Colin Snow
Newborns have a much faster breathing rate than older children and adults, and this is considered normal. Their lungs are smaller, and their muscles are weaker, so they breathe mostly through their noses. Newborns are also just learning to breathe, as they received oxygen through the umbilical cord in the womb. During REM sleep cycles, their breathing pattern can be irregular, with pauses of 5 to 10 seconds, followed by rapid breathing. This is called periodic breathing and is common among newborns, usually not indicating any health issues. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them for a few hours and contact a doctor if you notice any worrying signs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal newborn breathing patterns | 40-60 breaths per minute |
| Newborns' sleep breathing | 30 breaths per minute |
| Periodic breathing | Fast breathing followed by a slow down for 5-10 seconds, then rapid breathing for 10-15 seconds |
| Continuous rapid breathing | May indicate a problem |
| Congestion remedies | Use a humidifier and place nasal saline drops in the nose |
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What You'll Learn
Baby's breathing pattern and rate change
It is common for newborns to breathe rapidly, at more than 60 breaths per minute, especially when crying or feeding. During sleep, their breathing may slow down to 30 breaths per minute. However, 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. This phenomenon is typical among newborns and usually resolves within the first few months of life.
Periodic breathing is when a newborn alternates between short pauses in breathing and several quick breaths. It is considered normal and not a cause for concern by healthcare providers. However, if your baby's breathing doesn't seem right, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Several factors can influence a baby's breathing pattern and rate. One factor is their physiology. Newborns have smaller lungs, weaker muscles, and breathe mostly through their noses. Additionally, they are still developing regular breathing patterns, as they received oxygen through their umbilical cord in the womb.
Another factor is illness. Babies can be susceptible to respiratory infections, which can cause inflammation or congestion in their nasal passages or lungs. As a result, they may breathe more quickly to maintain adequate oxygenation. It is important to recognize the signs that your baby is sick, such as congestion, and seek medical attention if necessary.
To familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern, observe them when they are healthy and relaxed. This will help you notice any changes or deviations from their normal breathing pattern. While some variations in breathing patterns are normal, especially in the first few months, it is crucial to be aware of abnormal breathing patterns that may indicate respiratory problems. These include rapid and irregular breathing, which can be a sign of overheating, agitation, or illness. Additionally, apnea, or prolonged pauses in breathing (lasting 20 seconds or more), can be indicative of serious respiratory issues or other underlying health conditions.
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Baby is sick
It is important to learn to recognize the signs that your baby is sick. A newborn's typical breathing rate while awake is between 40 and 60 breaths per minute. During sleep, this can slow down to between 30 and 40 breaths per minute. Newborns can also take rapid breaths, then pause for up to 10 seconds at a time. This phenomenon is called periodic breathing and is common among newborns. It is not usually indicative of any underlying health issues, and most babies outgrow it in the first few months of life.
However, if your baby is sick, you may want to contact a doctor. It can be difficult to tell how sick a newborn is, but there are some signs you can look out for. For example, if your baby is congested, you can use a humidifier and place nasal saline drops into their nose to lubricate the mucus, making it easier to sneeze out. Other signs of sickness include a cough, diarrhoea, pale skin colour, and a fever. If your baby is ill and is grunting while breathing, you should visit a doctor immediately.
If you are concerned about your baby's breathing patterns, it is always recommended to seek medical guidance. You can monitor your baby's breathing over a few hours to see if it improves or worsens. Take a video of any worrisome behaviour to show a doctor. In a medical emergency, call your local emergency services or take your newborn to the nearest emergency room.
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Baby is congested
It is normal for newborns to breathe faster than older babies, kids, and adults. They may initially breathe irregularly before developing a regular breathing pattern. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to monitor them over a few hours and familiarize yourself with their typical breathing patterns. If you notice any changes, it may be best to contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room.
If your baby is congested, there are a few things you can do to help them sleep more comfortably:
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer in the room to help clear out congestion. Place it close enough to your baby's sleep space so that the mist helps, but out of their reach for safety. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning and use to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.
- Try a steam treatment before bedtime or when your baby is especially congested. Run hot water in the bathroom for a few minutes with the door closed, then take your baby in the room and snuggle them while they breathe in the steamy air. Be careful not to overheat your baby or make them uncomfortable.
- Use nasal saline drops to lubricate the mucus and make it easier for your baby to sneeze it out. A wet cotton swab can also be used to carefully remove sticky mucus around the nose.
- Use a bulb syringe or other nasal aspirator to gently suction out mucus as needed. Be careful not to overuse these devices, as it can lead to swelling in your baby's nose and make congestion worse.
It is important to note that propping up your baby on towels, pillows, or an inclined mattress is not recommended, as it is not safe. Always place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface for sleep, even if they have a stuffy nose. If you are concerned about ongoing congestion or notice any high-pitched sounds, be sure to consult your pediatrician.
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Baby is in REM sleep
It is understandable to be concerned about your newborn's breathing, especially when they are sleeping. Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, and their breathing patterns can vary depending on various factors, including their sleep cycles. During REM sleep, it is common for newborns to exhibit irregular breathing patterns, which can include 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 known as periodic breathing and is considered normal in newborns. It is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern when they are healthy and relaxed. This way, you can identify any deviations from their usual breathing rhythm.
During REM sleep, the newborn's brain is highly active, and they may experience intense dreams. The rapid eye movements associated with this sleep stage indicate the neurological development occurring during this period. While in this state, their breathing patterns can vary, and they may take long pauses between breaths or exhibit faster breathing rates. These variations are typically not a cause for concern and are a result of the baby's physiology. Newborns are still learning to breathe effectively, as they have smaller lungs and weaker muscles, which are not yet fully developed.
If you notice any unusual breathing patterns during REM sleep or at other times, it is essential to monitor your newborn closely. Observe them over a few hours to determine if they are exhibiting signs of illness or respiratory distress. Sick newborns may exhibit changes in their behaviour and appearance, such as congestion or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your baby is sick, it may be advisable to contact your doctor or seek medical attention, especially if their condition does not improve or worsens. Taking a video of any worrisome behaviour can be helpful to show the doctor during an appointment or online consultation.
To ensure your newborn receives the best breathing support during sleep, it is recommended to follow safe sleeping practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies be placed flat on their backs when sleeping. This position provides optimal breathing support and is considered the safest, even though it may be challenging to settle your baby in this position when they are sick. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact with your newborn can help calm them and regulate their body temperature, which may also positively impact their breathing.
Remember, each newborn is unique, and it is important to familiarize yourself with your baby's individual breathing patterns. What may be considered typical for one newborn may vary slightly for another. By observing your newborn closely and consulting with your healthcare provider when necessary, you can ensure that your baby receives the care and support they need for healthy breathing during REM sleep and throughout their development.
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Baby is learning to breathe
Newborns breathe a lot faster than older children and adults. This is because they have smaller lungs and weaker muscles and are still learning to breathe. In the womb, all of a baby's oxygen is delivered via the umbilical cord, so they only start to learn how to breathe once they are born.
A newborn's breathing pattern can be irregular, with long pauses of up to 5-10 seconds between breaths, followed by a period of rapid breathing of around 40 to 60 breaths per minute. This phenomenon is called periodic breathing and is common among newborns. It is not usually indicative of any underlying health issues, and most babies outgrow it in the first few months of life.
It is important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can notice if anything changes. If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, monitor them over a few hours and contact a doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You can also take a video of any worrisome behavior to show a doctor.
Some breathing noises that a baby makes are perfectly normal, but others may be a cause for concern. For example, if your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute, wheezing, whistling, or grunting while breathing, or showing any signs of discomfort, you should contact a doctor immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns breathe a lot faster than older babies, kids, and adults. They may initially breathe irregularly before developing a regular breathing pattern. During an infant's REM sleep cycles, their breathing pattern can be irregular or even include a pause for 5-10 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.
Fast breathing by itself may not be a cause for concern, but there are a few things to pay attention to. If your newborn is sick, you may want to contact a doctor. If your newborn does not improve or their condition worsens, it is recommended to contact a doctor. If a newborn is having significant difficulty breathing or has a blue or gray tinge to their skin, you should seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or your local emergency services.
If your baby is congested, there are a few simple ways to help improve their breathing comfort. Using a humidifier and placing nasal saline drops into their nose can help lubricate the mucus, making it easier to sneeze out.
