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What is normal breathing in babies?

Babies normally breathe faster than older children. Your baby may need to work harder to breathe if they are unwell.

The table below shows how fast your healthy baby should breathe.

Normal breathing rate in babies

Age	Breaths per minute
Newborn	25 – 60
3 months	25 – 60
6 months	20 – 55
1 year	20 - 45

±õ³Ù’s normal for newborn babies to pause for a few seconds when breathing. They may also breathe quickly for a short time.

By 6 weeks of age, your baby should have a more regular breathing pattern.

What are the signs my baby is having difficulty breathing?

When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?

Take your baby to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance if they:

• have difficulty breathing
• can’t feed normally because of coughing or wheezing
• have blue lips
• are pale, sweaty and drowsy
• is working hard to breath — you can see their skin going in between their ribs or at their neck
• cannot swallow and are drooling

Call your doctor today if your baby:

• has stridor (a harsh noise when breathing in) when they are upset
• seems dehydrated
• has a fever of 38°C or higher for more than 2 days

Also see your doctor if your baby’s breathing symptoms are getting worse or you are worried.

If your baby is sick but does not need immediate medical attention, consider calling:

• your doctor
• a pharmacist
• — 1800 022 222

What should I do while waiting for the ambulance?

After calling an ambulance, stay on the line.

The person taking your call may give you instructions while you wait for the ambulance.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What causes breathing difficulties?

There are many causes of breathing difficulties in babies, such as:

• asthma and allergies
• viral infections — , croup, RSV and
• passive smoking — exposure to vape or cigarette smoke
• exposure to pollution, such as bushfire smoke
• an inhaled foreign object, such as food or a small toy
• genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis

How is the cause of breathing difficulties diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your baby’s symptoms and will examine them.

Depending on the cause of your baby’s breathing problems, your doctor may arrange other tests such as:

• allergy tests
• nose swabs
• throat swabs

Are there risk factors that may make it more likely that my baby will have breathing difficulties?

Your baby is more likely to have breathing difficulties if they:

• were born prematurely
• are less than 10 weeks old
• have a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome
• have a chronic disease — , congenital heart disease, chronic neurological conditions
• have a weak immune system
• are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

How are breathing difficulties treated?

Your baby’s treatment will depend on the cause of their breathing difficulties.

Most infections will get better by themselves. However, there are things you can do straight away to help your baby feel better.

Self-care at home

Your sick baby needs cuddles and reassurance. Try to keep them comfortable and let them get plenty of rest.

Offer breastfeeds or formula more often. This will make sure they do not become dehydrated.

Do not let anyone smoke or vape around your baby. This is especially important for babies with breathing difficulties.

Medicines for breathing difficulties

Depending on the cause of your baby’s breathing difficulties you may be advised to try some medicines.

If your baby has a blocked nose, you can try using saline nose drops. This can help your baby feed more comfortably.

If your baby has a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the instructions on the pack carefully. It's important to make sure that you give your baby the right amount of medicine. The amount your baby needs depends on their weight and the product you buy.

There is evidence that cough medicines do not work.

If your baby has asthma, they may be prescribed a reliever and preventer medicine.

Most infections in babies are caused by viruses and so antibiotics aren't needed. Antibiotics help with infections caused by bacteria.

Other treatment options

Sometimes babies with breathing difficulties need to be admitted to (stay in) hospital. If this happens, your baby may be:

• observed (watched by the nurses)
• given extra oxygen
• given extra fluids

What are the complications of breathing difficulties?

Complications from breathing difficulties depend on what is causing them. Your baby may be referred to a respiratory paediatrician (lung specialist for children).

In severe cases of breathing difficulties, there is a risk of encephalopathy (brain damage) and death.

Can breathing difficulties be prevented?

±õ³Ù’s not always easy to avoid catching infections, but good hygiene can help to stop their spread.

• Make sure all family members wash their hands regularly.
• Use clean tissues to remove mucus from your baby. Put the used tissue in the bin and wash your hands straight away.
• Avoid sharing glasses and utensils with people who are sick.

If your baby has asthma, try to:

• avoid their triggers
• keep hay fever under control
• manage their eczema

Keep your sick baby away from people with weak immune systems while they have symptoms.

Resources and support

Talk to your doctor or child health nurse if you are worried about your baby’s breathing.

You can learn more about and in English and other languages on The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne website.