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Breathing difficulties in babies
13-minute read
If your baby is finding it hard to breathe, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Babies normally breathe faster than older children.
- Your baby may have breathing difficulties if they are breathing faster than normal, their breathing is irregular, or they make sounds when breathing in and out.
- Your baby’s treatment will depend on the cause of their breathing difficulties.
- There are many causes of breathing difficulties in babies, such as asthma and allergies, infections, and exposure to smoke and pollution.
- Vaccination and good hygiene can help prevent some infections.
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.
| Age | Breaths per minute |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 25 – 60 |
| 3 months | 25 – 60 |
| 6 months | 20 – 55 |
| 1 year | 20 - 45 |
It’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?
Your baby may be having difficulty breathing if:
- they are breathing faster than normal
- their breathing is irregular
- their nostrils flare (get wider) when they breathe
- the skin under their ribs or neck sucks in with each breath
- they are irritable
You may also hear:
- a wheeze or grunting sound when they breathe out
- a high-pitch sound when they breathe in (stridor)
They may also have:
- fever — a temperature of 38°C or higher
- difficulty drinking
- difficulty eating
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?
If your baby is finding it hard to breathe, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
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:
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
- bacterial infections
- viral infections — bronchiolitis, croup, RSV and pneumonia
- 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 — chronic lung 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?
Some causes of breathing difficulties can be prevented.
Vaccination can prevent some infections such as:
Research shows that getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy lowers the chance of your baby getting severe RSV disease.
Learn more about immunisations and vaccinations for your baby.
It’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.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Ask your doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.
- If your baby goes to childcare, ask your doctor whether you should keep them at home.
- Learn more about when to keep your baby home from childcare.
- If your baby has asthma, ask your doctor for an asthma action plan.
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 asthma and croup in English and other languages on The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne website.