Ashwin Lewis
Newborns breathe faster than older children and adults, and their breathing patterns can vary. While newborns sleep, their breathing may slow down to 30 breaths per minute. However, it is normal for newborns to breathe anywhere between 30 to 60 breaths per minute while sleeping. This is because newborns have tiny lungs and softer muscles, and they are still learning how to breathe. Their breathing patterns can also be irregular, with pauses of up to 5 to 10 seconds between breaths. While this is usually not a cause for concern, it is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can identify any changes that may indicate respiratory distress. If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is recommended to monitor them over a few hours and seek medical advice if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal breathing rate while sleeping | 30-60 breaths per minute |
| Normal breathing rate while awake | 40-60 breaths per minute |
| Normal breathing rate for infants younger than 6 months | 40 breaths per minute |
| Normal breathing rate while sleeping for infants younger than 6 months | 20 breaths per minute |
| Normal periodic breathing | Breathing may stop for 5-10 seconds, then 40-60 breaths per minute for 10-15 seconds |
| Signs of breathing trouble | Skin colour change, wheezing, whistling or grunting while breathing, retractions by windpipe or belly, pulling in of ribs while breathing |
| What to do in case of concern | Monitor over a few hours, contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn breathing rates
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older children and adults. While awake, a newborn's breathing rate typically falls between 40 and 60 breaths per minute. During sleep, a newborn's breathing rate can slow down to between 30 and 60 breaths per minute.
Newborns may also exhibit periodic breathing, where their breathing stops for 5 to 10 seconds, and then resumes at a faster rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds. This type of breathing pattern is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to monitor them over a few hours and consult a doctor or pediatrician if you notice any worrisome behaviour.
It is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern when they are healthy and relaxed. This way, you can quickly identify any changes or irregularities that may indicate a problem. Some red flags that may warrant a call to the doctor include:
- Fast breathing (over 60 breaths per minute) that doesn't slow down when the baby is calm
- Bluish discolouration around the lips, eyes, hands, feet, or nail beds that doesn't go away
- Pauses between breaths that last longer than about 10 seconds
- Pulling in of the ribs when taking a breath
- Wheezing, grunting, or whistling sounds while breathing
- Any signs of discomfort or distress
While it is normal for newborns to make unusual noises while breathing, and their breathing patterns may vary, it is crucial to trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your newborn's breathing or overall health.
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What to do if you're concerned
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older babies, kids, and adults. Their breathing patterns are irregular, and they may take long pauses between breaths or make unusual noises. This is because newborns are still developing their lung function and learning to breathe, and their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct.
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to familiarize yourself with their typical breathing pattern while they are healthy and relaxed. This will help you notice if anything changes. Here are some things you can do if you are concerned:
- Monitor your newborn over a few hours. You will be able to tell if it is a mild cold or something more serious.
- Take a video of any worrisome behavior to show a doctor. Many medical professionals offer online appointments or communication by email.
- Contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
- If your newborn has a respiratory infection and isn't sleeping well, ask your doctor for safe ways to help clear congestion. Saline drops can help loosen thick mucus.
- Make sure your baby always sleeps on their back. This decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- If your newborn does not improve or their condition worsens, contact a doctor immediately.
Remember, fast breathing by itself may not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice any other signs of distress or illness, such as a blue or gray tinge to the skin, wheezing, grunting, or whistling sounds while breathing, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or your local emergency services.
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Learning your newborn's typical behaviour
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older children. Typically, newborn breathing patterns are between 40 and 60 breaths per minute. In some cases, newborns may experience periodic breathing, where their breathing stops for 5 to 10 seconds and then resumes more rapidly at 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds. While this may not be a cause for concern, it is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern when they are healthy and relaxed. This way, you can quickly notice any deviations and take necessary actions.
Bonding and Communication
Bonding is established through consistent and nurturing responses to your baby's needs. Crying is the primary means of communication for newborns, indicating hunger, tiredness, discomfort, sickness, or pain. They may also cry for attention, comfort, or a change of scenery. Responding to your baby's cries with a smile, touch, or cuddle helps them feel secure and promotes a positive environment for learning and exploration.
Feeding and Soothing
Newborns typically establish a manageable feeding pattern within the first few weeks. Calm and happy feeding times facilitate bonding and trust, which are essential for your baby's development. If you struggle to soothe your newborn or are unsure about their crying, don't hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Movement and Interaction
Newborns possess innate sensorimotor abilities that aid their interaction with the environment. They instinctively use touch, manage arousal levels, and self-soothe. They also adapt their sucking pressure based on the flow of milk. Additionally, newborns have the ability to lift and turn their heads to clear their airways when placed face-down.
Adaptability and Development
During the newborn period, infants adapt to their new social and physical surroundings. They harness and adjust their sensorimotor skills to the constraints of gravity and different surfaces. Skin-to-skin contact, or frontal body contact, is highly beneficial for infants as they navigate their new environment.
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Signs of breathing problems
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older children. A newborn's breathing pattern typically falls between 40 and 60 breaths per minute. Some newborns also experience periodic breathing, where their breathing stops for 5 to 10 seconds, and then speeds up to 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds.
While it's important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern, fast breathing by itself may not be a cause for concern. However, there are several signs of breathing problems to be aware of:
- Retracting: A newborn with breathing difficulties may pull their chest in at the ribs, below the breastbone, or above the collarbones.
- Grunting: Grunting is a sound made by a baby who is trying to keep air in their lungs to increase oxygen levels.
- Moaning or sighing: A baby with breathing difficulties may also moan or sigh while exhaling.
- Flaring nostrils: A newborn having trouble taking in enough air will have nostrils that widen with each inhaled breath.
- Blue colour: Cyanosis is a generalized blue colouring of the skin, which can indicate that a baby is not getting enough oxygen.
- Wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing: These sounds may indicate breathing difficulties.
- Discolouration on the skin or lips: This can be a sign of breathing problems.
- Breathing more than 60 breaths per minute: This is above the typical breathing rate for newborns and could indicate a problem.
- Coughing or choking: While this can sometimes occur when a baby takes in milk too quickly, persistent coughing or choking may indicate a breathing problem or a problem with digestion.
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours and contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room, depending on the severity. You can also take a video of any worrisome behaviour to show a doctor.
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When to call emergency services
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older children and adults. Their breathing patterns may appear irregular, with long pauses between breaths and unusual noises. This is because newborns are still developing their lung function and have weaker muscles, smaller lungs, and smaller breathing pathways.
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours and contact a doctor or pediatrician if you suspect they are unwell. You can also take a video of any worrisome behaviour to show a doctor. If your newborn is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or your local emergency services:
- A respiratory rate of more than 60 breaths per minute, also known as tachypnea or transient tachypnea
- Wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing
- Discolouration of the skin, lips, tongue, fingernails, or toenails, such as a blue, gray, or purple tinge
- Signs of discomfort, such as retractions by the windpipe or belly
- Any indication of difficulty breathing
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns tend to breathe faster than older children and adults. While awake, a newborn's breathing rate can be anywhere from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. During sleep, this rate can slow down to between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. Newborn breathing patterns can also be irregular and include pauses of up to 5 to 10 seconds. While this may be alarming for new parents, it is usually normal. However, if you are concerned, monitor your baby over a few hours and contact a doctor or pediatrician if you notice any worrying signs.
If your newborn is having trouble breathing, you may observe the following signs:
- A breathing rate of more than 60 breaths per minute that doesn't slow down when calm.
- Bluish or discoloured skin around the lips, hands, feet, or nail beds that doesn't go away.
- Pauses between breaths that last longer than 10 seconds.
- Wheezing, grunting, or whistling sounds while breathing.
- Retractions or pulling in of the ribs when taking a breath.
- Signs of sickness such as a cough, diarrhoea, or pale skin colour.
If you notice any of the above signs or are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to seek medical help. Contact your child's doctor or pediatrician immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room if it is a serious situation. You can also try communicating with a doctor online or through an app for faster advice and guidance.
