe at a slower rate.
The irregular breathing patterns of newborns can be explained by a phenomenon called ""periodic breathing." This involves periods of fast breathing followed by a slowdown for about 10 seconds. While this may sound concerning, it is usually normal and does not require medical intervention. However, if a newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute, it may indicate breathing difficulties.
The breathing patterns of newborns can also be influenced by factors such as overheating, upset stomachs, or respiratory infections. It is recommended to dress newborns in breathable fabrics, adding only one extra layer compared to an adult's clothing for the same weather conditions. To alleviate congestion, saline drops can be used to loosen thick mucus.
Some breathing noises made by newborns are perfectly normal, such as sneezing, which is common due to their smaller nasal passages. However, other noises like wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing may be cause for concern and should be evaluated by a pediatrician. Additionally, if a newborn exhibits skin discolouration, retractions by the windpipe or belly, or other signs of discomfort, immediate medical attention is advised.
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Whistling or wheezing noises
It is common for newborns to make weird breathing noises, and it is usually nothing to worry about. However, whistling or wheezing noises may indicate a blockage in the bronchioles (small airways that branch off from the bronchi). This can be caused by mucus or dried milk in their small nasal passages, which can make breathing difficult. Saline drops can help loosen thick mucus.
If your newborn is wheezing, it is important to monitor them closely and seek medical advice if you are concerned. Wheezing can be a symptom of bronchiolitis or asthma. If your baby is also experiencing other cold symptoms like irritability, decreased appetite, or difficulty sleeping, it is best to talk to a doctor.
It is important to learn your newborn's unique breathing patterns to know what is typical and what is not. Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, alternating between fast and slow breathing with occasional pauses. Their nostrils may flare during breathing, indicating increased breathing effort.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of respiratory distress and you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Retractions: visible sinking in of the muscles in the baby's chest (under the ribs) and neck with each breath
- Grunting while breathing
- Discolouration on their skin or lips
- Signs of discomfort
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Grunting, snorting, and snoring
It is not unusual for newborns to make weird noises when they sleep. Their breathing patterns can be irregular, alternating between fast and slow, with occasional pauses. This is because their nasal passages are very small and can easily get clogged with mucus or dried milk. This can cause a whistling noise or, occasionally, difficulty breathing.
Newborns also tend to breathe faster than older children, with a normal breathing rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute while awake, and 30 to 60 breaths per minute during sleep. Their nostrils may flare during breathing, indicating increased effort.
While these breathing patterns are usually normal, certain red flags warrant a call to the doctor. If your baby is grunting while breathing, visit a doctor immediately. Grunting in newborns can indicate respiratory distress and may be a sign of an infection or other illness.
Snorting in newborns is usually due to mucus in the nostrils. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a chronic condition such as sleep apnea or enlarged tonsils. If your baby is snoring and also exhibiting other symptoms such as irritability, decreased appetite, or difficulty sleeping, it is best to consult a doctor.
Snorting and snoring are common in newborns and are usually not a cause for concern. However, it is important to learn your baby's breathing patterns to know what's typical and what's not.
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Irregular breathing patterns
Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, alternating between fast and slow breathing, with occasional pauses. This is because they have smaller nasal passages than adults, and their little noses can easily get clogged with mucus or dried milk, making the breathing passage even smaller. Newborns breathe out of their noses, not their mouths, which allows them to breathe and eat simultaneously.
A newborn takes about 40 to 60 breaths each minute while awake. A normal breathing rate during newborn sleep is anywhere from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. If a baby breathes faster, it may indicate that they are having some trouble breathing. Newborn breathing patterns during sleep can also sound irregular, and that is typically normal. It may stop for 5 to 10 seconds, then start again with a burst of rapid breathing at the rate of 50 to 60 breaths a minute for 10 to 15 seconds, followed by regular breathing before the cycle repeats.
Some breathing noises that your baby makes are perfectly normal, while others may be a cause for concern. For example, a high-pitched, squeaky sound called stridor or laryngomalacia is typical in very young babies when breathing in and tends to be harmless. It usually goes away by the time a child turns two. However, if your baby is ill and is grunting while breathing, visit a doctor immediately. Similarly, if your baby is wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, has discoloration on their skin/lips, and is showing any signs of discomfort, contact your pediatrician.
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When to seek medical attention
Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, and it is normal for them to breathe faster than older children. Their breathing rate while sleeping can be anywhere from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. However, certain breathing patterns and behaviours may be a cause for concern and warrant medical attention. Here are some instances when you should seek medical attention:
- If your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, you should contact your pediatrician immediately.
- If your baby is wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, it could indicate a blockage in the nostrils, bronchioles, or large bronchi. Visit your pediatrician to determine the cause and receive treatment.
- If your baby has retractions, with the muscles in their chest and neck visibly sinking with each breath, it may indicate that they are working too hard to breathe. Seek medical attention to address this respiratory distress.
- If your baby has cyanosis, where their blood has a blue hue due to insufficient oxygenation in the lungs, it could be a sign of pneumonia or other lung problems. Visit the pediatric ER or call 911 if they are not responsive.
- If your baby has a hoarse cry and a "barking" cough, it could be due to a blockage in the larynx (windpipe) caused by mucus. While this is typically harmless, it is best to consult a doctor for advice.
- If your baby is snoring, it could be a sign of a chronic condition such as sleep apnea or enlarged tonsils. Consult a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
- If your baby is ill and is grunting while breathing, visit your doctor as it could indicate a respiratory infection or other issues.
- If your baby is experiencing cold symptoms like irritability, decreased appetite, or difficulty sleeping, talk to a doctor to address any concerns and determine if they have an infection.
- If your baby has had an upper respiratory condition for more than five days without improvement, visit your doctor.
- If your baby is not eating or drinking enough, or there are concerns about their bathroom habits, seek medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns that alternate between fast and slow, with occasional pauses. Newborns also tend to make unusual breathing noises such as grunting, snorting, whistling, and wheezing. These noises are usually normal and are due to the small size of their nasal passages. However, if you are concerned, it is best to consult a doctor.
A normal breathing rate for a newborn during sleep is anywhere from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. If a baby is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute, it may indicate that they are having some difficulty breathing.
Some signs that a newborn is having difficulty breathing include retractions, which are visible in the areas below the ribs, between the ribs, and in the neck. Other signs include grunting while breathing, cyanosis (blue-tinged skin or lips due to lack of oxygen), and a sudden low-pitched noise on exhale. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
No, newborns breathe through their noses, not their mouths. This allows them to breathe and eat simultaneously. However, their small nasal passages can easily become clogged with mucus or dried milk, which can cause whistling noises or difficulty breathing.
You should seek immediate medical attention if your newborn exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute
- Wheezing or whistling noises while breathing
- Grunting or snoring while breathing
- Discolouration of the skin or lips
- Signs of discomfort or distress, such as retractions
- Difficulty feeding or poor appetite
- Lethargy or decreased energy levels
