Observing a baby breathing quickly, often described as “panting,” can concern parents. This rapid, shallow respiration, medically known as tachypnea when sustained, is frequently a normal part of an infant’s developing respiratory function. Unlike adult breathing, a baby’s respiratory pattern is inherently erratic and irregular. Understanding the difference between these expected variations and signs of a breathing struggle is important for knowing when to act.
Understanding Normal Infant Breathing Patterns
An infant’s respiratory system is still maturing, resulting in breathing that is naturally much faster and less rhythmic than an older child’s or adult’s. A healthy newborn, while resting, typically breathes between 30 and 60 times per minute. This rate often slows down to about 30 to 40 breaths per minute when the baby is in a deep sleep state.
A specific pattern known as periodic breathing is a common variation, especially in the first few months of life. This involves a baby taking a few rapid, shallow breaths, followed by a brief pause lasting five to ten seconds. The cycle then restarts with another short burst of quick breaths, which can appear like panting. This pattern is considered benign as long as the pause does not exceed 10 seconds and is not accompanied by any change in the baby’s color or heart rate.
Because babies are obligate nose-breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses, even minor congestion can make their breathing sound loud or strained. Occasional snorts, sighs, or soft grunts are also normal noises. These sounds are associated with clearing small obstructions or moving between sleep cycles as the baby’s developing lungs and airways adjust to breathing outside the womb.
Common Non-Medical Causes of Rapid or Shallow Breathing
Beyond the physiological baseline, environmental or behavioral factors can temporarily increase a baby’s breathing rate, mimicking panting. These episodes are transient and resolve quickly once the trigger is removed. One common cause is intense physical or emotional exertion, such as immediately following vigorous crying or physical activity like kicking and reaching.
Temperature regulation is another frequent cause of faster breathing. If a baby is bundled too tightly, dressed in too many layers, or is in a warm environment, they may breathe more rapidly to dissipate excess heat. This increased respiratory rate helps the body cool down and should slow down once the baby is moved to a cooler area or layers are removed.
The state of sleep also influences breathing patterns. During the active or REM sleep phase, when babies are dreaming, their breathing can become shallower and more irregular. This change in respiration is linked to the increased brain activity characteristic of REM sleep and is a normal part of the sleep cycle.
Identifying Signs of Respiratory Distress
It is important to differentiate between rapid breathing alone and rapid breathing accompanied by physical signs of a struggle. These signs, referred to as the work of breathing, indicate that the baby is straining to get enough oxygen and require immediate attention.
- Retractions: The skin visibly pulls inward with each breath, typically between the ribs (intercostal), below the ribcage (subcostal), or above the collarbone (suprasternal).
- Nasal Flaring: The widening of the nostrils during inhalation, as the baby tries to open the airway to take in more air.
- Grunting: A short, low sound made on exhalation, which is the body’s attempt to keep the small air sacs in the lungs open.
- Abnormal Sounds: These include a high-pitched squeak on inhalation called stridor, or a whistling sound on exhalation called wheezing, suggesting narrowed air passages.
- Cyanosis: A bluish tint to the baby’s skin or the area around the lips, tongue, or nail beds, indicating a lack of sufficient oxygen.
A change in behavior, such as extreme lethargy, difficulty waking, or an inability to feed or drink, signals that the baby is tiring from the effort of breathing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Actionable guidance involves first assessing the baby’s state and accompanying symptoms, not just the speed of breathing. If rapid breathing is sustained while the baby is calm and at rest, it requires professional evaluation. A respiratory rate consistently above 60 breaths per minute in a resting infant suggests the body is working too hard to maintain oxygen levels.
To accurately determine the rate, a caregiver should count the number of chest rises over a full 60 seconds while the baby is peaceful. If this sustained rapid rate is noted, or if any physical signs of respiratory distress—such as retractions, flaring, or grunting—are observed, contact the pediatrician immediately.
In cases of severe distress, such as a change in skin color, a pause in breathing lasting longer than 10 to 15 seconds, or an inability to wake or feed, emergency medical services should be contacted without delay. Having the baby’s respiratory rate, specific accompanying symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms ready will help facilitate a rapid and accurate assessment.