Is Your Infant’s Breathing Pattern is Normal?
Baby does a lot of things that many times surprise the parents. Some moments make you laugh whereas sometimes you pause at their behavior and become genuinely concerned. The breathing pattern of newborns could be alarming for parents. So, here in our blog, we are discussing the breathing pattern to keep you informed and take the best care of your toddler.
Babies usually take long pauses between their breath and some make noises while breathing.
Generally, babies having smaller lungs, weaker muscles, are found to make noise while breathing. However, the child’s lungs are not fully developed until the age of 2 to 5.
How is Normal Newborn Breathing?
Newborn breath a lot faster than adults and older babies. On average, 6 months babies take about 40 breaths per minute and it looks pretty fast when you are watching them. Breathing may also slow down during the sleep to about 20 breath per minute.
In periodic breathing, newborn baby breath might stop for 5 to 10 seconds and then start breathing rapidly to about 50 to 60 breath per minute for 10 to 15 seconds. That shouldn’t be paused for more than 10 seconds even while resting. So, familiarize yourself with the normal breathing pattern of the baby when they are relaxed and healthy.
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What is Periodic Breathing?
When your baby is sleeping and you notice him go through is referred to as periodic breathing. At times, you may find his breathing rapid, followed by
shallow breath, and may even brief pause for a few seconds. This is very normal and is a part of newborn development. If your baby shows any signs that are mentioned below then you need to consult a pediatrician
- Breathing pause more than 10 seconds,
- Grunting while breathing,
- Coughing or wheezing persistently,
- Deep breathing causing ribs to protrude
What to Watch for your Infant Breathing
Once you are aware of the normal breathing pattern of a newborn, then you can watch for the signs of change. Premature newborns face breathing issues due to underdeveloped lungs. Full-term babies delivered by cesarean might face breathing issues after risk. Have a look at newborn breathing problem as follows: –
Mucus or infection in the lungs may cause deep cough,
Snoring or whistling noise require suctioning mucus from the nose,
Croup causes hoarse cry or barking,
Pneumonia or transient tachypnea may cause heavy breathing issues,
Asthma or bronchiolitis may cause wheezing,
An allergy may cause a dry cough
Tips for Parents
Remember that coughing is a natural reflex that keeps germs out. Monitor your baby for a few hours if you are concerned for your baby breathing, you
will soon configure whether it is a mild cold or something more serious. Here
are some tips to take care of your sick baby
Keep them hydrated,
Clear mucus using the saline drops.
Give them a warm bath or hot shower,
Play calm and relaxing music,
Ensure your baby gets enough sleep,
Don’t use vapour rub for your child under the age of 2 years.
When To See The Doctor?
A sick baby will look and act quite differently than being normal. However, it could be difficult to configure if you have known the baby for a few weeks only. If you have questions and concerns then ask your nearby doctor.
If your baby is having trouble sleeping or eating, deep cough, barking cough, fever above 100.4F then you can get an appointment with your doctor. If your baby has a distressed look, trouble crying, dehydration, grunting, nostrils flaring, blue tinge to the skin then you need to call the doctor right away.
Notice the irregular breathing in your child and learn their normal behavior so that you can notice them trouble breathing.