Colin Snow
Newborns breathe faster than older children and adults, and their breathing patterns can be irregular. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute, and this may slow to 20 to 30 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. This is perfectly normal and is often called periodic breathing. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to monitor them and seek medical advice if you suspect something is wrong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal breathing rate | 40-60 times per minute |
| Breathing rate during sleep | 20-40 times per minute |
| Breathing rate during periodic breathing | 40-60 times per minute for 10-15 seconds |
| Breathing rate during crying or distress | May briefly exceed 60 times per minute |
| Signs of respiratory distress | Grunting, wheezing, whistling, retracting, pulling in chest muscles, rib movement visible, skin discolouration |
| Actions to take | Monitor over a few hours, contact a doctor, take a video to show the doctor, call emergency services |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns' breathing rates are typically between 40-60 breaths per minute
Newborns typically breathe faster than older children and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is between 40 and 60 breaths per minute. This is significantly higher than that of an older child or an adult and may be alarming to new parents. However, it is important to remember that this is considered a normal breathing pattern for newborns.
During sleep, a newborn's breathing rate may slow down to 30 breaths per minute or even as low as 20 breaths per minute. This is still within the normal range for newborns and is not usually a cause for concern. It is worth noting that a newborn's breathing pattern may be irregular, with periods of rapid breathing followed by brief pauses. This type of breathing is known as periodic breathing and is common among newborns. During REM sleep cycles, a newborn's breathing may pause for 5 to 10 seconds, followed by a period of rapid breathing of around 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds.
While a newborn's faster breathing rate is typically normal, there are some signs to watch out for that may indicate respiratory distress or other breathing problems. For example, if a newborn is breathing faster than their usual rate, it could indicate a serious issue, and a doctor should be consulted. Other signs of respiratory distress include grunting while breathing, retracting (pulling in the chest at the ribs, below the breastbone, or above the collarbones), flaring nostrils, and cyanosis (a blue discoloration of the skin and lips due to lack of oxygen).
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. You can also use tools like the Nanit Pro Camera to track and monitor your baby's breathing patterns while they sleep, providing you with real-time data and notifications.
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Babies breathe mostly through their noses and have smaller lungs
Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, and their breathing patterns can be irregular, with long pauses between breaths and unusual noises. This is because babies are just learning to breathe, having relied on the umbilical cord to deliver oxygen to their bodies via their blood while in the womb.
Babies breathe mostly through their noses, and this is considered the usual and healthiest way for them to breathe. As air passes through the nasal passage, it is filtered to remove toxins and reaches the lungs at optimal pressure, which helps with oxygen extraction and nitric acid release for proper circulation. However, if a baby's nose is blocked with mucus or there is some other blockage in the upper airway, they may breathe through their mouth out of necessity. This can lead to long-term health consequences if left untreated, as mouth breathing can cause poor circulation, oral health problems, and sleep disorders.
Babies have smaller lungs and weaker muscles, which contribute to their faster breathing rate. 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. During REM sleep cycles, a baby's breathing pattern can be irregular, with pauses of 5 to 10 seconds, followed by rapid breathing of 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds. This phenomenon is called periodic breathing and is common among newborns, usually resolving within the first few months of life.
It is important to familiarize yourself with your baby's typical breathing patterns and sounds. If you notice any changes or are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours and contact a doctor if you have any concerns. Respiratory distress is one of the most common causes of hospital admittance for newborns, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect any issues.
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Babies are learning to breathe outside the womb
Newborns typically breathe faster than older children and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute. This may slow to 20 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. A newborn's breathing may even pause for 5 to 10 seconds, followed by a period of rapid breathing that lasts 10 to 15 seconds. This phenomenon is called periodic breathing and is common amongst newborns. It can occur while asleep and in a quiet alert state. It’s not usually indicative of any underlying health issues, and most babies outgrow periodic breathing in the first few months of life.
Babies are born with smaller lungs and weaker muscles, and they breathe mostly through their noses. In the womb, the umbilical cord delivered all of their oxygen straight to their body via their blood. So, as newborns, babies are just learning to breathe. Their lungs are not fully developed, and they may initially breathe irregularly before developing a regular breathing pattern.
It can be alarming to witness a newborn breathing fast, especially when they are sleeping. However, it is important to remember that babies' breathing patterns are different from those of adults and older children. Their breathing rate may increase when they are in pain, distressed, hungry, or upset after an immunisation. Babies who are hot or overheated may also breathe faster, and this can be dangerous as it may lead to dehydration. It is recommended to keep young babies out of direct sunlight and hot temperatures and to dress them in light layers.
If you are concerned about a newborn's breathing, it is always best to contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room, depending on the severity. It can be helpful to monitor the baby over a few hours and take a video of any worrisome behaviour to show a doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends putting babies to sleep flat on their backs for optimal breathing support.
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Babies can experience respiratory distress
Respiratory distress is one of the most common causes of neonatal intensive care hospital admittance. It describes any trouble breathing your baby might have. Babies have smaller lungs, weaker muscles, and breathe mostly through their noses. As newborns, they are just learning to breathe, as the umbilical cord delivered all their oxygen straight to their bodies via their blood in the womb.
Babies breathe much faster than older children and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute, which can slow to 30 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. A baby may breathe fast several times, then have a brief rest for less than 10 seconds, then breathe again. This is often called periodic breathing and is normal.
However, changes in a baby's breathing rate or pattern, using other muscles and parts of the chest to breathe, or changes in colour may mean the baby is having respiratory distress and needs immediate medical attention. Signs of respiratory distress may include the following:
- Flaring nostrils: A baby who is having trouble taking in enough air will have nostrils that widen with each inhaled breath.
- Retracting: Another sign of trouble taking in air is when the baby is pulling the chest in at the ribs, below the breastbone, or above the collarbones.
- Grunting: This is a sound made by a baby who is having trouble breathing. The baby grunts to try to keep air in the lungs to help build up the oxygen level.
- Cyanosis: A generalized blue colouring can be a sign the baby is not getting enough oxygen. This is often seen in babies with heart defects, as well as respiratory problems.
- Persistent coughing or choking: This may indicate a breathing problem, or a problem with digestion that should be examined by a healthcare provider.
- Sneezing: If sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or a fever, you should talk with a doctor. It could be a sign of a respiratory infection.
- Transient tachypnea: A newborn's fast breathing rate that usually resolves within 3 days after birth.
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): A condition that happens when a newborn’s lungs don’t make enough surfactant, which helps keep the lungs open fully.
- Pneumonia: A lung infection that can develop during the first week of life (early-onset pneumonia) or after the first week of life (late-onset pneumonia).
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If concerned, monitor your baby and contact a doctor
If you're concerned about your newborn's breathing, it's important to remain calm and take the following steps:
Firstly, it's helpful to understand that newborns breathe much faster than older children and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute, and this may slow to 30 or even 20 breaths per minute when the baby is sleeping. Newborns may also experience periodic breathing, where they breathe fast and then slow down for about 5 to 10 seconds. This is normal and usually not a cause for concern.
However, if you are still worried, the next step is to monitor your baby closely. Observe their breathing pattern and rate over a few hours to determine if it's their typical behaviour or if something is amiss. You can also use a monitoring device, such as the Nanit Pro Camera, which tracks your baby's breathing motion and allows you to view data on their movements and breathing patterns in real time. This can provide valuable information and peace of mind.
Additionally, pay attention to other signs that may indicate respiratory distress. For example, flaring nostrils, retracting of the chest, grunting, or a blue colour to the skin can all be signs that your baby is having difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact a doctor or seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to seek professional help if you're concerned.
If your baby is sick, it's important to keep them in the safest sleeping position, which is flat on their back. This can be challenging when they are unwell, but it's important for their breathing support. If you're unsure, you can always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider for advice and guidance. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your newborn's health.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns breathe faster than older children and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute. This may slow to 20-40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping.
Yes, newborns tend to breathe faster than older children and adults, even in their sleep. During an infant's REM sleep cycles, their breathing pattern can be irregular or even include a pause for 5-10 seconds.
Periodic breathing is common among newborns and involves breathing fast and then slowing down for about 5 to 10 seconds. This is not usually indicative of any underlying health issues, and most babies outgrow periodic breathing in the first few months of life.
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, contact your doctor immediately.
Signs of respiratory distress in newborns include flaring nostrils, retracting of the chest, grunting, a blue colour on the skin, and coughing or choking. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention.
