{"id":1739,"date":"2023-04-30T10:21:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-30T10:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/?p=1739"},"modified":"2026-09-08T00:22:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T00:22:16","slug":"newborn-breathing-patterns-whats-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/30\/newborn-breathing-patterns-whats-normal\/","title":{"rendered":"Newborn Breathing Patterns: What\u2019s Normal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The pauses, the quick breaths, the tiny sighs of your newborn; it all looks so different from adult breathing. This guide, Newborn Breathing Patterns: What\u2019s Normal? written with input from&nbsp;<em>Let Mommy Sleep\u2019s<\/em>&nbsp;registered nurses and newborn care experts, explains what\u2019s normal, when to call the pediatrician and how to help your baby breathe comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"886\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-01-07-at-9.39.05-PM.png\" alt=\"Newborn Breathing Patterns: What\u2019s Normal?\" class=\"wp-image-2081\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9480812641083521;width:307px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-01-07-at-9.39.05-PM.png 840w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-01-07-at-9.39.05-PM-284x300.png 284w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Screen-Shot-2022-01-07-at-9.39.05-PM-768x810.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Newborn Breathing Patterns: What\u2019s Normal? <em>image credit: RTD Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Normal newborn breathing is 40 to 60 breaths per minute and often includes short pauses of 5 to 10 seconds, grunting, snorting, and irregular rhythms, all of which are completely normal. Blue lips or tongue, breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute, or pauses longer than 20 seconds require immediate medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Your newborn breaths differently than you because up until birth, baby&#8217;s lungs were filled with amniotic fluid. They didn&#8217;t need to breathe on their own because oxygen was received from the placenta. Adapting to breathing air instead of fluid happens right away, but the lungs and airway passages are underdeveloped compared to an adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-lms-pink-color has-text-color has-link-color has-regular-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here is a breakdown of what normal newborn breathing looks like, and when to call the doctor:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Normal breathing patterns for newborns can vary depending on their age, activity level, and sleep state but there are general guidelines to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li><strong>40-60 breaths per minute<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">You can <a href=\"http:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/assessment-of-the-newborn-infant?detectedLanguage=en&amp;source=search_result&amp;search=newborn+breathing&amp;selectedTitle=1~150&amp;provider=noProvider\">assess <\/a>your newborn\u2019s breathing by looking at their abdomen. Your infant\u2019s abdomen rises and falls with each breath. The normal rate is 40-60 breaths per minute in the healthy, full-term infant (counted for a full minute), and will vary depending on whether she or he is sleeping, awake, active, or crying. &nbsp;(More info in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/assessment-of-the-newborn-infant?detectedLanguage=en&amp;source=search_result&amp;search=newborn+breathing&amp;selectedTitle=1~150&amp;provider=noProvider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this study<\/a> on UptoDate)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li><strong>Apnea<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">A baby born preterm, or before 37 weeks gestation, is at risk for apnea. Apnea is a pause in breathing for more than 20 seconds. For any parent, this is a very long time! The good news is that pauses that are 5-10 seconds long are completely normal. &nbsp;These short pauses, also called <em>periodic breathing<\/em>, are commonly seen in preterm infants. &nbsp;After 15 seconds, the baby needs stimulation to resume breathing such as rubbing his or her back, arms, or legs, suggested in <a href=\"http:\/\/kidshealth.org\/parent\/medical\/lungs\/aop.html#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this article <\/a>on KidsHealth.org. &nbsp;If your baby is prone to Apnea, the hospital will monitor this closely and may prescribe an apnea monitor upon leaving the hospital so you will know if baby ever needs stimulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Preemies are more prone to apnea. Learn more about what to expect if you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2026\/08\/15\/bringing-baby-home-from-the-nicu\/\" title=\" bringing baby home from the NICU \">bringing baby home from the NICU <\/a>here. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">If your baby requires home monitoring due to apnea or respiratory concerns, read <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2025\/07\/01\/infant-pulse-oximetry\/\" title=\"Infant Pulse Oximetry: Owlet and More\"><em>Infant Pulse Oximetry: Owlet and More<\/em><\/a> for guidance on prescription versus consumer devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li><strong>Skin Color and Newborn Breathing<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Another good indication that your baby is breathing well is his or her skin color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li>Pink skin = good perfusion of tissues = good breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blue hands, feet, and around the mouth are actually normal in newborn babies too. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is called <em>acrocyanosis<\/em> and is often seen the first few days of life while newborns&nbsp;transition to life outside the womb. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blue INSIDE the mouth is <strong>not normal<\/strong> and suggests that baby is not breathing well. 911 should be called immediately if this occurs at home. <em>More on this below.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Newborn-Breathing-Patterns-Whats-Normal.png\" alt=\"Newborn Breathing Patterns: What\u2019s Normal\" class=\"wp-image-3541\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7390873015873016;width:307px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Newborn-Breathing-Patterns-Whats-Normal.png 473w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Newborn-Breathing-Patterns-Whats-Normal-222x300.png 222w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Newborn Breathing Patterns: What\u2019s Normal?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Luckily, breathing issues will resolve on their own as your baby\u2019s brain and spinal cord mature and muscle tone strengthens. You can help your baby breathe best by laying baby on his or her back on a <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/21\/10-steps-safe-sleep-baby\/\">firm, flat crib <\/a>or bassinet to ensure baby\u2019s airway is open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-regular-font-size\"><strong>Obligate Nose Breathing<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Babies are obligate nose breathers, which means they breath through their nose primarily. This is because they are born with relatively small nasal passages and underdeveloped lungs compared to adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long are babies obligate nose breathers?<\/strong>&nbsp;Most babies develop the ability to breathe through their mouth around 3 to 4 months of age as their airways and lungs mature. Until then, keeping nasal passages clear with saline drops or a bulb syringe is especially important.<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wikihow.life\/Use-a-Bulb-Syringe-on-a-Baby\" title=\" How to Use a Bulb Syringe\"> How to Use a Bulb Syringe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li><strong>Grunting and Noisy Breathing<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Parents might surprised by how LOUD their babies can be! Newborns often make noises while breathing, including during sleep. Grunting, snorting, or whistling are perfectly normal. These noises are usually harmless and may be due to their small nasal passages. Grunting in particular may also be due to normal digestion. Remember that the hard work of eating, digesting and ultimately passing breastmilk or formula is new to your baby&#8217;s system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes grunting can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a common condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and makes baby uncomfortable. If grunting is accompanied by spitting up, irritability, and poor weight gain and you&#8217;re concerned, contact your pediatrician. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-lms-pink-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">When to Call the Doctor or 911:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Below are signs of respiratory distress that while rare, require immediate medical attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li>Rapid breathing &#8211; breathing faster than usual, taking more than 60 breaths per minute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flaring nostrils &#8211; Flared nostrils during breathing show that baby is working harder than normal to breathe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retractions &#8211; The skin between the ribs or under the ribcage may be sucked in with each breath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grunting &#8211; Sounds of grunting with each breath, instead if just once in a while.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wheezing &#8211; Baby may consistently make a high-pitched whistling sound when they breathe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cyanosis &#8211; The baby&#8217;s skin, lips, or nails may turn blue or grayish in color. This is different than <em>acrocyanosis<\/em> which is temporary and normal as newborns circulatory systems adjust to life outside the womb.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A new presentation of cyanosis is a sign of low levels of oxygen in the blood. New cyanosis is serious.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent cyanosis is a sign of an underlying medical problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lethargy: Weak or unresponsive, with little energy to cry or move.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When to Call the Doctor<\/strong> <strong>or 911<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Sign<\/th><th>What It May Mean<\/th><th>What to Do<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Breathing pauses &gt;20 sec<\/td><td>Possible apnea<\/td><td>Call pediatrician or 911<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Blue lips\/tongue<\/td><td>Low oxygen<\/td><td>Emergency \u2013 call 911<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flaring nostrils\/retractions<\/td><td>Working hard to breathe<\/td><td>Contact pediatrician<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lethargy or poor feeding<\/td><td>Possible infection or distress<\/td><td>Call pediatrician ASAP<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When to Call the Doctor about Baby&#8217;s Breathing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">H<em>ow to administer <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2022\/05\/03\/choking-first-aid-infants\/\">Choking First Aid<\/a> to infants in an emergency.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Babies are born with relatively small nasal passages and underdeveloped lungs compared to adults. Overwhelmingly this is not cause for concern but parents and infant caregivers should always contact the child&#8217;s pediatrician if they&#8217;re concerned about baby&#8217;s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\">What Can Parents Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">To help your baby breathe comfortably:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-regular-font-size\">\n<li>Keep baby on their back for every sleep.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a firm, flat surface without loose bedding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep nasal passages clear with saline drops or a bulb syringe when needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid smoking or strong fragrances near baby.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay calm; while most newborn breathing quirks are completely normal it&#8217;s never wrong to contact your pediatrician for reassurance and guidance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Read <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/28\/your-first-week-home-with-baby-ultimate-qa\/\">Your First Week Home with Baby: Ultimate Q&amp;A<\/a> for more information like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-regular-font-size\">Let Someone Else Watch Tonight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">If your newborn&#8217;s breathing patterns are keeping you up at night, that&#8217;s exactly what Let Mommy Sleep is here for. Our RN-led <a href=\"https:\/\/newborncarespecialists.com\/about\/\" title=\" newborn care specialist \">newborn care specialist <\/a>model means monitoring and overnight care across 26 territories nationwide. <a href=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\" title=\"\">Find care in your area<\/a>. We are here to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>R<\/em><\/strong><em><strong>eviewed by:<\/strong>&nbsp;Kathleen Hager, RN, BSN, Perinatal Nurse and Newborn Care Specialist <br><strong>Edited by:<\/strong>&nbsp;Let Mommy Sleep Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"926\" data-id=\"4185\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.20-PM-1024x926.png\" alt=\"babies will not choke sleeping on their backs\" class=\"wp-image-4185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.20-PM-1024x926.png 1024w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.20-PM-300x271.png 300w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.20-PM-768x694.png 768w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.20-PM.png 1212w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">back sleeping is safest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"991\" data-id=\"4187\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.26-PM-1024x991.png\" alt=\"back sleeping is safest for baby, trachea and esophagus shown unblocked\" class=\"wp-image-4187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.26-PM-1024x991.png 1024w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.26-PM-300x290.png 300w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.26-PM-768x743.png 768w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.26-PM.png 1178w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">unblocked<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1010\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4188\" src=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.32-PM-1010x1024.png\" alt=\"baby sleeping on stomach shows how trachea blocks the esophagus\" class=\"wp-image-4188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.32-PM-1010x1024.png 1010w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.32-PM-296x300.png 296w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.32-PM-768x779.png 768w, https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Screen-Shot-2023-12-07-at-12.11.32-PM.png 1162w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1010px) 100vw, 1010px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">blocked<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": [\"BlogPosting\", \"MedicalWebPage\"],\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/30\/newborn-breathing-patterns-whats-normal\/#article\",\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n        \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/letmommysleep.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/30\/newborn-breathing-patterns-whats-normal\/\"\n      },\n      \"headline\": \"Newborn Breathing Patterns: What's Normal?\",\n      \"alternativeHeadline\": \"Normal Newborn Breathing Rate, Periodic Breathing, and When to Call 911\",\n      \"description\": \"Newborns breathe differently than adults - short pauses, grunting, and irregular rhythms are usually normal. 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