Herbie Murray
A baby's breathing pattern is a common concern for new parents. A newborn's normal breathing rate is around 40 to 60 times per minute, which may slow to 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep. This periodic breathing, where a baby breathes rapidly and then pauses for up to 15 seconds, is normal and usually outgrown within a few months. However, any irregular breathing can be a sign of respiratory distress, and parents should learn their baby's typical behaviour to identify potential issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal breathing rate for a 5-month-old | 35-60 breaths per minute |
| Normal breathing rate for a sleeping 5-month-old | 30 breaths per minute |
| Signs of respiratory distress | Changes in breathing rate or pattern, using other muscles and chest areas to breathe, or changes in skin colour |
| Actions to take if respiratory distress is observed | Consult a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room, depending on the severity |
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What You'll Learn
A newborn's normal breathing rate is 40-60 times per minute
A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute. This is much faster than the rate of older children and adults, whose breathing rate is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Newborns are still learning to breathe, as they received all their oxygen via their blood supply from the umbilical cord while in the womb. Their lungs are not yet fully developed, and they breathe using their diaphragm, the large muscle below the lungs.
When a baby is sleeping, their breathing rate slows down to 30 breaths per minute, and this can be a good time to check their respiratory rate. The most accurate respiratory rate is obtained when the baby is resting or asleep. It is common for babies to experience periodic breathing when they are asleep, where they may breathe faster, almost like panting, and then pause for up to 10 to 15 seconds. This is normal and is usually outgrown within a few months.
It is important to learn a baby's typical breathing behaviour so that any potential problems can be spotted quickly. Irregular breathing can be a sign of respiratory distress, and changes in colour, such as a blue colouring, can indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen. If a baby is sick, it is important to settle them on their back, as this is the safest sleeping position. If there are any concerns about a newborn's breathing, it may be best to contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room, depending on the severity.
Monitoring a baby's breathing rate can be a challenging task for new parents, and it is common to worry about whether their baby's breathing is normal. Understanding what is typical can help ease anxieties and identify potential breathing problems early. There is a range of normal respiratory rates for newborns, and it is best to assess this by counting the breaths for a full 60 seconds.
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Sleeping newborns may breathe 30-40 times per minute
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older babies, kids, and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute. This may slow to 30 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. This is because when a baby is sleeping, their breathing rates are slower than when they are awake.
Newborns experience periodic breathing while asleep, where they may breathe faster, almost like panting, followed by a pause in breathing of up to 10 to 15 seconds. This is normal and is typically outgrown within a few months. It is important to learn about a newborn's typical behaviour so that you can act quickly if you notice any breathing trouble. For instance, if a newborn is sleeping on their back and is sick, it might be difficult to settle them down, but this remains the safest sleeping position.
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours. Take a video of any worrisome behaviour to show a doctor. You may be able to communicate with a doctor or paediatrician online or through an app for faster communication. In a medical emergency, you should call your local emergency services or take your newborn to the nearest emergency room.
A prolonged respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute may indicate a respiratory issue that should be addressed with a pediatrician. If your child is older than 1 year and takes more than 40 breaths per minute, or if their quick breathing keeps coming back, check with your doctor.
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Signs of respiratory distress
On average, a 5-month-old baby's breathing rate is around 30 to 40 times per minute while sleeping. This is considered normal. If your baby is breathing at a faster rate, it could be a cause for concern.
Respiratory distress is a condition where the body is not getting enough oxygen. It can cause rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, and low oxygen levels in the blood. This can be recognised by the following signs:
- Rapid breathing or irregular breathing: A breathing rate of over 50 breaths per minute in infants aged 2-12 months is considered tachypnea. This can be caused by an increased workload on the diaphragm, resulting in a visible tug as it contracts to draw in air.
- Pale or bluish skin colour: Check around the lips, eyes, hands, and feet, especially the nail beds. Bluish skin is a sign of inadequate oxygenation of the blood, also known as cyanosis.
- Nasal flaring: Characterised by the widening of the nostrils during breathing, this occurs as the body attempts to increase airflow and reduce resistance in the nasal passages.
- Head bopping: The infant may exhibit repetitive up-and-down movements of the head due to increased use of certain neck muscles, indicating breathing difficulties.
- Cool, moist, and sticky skin: The skin may feel this way as the body tries to regulate temperature during increased respiratory effort.
- Grunting: The baby may make grunting sounds to keep air in their lungs and increase oxygen levels.
- Wheezing: This often signals a constriction or blockage in the small airways of the lungs, usually due to inflammation or secretions.
- Coughing: Persistent coughing may indicate a breathing problem or digestion issue.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Respiratory distress can be a serious condition, and your child may need to be taken to the nearest emergency department.
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Sleep-related infant deaths
A baby's breathing rate depends on various factors, and it is normal for a baby's breathing pattern to vary. A newborn's normal breathing rate is around 40 to 60 times per minute, and this may slow to 30 to 40 times per minute when sleeping. A baby may breathe fast several times, then pause for less than 10 seconds, and then breathe again. This is called periodic breathing and is normal.
However, it is important to monitor your baby's breathing, as changes in their breathing rate or pattern can indicate respiratory distress. Signs of respiratory distress include rapid or irregular breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), grunting, moaning or sighing when exhaling, and a blue colouring of the skin (cyanosis). If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention.
Unfortunately, sleep-related infant deaths are a tragic occurrence. In the United States alone, approximately 3,500 infants die each year from sleep-related causes, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ill-defined deaths, and accidental suffocation or strangulation. The triple-risk model proposes that SIDS occurs when an infant with intrinsic vulnerability undergoes an exogenous trigger event, such as an unsafe sleeping environment, during a critical developmental period.
To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a safe sleep environment. This includes supine positioning, using a firm and non-inclined sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and avoiding soft bedding and overheating. Additionally, it is recommended to exclusively feed infants human milk, avoid exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs, keep up with routine immunizations, and use a pacifier. By following these recommendations, caregivers can help create a safer sleep environment for their infants.
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When to seek medical help
It is important to monitor your baby's breathing pattern and watch out for any changes. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute, and this may slow to 30 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. Babies may also breathe fast several times, then take a brief rest for less than 10 seconds, and then breathe again. This is often called periodic breathing and is normal.
- Changes in breathing rate or pattern: If your baby is breathing faster or slower than usual, or if they are struggling to breathe, it could be a sign of respiratory distress.
- Use of other muscles to breathe: If the muscles under your baby's ribs suck in with each breath, it could indicate an infection of the lungs, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
- Changes in colour: A blue or grey tinge to the skin, also known as cyanosis, can be a sign that your baby is not getting enough oxygen. This is often seen in babies with heart defects or respiratory problems.
- Grunting: This sound is made by a baby who is trying to keep air in their lungs to increase oxygen levels.
- Moaning or sighing: These sounds during exhalation may indicate breathing difficulties.
- Coughing or choking: Persistent coughing or choking may indicate a breathing problem or a problem with digestion.
- High temperature: If your baby is between 3 and 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above, seek urgent medical advice. A high temperature can be a sign of infection.
- Breath-holding: Many children between 6 months and 6 years old will experience involuntary breath-holding, usually when they are crying or upset.
- Choking: If your child is choking, call emergency services immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
A 5-month-old baby's breathing rate while sleeping can slow down to 30 breaths per minute. This is significantly lower than the breathing rate of a newborn, which can be anywhere between 35 to 60 breaths per minute.
Periodic breathing is when a baby breathes fast several times, followed by a brief pause of up to 10 seconds, and then resumes breathing. This is normal and is typically outgrown within a few months.
If your baby is having trouble breathing, look out for signs such as grunting, moaning, sighing, or turning blue. These could be signs of respiratory distress. Take a video of any worrisome behaviour and contact your doctor immediately.
