Colin Snow
Newborns breathe faster than adults and older children, with a normal breathing rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute. This can be alarming for new parents, especially when newborns take long pauses of up to 10 seconds between inhalations and exhalations. While newborns' breathing slows down to 20 to 30 breaths per minute during sleep, fast breathing may indicate respiratory distress and require immediate medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal newborn breathing rate | 40-60 breaths per minute |
| Normal newborn sleeping breathing rate | 20-40 breaths per minute |
| Normal 6-month-old baby breathing rate | 25-40 breaths per minute |
| Normal adult breathing rate | N/A |
| Periodic breathing | Breathing fast and then slowing down for about 5-10 seconds |
| Maximum pause between breaths | 10 seconds |
| Signs of respiratory distress | Changes in a baby's breathing rate or pattern, using other muscles and parts of the chest to breathe, or changes in color |
| Signs of respiratory problems | More than 60 breaths per minute, wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, discoloration on skin/lips, retractions by windpipe or belly |
| Signs of respiratory infection | Congestion, thick mucus |
| Signs of gastroesophageal reflux | Regurgitation, hiccups |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns breathe faster than adults
This heavy breathing can be quite alarming for new parents, but it is usually nothing to worry about. It is a good idea to learn your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can spot any changes, which could indicate respiratory distress. For example, if a newborn is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, this could be a sign of respiratory issues and may require medical attention.
Periodic breathing, where a newborn breathes rapidly and then slows down for about 5 to 10 seconds, is also common. During this time, their breathing rate may be as high as 40 to 60 breaths per minute. As long as they do not pause for more than 10 seconds between breaths, this is considered normal.
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is always best to seek medical advice. A doctor or pediatrician can advise on ways to improve your baby's breathing, such as using saline drops or a nasal aspirator to clear congestion.
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Periodic breathing
Newborns breathe faster than adults and older children. A newborn's normal breathing rate is between 40 and 60 breaths per minute, which may slow to 20 or 30 breaths per minute while they are sleeping.
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Respiratory distress
Newborns breathe faster than adults and older children, with a normal breathing rate of between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. While sleeping, this rate may slow to 20 to 40 breaths per minute. Newborns may also experience periodic breathing, where they breathe rapidly and then slow down for about 5 to 10 seconds, before breathing rapidly again at a rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds.
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 if necessary. It is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can identify any changes or irregularities.
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When to seek medical attention
Newborns have developing lungs and weaker muscles, so their typical breathing pattern may appear fast. Heavy breathing may be a sign of a breathing problem. It is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern while they are healthy and relaxed. This way, you can notice if anything changes.
- If your newborn is sick, you may want to contact a doctor. It can be difficult to tell how sick a newborn is. Take a video of any worrisome behavior to show a doctor.
- If your newborn does not improve or their condition worsens, contact a doctor.
- If your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, this may be a cause for concern.
- If your baby is wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, has discoloration on their skin/lips, and is showing any signs of discomfort such as retractions by their windpipe or belly, seek medical attention.
- If your newborn is having significant difficulty breathing or has a blue or gray tinge to their skin, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or your local emergency services.
- If your newborn's breathing pauses for more than 10 seconds between inhalations and exhalations, it is something to be concerned about, and you should rush them to a doctor.
- If your newborn is coughing, this may be a natural reflex to protect their airways and keep germs out. However, if you are concerned, contact a doctor.
- If you notice any common warning signs of newborn breathing conditions, which usually occur at birth or within the first few hours, seek medical attention. If your baby shows signs of distress, your child’s provider will do tests to help diagnose a newborn breathing condition.
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Normal newborn breathing patterns
Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, with normal newborn breathing patterns ranging between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. While sleeping, their breathing may slow down to 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Newborns may also experience periodic breathing, where their breathing stops for 5 to 10 seconds and then resumes rapidly at a rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 seconds. This type of breathing pattern is usually considered normal and is part of typical newborn development. However, if the pause between breaths exceeds 10 seconds, it may be a cause for concern, and medical attention should be sought.
Newborns primarily breathe through their noses during the first few months of life, which can result in a variety of sounds, including snorts, grunts, gurgles, and whistles. Their tiny nasal passages make them prone to sneezing as they work to clear particles and substances from their airways. Additionally, newborns may exhibit irregular breathing patterns, such as rapid breaths followed by long pauses of up to 10 seconds. These breathing patterns can be alarming to new parents but are often normal for newborns.
It is important for parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with their newborn's typical breathing pattern. By observing and understanding their baby's usual breathing behaviour, they can quickly identify any deviations or signs of respiratory distress. If you notice any unusual breathing patterns or if your baby seems unwell, it is recommended to contact a doctor or healthcare provider for advice and guidance.
While most newborn breathing patterns are normal, there are some signs that may indicate a serious breathing problem. If your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, exhibiting signs of discomfort, or showing discolouration on their skin or lips, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if your baby is turning blue, particularly in areas with high blood flow like the lips and tongue, it is an emergency situation that requires urgent medical care.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns breathe faster than adults and older children. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute, which may slow to 20 to 40 times per minute when sleeping. They may also experience periodic breathing, where they breathe rapidly and then slow down or pause for 5 to 10 seconds.
Heavy breathing in newborns may be a sign of respiratory distress if accompanied by other symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe the following:
- Grunting, moaning, or sighing while breathing
- Discolouration on the skin or lips, such as a blue colouring
- Retracting, where the baby pulls the chest in at the ribs, below the breastbone, or above the collarbones
- Persistent coughing or choking
- Wheezing, whistling, or other unusual noises while breathing
If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours and contact a doctor or pediatrician if you notice any signs of distress or illness. Take a video of any worrisome behaviour to show the doctor. It is recommended to put babies to sleep flat on their backs for the best breathing support.
