My Baby Stops Breathing Briefly (Apnea)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect stops breathing briefly (apnea), here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds are very common in newborns and are called periodic breathing. This is a normal pattern where the baby breathes rapidly, then pauses briefly, then resumes. However, true apnea (pauses lasting 20 seconds or longer, or shorter pauses accompanied by color changes or heart rate drops) is a medical concern that should be evaluated promptly.
Key takeaways
- Brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds are very common in newborns and are called periodic breathing. This is a normal pattern where the baby breathes rapidly, then pauses briefly, then resumes. However, true apnea (pauses lasting 20 seconds or longer, or shorter pauses accompanied by color changes or heart rate drops) is a medical concern that should be evaluated promptly.
- Usually normal when: Brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds in a newborn, followed by normal breathing, with no color change or distress (periodic breathing)
- Call your doctor if: Your baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more, turns blue or gray, becomes limp, or does not resume breathing on their own - call 911 immediately and begin infant CPR if the baby is not breathing
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds are very common in newborns and are called periodic breathing. This is a normal pattern where the baby breathes rapidly, then pauses briefly, then resumes. However, true apnea (pauses lasting 20 seconds or longer, or shorter pauses accompanied by color changes or heart rate drops) is a medical concern that should be evaluated promptly. At 0-1 month, newborns often have irregular breathing patterns, including periodic breathing where they alternate between rapid breaths and brief pauses of 5-10 seconds. This is normal and results from the immature brainstem respiratory center. It is most noticeable during sleep. Premature babies are at higher risk for true apnea of prematurity, where pauses exceed 20 seconds or are accompanied by bradycardia (slowed heart rate) or desaturation (oxygen drops). If your newborn has pauses that seem prolonged or is turning blue, pale, or limp, seek immediate medical attention. It is generally considered normal when brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds in a newborn, followed by normal breathing, with no color change or distress (periodic breathing). However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more, turns blue or gray, becomes limp, or does not resume breathing on their own - call 911 immediately and begin infant CPR if the baby is not breathing.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Newborns often have irregular breathing patterns, including periodic breathing where they alternate between rapid breaths and brief pauses of 5-10 seconds. This is normal and results from the immature brainstem respiratory center. It is most noticeable during sleep. Premature babies are at higher risk for true apnea of prematurity, where pauses exceed 20 seconds or are accompanied by bradycardia (slowed heart rate) or desaturation (oxygen drops). If your newborn has pauses that seem prolonged or is turning blue, pale, or limp, seek immediate medical attention.
1-6 months
Periodic breathing typically decreases by 3-6 months as the baby's respiratory control matures. Apnea events in previously healthy infants at this age are called apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) or brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs). These episodes, where the baby may stop breathing, turn blue, go limp, or choke, need medical evaluation to determine the cause, which can include reflux, infection, or rarely, seizures or metabolic conditions.
6-12 months
By this age, periodic breathing is uncommon. True apnea episodes are rare and usually have an identifiable cause such as respiratory infection (RSV, bronchiolitis), seizures, or obstructive sleep apnea from enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Breath-holding spells may begin around this age, typically triggered by crying, pain, or frustration. While frightening, breath-holding spells are involuntary and generally benign, with the child resuming breathing on their own.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed stops breathing briefly (apnea) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you frequently observe breathing pauses that seem to last longer than 10 seconds.
- Mention if your baby has had one or more episodes of turning pale or blue briefly, even if they recovered quickly on their own.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds in a newborn, followed by normal breathing, with no color change or distress (periodic breathing)
- Occasional irregular breathing patterns during sleep in a baby under 6 months who is otherwise healthy and growing well
- A brief breath-holding spell during crying in an older infant that resolves spontaneously within seconds
- You frequently observe breathing pauses that seem to last longer than 10 seconds
- Your baby has had one or more episodes of turning pale or blue briefly, even if they recovered quickly on their own
- You feel the need to stimulate your baby to restart breathing, even if they responded quickly
- Your baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more, turns blue or gray, becomes limp, or does not resume breathing on their own - call 911 immediately and begin infant CPR if the baby is not breathing
- Your baby has repeated apnea episodes, an apnea spell accompanied by fever, vomiting, or unusual drowsiness, or an episode that required stimulation or resuscitation to resolve
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice stops breathing briefly (apnea) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that brief pauses in breathing lasting under 10 seconds in a newborn, followed by normal breathing, with no color change or distress (periodic breathing) — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more, turns blue or gray, becomes limp, or does not resume breathing on their own - call 911 immediately and begin infant CPR if the baby is not breathing.
Related Resources
Breathing Difficulty Triage
Assess breathing concerns and know when to seek emergency care.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is stops breathing briefly (apnea) normal?
When should I call the doctor about stops breathing briefly (apnea)?
When is stops breathing briefly (apnea) normal?
What causes stops breathing briefly (apnea)?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about stops breathing briefly (apnea)?
Is stops breathing briefly (apnea) normal at 0-1 month?
Is stops breathing briefly (apnea) normal at 1-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for stops breathing briefly (apnea)?
Does stops breathing briefly (apnea) go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Stops Breathing Briefly (Apnea).
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed stops breathing briefly (apnea) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you frequently observe breathing pauses that seem to last longer than 10 seconds.
- Mention if your baby has had one or more episodes of turning pale or blue briefly, even if they recovered quickly on their own.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You frequently observe breathing pauses that seem to last longer than 10 seconds
- Your baby has had one or more episodes of turning pale or blue briefly, even if they recovered quickly on their own
- You feel the need to stimulate your baby to restart breathing, even if they responded quickly
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more, turns blue or gray, becomes limp, or does not resume breathing on their own - call 911 immediately and begin infant CPR if the baby is not breathing
- Your baby has repeated apnea episodes, an apnea spell accompanied by fever, vomiting, or unusual drowsiness, or an episode that required stimulation or resuscitation to resolve
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of stops breathing briefly (apnea) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby stops breathing for 20 seconds or more, turns blue or gray, becomes limp, or does not resume breathing on their own - call 911 immediately and begin infant cpr if the baby is not breathing.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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