Observing a newborn’s breathing can often concern new parents. Infant breathing appears quite different from adult patterns, raising many questions. Understanding these characteristics helps alleviate anxiety and recognize when medical attention is necessary.
Normal Newborn Breathing Patterns
Newborn breathing patterns are often irregular. Infants frequently exhibit “periodic breathing,” taking several rapid breaths followed by a 5 to 10-second pause, then resuming. This pattern is normal and common, especially during sleep. A healthy newborn’s respiratory rate typically ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute while awake, notably faster than an adult’s. This rate can slow to 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep.
Newborns primarily breathe using their diaphragm. This abdominal breathing causes their belly to rise and fall significantly with each breath. Their chest wall is more pliable, and their breathing pathways are smaller, contributing to different sounds and patterns. Occasionally, normal newborns may make brief grunting sounds or soft sighs as their respiratory system adjusts, which are not signs of distress if isolated.
Everyday Variations in Breathing
A newborn’s breathing can change due to everyday activities, making it seem “heavy” without indicating a problem. During active (REM) sleep, a baby’s breathing can become more irregular, with noticeable changes in rate and depth. This is part of their developing respiratory system learning to regulate itself.
Crying, fussiness, or excitement can temporarily increase a baby’s breathing rate and depth. This physical exertion naturally leads to faster respiration, which typically returns to normal once the baby calms. Feeding can also influence breathing patterns, as babies coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Changes in body temperature, such as being slightly warm, can also lead to a temporarily faster breathing rate.
Recognizing Breathing Difficulties
Identifying signs of breathing difficulty involves observing visual cues and listening for abnormal sounds. One notable sign is increased work of breathing, where the baby uses extra effort to inhale. This can manifest as nasal flaring, where the nostrils widen with each breath, indicating the baby is trying to take in more air. Retractions are visible indentations of the skin around the ribs, below the breastbone, or above the collarbones as the baby breathes in. These retractions signify that the baby is struggling to draw air into the lungs.
Abnormal sounds also suggest breathing distress. Persistent grunting, a short, low sound made on exhalation, often indicates the baby is attempting to keep air in their lungs to improve oxygen levels. Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound, suggests narrowed airways, while stridor, a harsh, squeaky sound, points to a partial blockage in the upper airway. A persistent cough can also be a sign of a respiratory problem.
Color changes are a significant indicator of reduced oxygen. Bluish discoloration around the mouth, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis) signals that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. Changes in alertness or activity, such as unusual lethargy, unresponsiveness, or extreme irritability, alongside breathing changes, can also be concerning. A persistently fast breathing rate (consistently over 60 breaths per minute when calm) or unusually slow breathing can be a sign of an underlying issue.
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
Prompt medical attention is necessary for severe signs of breathing difficulty. Call emergency services immediately if the baby’s lips or skin turn blue, they become unresponsive, or show severe retractions. These indicate a dangerous lack of oxygen.
Contact your pediatrician without delay if you observe any breathing difficulty signs, such as persistent nasal flaring, grunting with every breath, persistent wheezing or stridor, or noticeable retractions. Even without a specific symptom, trust your intuition if you sense something is wrong with your baby’s breathing. It is always appropriate to seek professional advice when concerned about your newborn’s health. You can also monitor your baby’s breathing by counting breaths per minute and observing chest movements for changes.