Breathing Patterns Of Newborns: Holding And Irregularity

Newborns often have irregular breathing patterns that can be concerning for new parents. Irregular breathing in newborns is usually normal and can be attributed to several factors. Newborns breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths, and their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct. Their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's, and their respiration is not yet fully developed as they are still learning to use their lungs and breathing muscles. Newborns also tend to breathe faster than older children and adults, with a normal breathing rate of about 40 to 60 times per minute, slowing to 30 to 40 times per minute during sleep. This breathing pattern may include brief pauses of less than 10 seconds between breaths, which is known as periodic breathing and is typically considered normal. However, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of their newborn's typical breathing pattern to identify any potential concerns or distress.

Irregular breathing is normal for newborns

Newborns often have irregular breathing patterns that can be concerning for new parents. However, it's important to remember that what may seem unusual or alarming is likely perfectly normal for your newborn. Newborns typically breathe faster than adults, with a normal breathing rate of about 30 to 60 times per minute, slowing down to 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep. They may also take rapid breaths and then pause for up to 10 seconds, which is known as periodic breathing and is considered normal.

Newborns' breathing differs from that of adults due to several factors. Firstly, they breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths. Secondly, their breathing pathways are much smaller and can be easily obstructed. Thirdly, their chest wall is more pliable because it is made mostly of cartilage. Additionally, their respiration is not yet fully developed, as they are still learning to use their lungs and associated breathing muscles.

While most irregular breathing patterns in newborns are normal, it is crucial to be aware of your baby's typical breathing pattern. This way, you can identify any deviations that may indicate a breathing problem. Warning signs of respiratory distress include:

• Flaring of the nostrils with each breath
• Bluish tone to the baby's skin and lips
• Pulling inward of the muscles between the ribs when breathing
• Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
• Difficulty feeding in addition to breathing issues
• Lethargy or excessive sleepiness
• Fever, coughing, or other signs of sickness

If you notice any of these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention for your baby.

In summary, while irregular breathing is common in newborns and often benign, it is important to be vigilant and seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your baby's breathing patterns or notice any distress or warning signs.

Newborns may breathe fast, take long pauses, and make unusual noises

Newborns have distinct breathing patterns that may seem alarming to new parents. They can breathe fast, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. However, it's important to remember that these breathing patterns are usually perfectly normal. Here's what you need to know about newborn breathing:

Typical Newborn Breathing Patterns

Newborns typically take 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which can slow down to 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep. At 6 months, this decreases to 25 to 40 breaths per minute. In comparison, adults take about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Newborns can also take rapid breaths and then pause for up to 10 seconds, which is very different from adult breathing patterns.

Newborns' breathing looks and sounds different from adults for several reasons:

• They breathe more through their nostrils than their mouth.
• Their breathing pathways are much smaller and can be easily obstructed.
• Their chest wall is more pliable because it's made mostly of cartilage.
• Their respiration isn't fully developed, and they are still learning to use their lungs and breathing muscles.
• They may still have amniotic fluid and meconium in their airways right after birth.

When to Be Concerned

While most irregular breathing patterns in newborns are normal, there are some warning signs that may indicate a serious breathing problem. Consult your baby's healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following:

• A breathing rate of more than 60 breaths per minute.
• Flaring nostrils, indicating the baby is working harder to get enough air.
• Retracting, or pulling in of the chest at the ribs, below the breastbone, or above the collarbones.
• Grunting while breathing, which is a sign that the baby is trying to keep air in the lungs and build up oxygen levels.
• A blue colour, called cyanosis, on the baby's skin and lips, indicating a lack of oxygen, often seen in babies with heart defects or respiratory problems.
• Difficulty feeding or a poor appetite.
• Excessive sleepiness or lethargy.

It's important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing patterns and seek help right away if something seems wrong.

Newborns breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths

It is normal for newborn babies to have irregular breathing patterns, and in most cases, there is no cause for concern. Irregular breathing may include breathing through the mouth, but newborns typically breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths. This is because they are ""obligate nose breathers", meaning that they are designed to breathe through their noses.

Newborns have unique physical features that make breathing through the mouth more difficult, such as a larger tongue, smaller mouth, and elevated larynx. They also have smaller breathing pathways that can be easily obstructed. In addition, their chest wall is made mostly of cartilage, making it more pliable than that of an adult. Their respiration is also not yet fully developed, as they are still learning to use their lungs and the associated breathing muscles.

Breathing through the nose helps to prevent milk aspiration while feeding and also helps to humidify, warm, and decontaminate the inhaled air. However, a blocked nose from congestion can compromise the health and comfort of a baby, and it is important to keep the nasal passages clear.

While irregular breathing is usually normal, there are some warning signs that may indicate a more serious issue. These include:

• Bluish tone to the baby's skin and lips
• Flaring of the nostrils with each breath
• Pulling inward of the muscles between the ribs when breathing
• Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
• Difficulty feeding or lack of interest in eating
• Lethargy or excessive sleepiness
• Fever

If you notice any of these warning signs, it is important to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.

A newborn's chest wall is more pliable than an adult's

Irregular breathing patterns in newborns are usually not a cause for concern. Newborns tend to breathe faster than adults, and their breathing patterns are distinct. They may breathe through their nostrils more than their mouths, and their breathing pathways are much smaller, which can lead to unusual noises. Their chest walls are more pliable than an adult's because they are made mostly of cartilage. This pliability allows for effective ventilation and stabilisation of the chest wall.

A newborn's chest wall is highly compliant and flexible, which is important for their respiration. The chest wall is made up of horizontally placed ribs, which allow for a significant increase in the anteroposterior and lateral diameters of the thorax when the diaphragm descends. This flexibility in the rib cage compensates for the anatomic immaturity of newborns, whose lungs and breathing muscles are still developing.

The pliability of a newborn's chest wall can be attributed to the increased compliance compared to their lungs, the incomplete ossification of their ribs, and the immaturity of their respiratory muscles. This increased compliance means that the chest wall can easily change shape, especially when compared to the more rigid adult chest wall.

While a newborn's pliable chest wall is normal and functional, it is important to be aware of potential breathing problems. Signs of respiratory distress include retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, and tachypnea. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your baby is struggling to breathe, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Familiarise yourself with your newborn's breathing patterns to identify any concerns

Newborn babies can exhibit some unusual breathing patterns, most of which are not cause for alarm. Newborns breathe differently from adults because they breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths, and their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct. Their chest wall is also more pliable than an adult's, as it is made mostly of cartilage, and their respiration is not yet fully developed.

Newborns typically take 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which can slow down to 30 to 40 breaths per minute while they sleep. They may also take rapid breaths, then pause for up to 10 seconds at a time. This is very different from adult breathing patterns, which is why new parents might be alarmed. However, within a few months, most of these irregularities resolve themselves.

Warning signs

It's important to familiarise yourself with your baby's typical breathing patterns and get help right away if something seems wrong. Warning signs to look out for include:

• A bluish tone to the baby's skin and lips
• Flaring of the nostrils with each breath
• Pulling inward of the muscles between the ribs when breathing
• Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
• Difficulty feeding
• Lethargy
• Fever

If you notice any of these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.

Common breathing noises

• Hoarse cry and barking cough: This may be caused by a blockage in the windpipe, such as mucus or inflammation in the voice box (croup).
• Wheezing: This can be a sign of a blockage or narrowing of the lower airways, caused by a respiratory virus, infection, or fever.
• Snoring: This is usually due to mucus in the nostrils, but in rare cases, it can be a sign of a chronic condition such as sleep apnea or enlarged tonsils.
• Stridor: A constant, high-pitched sound that indicates airway obstruction.
• Low-pitched noise on exhale: This usually signals an issue with one or both lungs, or a severe infection.

Tips for concerned parents

If you're concerned about your baby's breathing:

• Learn your baby's typical breathing patterns so you can easily identify any changes.
• Take a video of your baby's breathing and show it to a doctor. Many medical professionals now offer online appointments.
• Always have your baby sleep on their back to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Use saline drops to help loosen thick mucus.
• Clothe your baby in breathable fabrics, adding only one extra layer to what you yourself are wearing.

Frequently asked questions