Your baby should be breathing at a rate appropriate for their age, with a normal rhythm and effort. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Normal Breathing Rates
A baby's breathing rate changes as they grow. Here's a table summarizing typical rates:
Age | Breaths per Minute |
---|---|
Newborn | 30 to 60 |
Newborn (Sleep) | 30 to 40 |
6 Months | 25 to 40 |
- Newborns: Expect your newborn to breathe quite rapidly, typically between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. This can sometimes sound irregular, with pauses and faster periods.
- Sleeping Newborns: When your newborn is sleeping, their breathing should slow down slightly to about 30 to 40 breaths per minute.
- 6 Months Old: As your baby gets older, their breathing rate will decrease, with a normal range of 25 to 40 breaths per minute around 6 months. For comparison, adults take about 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
What to Observe
Besides the rate, observe these key aspects of your baby's breathing:
- Rhythm: Breathing should have a relatively regular pattern, even if slight variations are normal.
- Effort: Breathing should not be labored. You should not see:
- Flaring nostrils.
- Excessive chest or belly movement.
- Grunting sounds with each breath.
- Skin pulling in between the ribs or above the collarbone when they breathe.
- Sound: A healthy breath should be relatively quiet. You shouldn't hear:
- Wheezing.
- Rattling.
- High-pitched sounds.
When to Be Concerned
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you observe any of the following signs:
- Rapid Breathing: If your newborn is breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute consistently, or is breathing too slowly.
- Labored Breathing: If there is significant effort in breathing.
- Color Changes: Bluish color around the mouth or face.
- Pauses in Breathing: Long pauses (more than 20 seconds) between breaths.
- Changes in Sound: Wheezing, rattling, or grunting with breathing.
- Fever: A temperature above 100.4° F (38° C) in a newborn less than 3 months old.
Key Takeaways
- Your baby's breathing rate should be within the normal ranges for their age.
- Pay attention to the rhythm, effort, and sound of their breaths.
- Seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your baby's breathing.