My Baby Is Breathing Fast
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, WHO, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect is breathing fast, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Babies normally breathe faster than adults. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute, slowing to 20-40 by age 1. Brief episodes of faster breathing during excitement, crying, or feeding are normal. However, persistently rapid breathing (tachypnea) at rest, especially with other signs of respiratory distress, may indicate a lung or heart problem that needs prompt evaluation.
Key takeaways
- Babies normally breathe faster than adults. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute, slowing to 20-40 by age 1. Brief episodes of faster breathing during excitement, crying, or feeding are normal. However, persistently rapid breathing (tachypnea) at rest, especially with other signs of respiratory distress, may indicate a lung or heart problem that needs prompt evaluation.
- Usually normal when: Breathing rate is within the normal range for age (30-60 for newborns, 25-45 for young infants, 20-40 for older infants)
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute at rest (for any age), has nasal flaring, chest or belly retractions, grunting with each breath, or head bobbing - these are signs of significant respiratory distress requiring emergency care
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, WHO, Mayo Clinic guidelines, babies normally breathe faster than adults. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute, slowing to 20-40 by age 1. Brief episodes of faster breathing during excitement, crying, or feeding are normal. However, persistently rapid breathing (tachypnea) at rest, especially with other signs of respiratory distress, may indicate a lung or heart problem that needs prompt evaluation. At 0-1 month, newborns have naturally faster and more irregular breathing than older babies. A normal rate is 30-60 breaths per minute. Periodic breathing (alternating fast and slow breaths with brief pauses) is normal. Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) can occur in the first hours after birth, especially after cesarean delivery, and usually resolves within 24-72 hours. Persistent tachypnea (consistently over 60 breaths per minute at rest) in a newborn may indicate respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, congenital heart disease, or metabolic problems and requires immediate medical evaluation. It is generally considered normal when breathing rate is within the normal range for age (30-60 for newborns, 25-45 for young infants, 20-40 for older infants). However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute at rest (for any age), has nasal flaring, chest or belly retractions, grunting with each breath, or head bobbing - these are signs of significant respiratory distress requiring emergency care.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Newborns have naturally faster and more irregular breathing than older babies. A normal rate is 30-60 breaths per minute. Periodic breathing (alternating fast and slow breaths with brief pauses) is normal. Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) can occur in the first hours after birth, especially after cesarean delivery, and usually resolves within 24-72 hours. Persistent tachypnea (consistently over 60 breaths per minute at rest) in a newborn may indicate respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, congenital heart disease, or metabolic problems and requires immediate medical evaluation.
1-6 months
Normal respiratory rate at this age is about 25-45 breaths per minute. A baby may breathe faster temporarily when excited, during feeding, after crying, or with a stuffy nose. Bronchiolitis (commonly caused by RSV) is a frequent cause of rapid breathing in infants during fall and winter. It typically starts with cold symptoms, then progresses to fast breathing and wheezing. Count your baby's breaths for a full 60 seconds when they are calm and resting to get an accurate rate.
6-12 months
Normal respiratory rate slows to about 20-40 breaths per minute. Fast breathing at this age is most commonly caused by viral respiratory infections. Pneumonia can cause persistently rapid breathing along with fever, cough, and decreased feeding. Reactive airway disease (pre-asthma) may cause episodic fast breathing with wheezing during colds. If your baby is consistently breathing faster than 50 breaths per minute at rest, or you see any signs of labored breathing, contact your pediatrician.
1-3 years
Normal respiratory rate is 20-30 breaths per minute. Toddlers with croup, asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections may breathe faster than normal. High fever itself can increase the breathing rate. The key things to watch for are not just the rate but the effort: nasal flaring, belly breathing (the stomach moves more than the chest), retractions (pulling in at the ribs, neck, or belly), and grunting all indicate significant respiratory work.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed is breathing fast and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby seems to breathe faster than usual consistently, even at rest, and you are not sure if it is within normal range.
- Mention if fast breathing occurs during every cold and is accompanied by wheezing or a whistling sound.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Breathing rate is within the normal range for age (30-60 for newborns, 25-45 for young infants, 20-40 for older infants)
- Brief episodes of faster breathing during feeding, excitement, or after crying that return to normal at rest
- Your baby appears comfortable, is feeding well, and the skin color is normal
- Periodic breathing in a newborn (alternating fast and slow breaths with short pauses) with no color changes
- Your baby seems to breathe faster than usual consistently, even at rest, and you are not sure if it is within normal range
- Fast breathing occurs during every cold and is accompanied by wheezing or a whistling sound
- Your baby's breathing rate is at the upper limit of normal and they seem to tire easily during feeds
- Your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute at rest (for any age), has nasal flaring, chest or belly retractions, grunting with each breath, or head bobbing - these are signs of significant respiratory distress requiring emergency care
- Fast breathing is accompanied by blue or gray skin color, extreme lethargy, inability to feed, or your baby is struggling to breathe - call 911 immediately
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice is breathing fast — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that breathing rate is within the normal range for age (30-60 for newborns, 25-45 for young infants, 20-40 for older infants) — 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 is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute at rest (for any age), has nasal flaring, chest or belly retractions, grunting with each breath, or head bobbing - these are signs of significant respiratory distress requiring emergency care.
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 is breathing fast normal?
When should I call the doctor about is breathing fast?
When is is breathing fast normal?
What causes is breathing fast?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about is breathing fast?
Is is breathing fast normal at 0-1 month?
Is is breathing fast normal at 1-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for is breathing fast?
Does is breathing fast go away on its own?
References
- [1]HealthyChildren.org. Breathing Problems in Babies. AAP
- [2]World Health Organization. Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children: Tachypnea Thresholds. WHO
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Bronchiolitis: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Is Breathing Fast.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed is breathing fast and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby seems to breathe faster than usual consistently, even at rest, and you are not sure if it is within normal range.
- Mention if fast breathing occurs during every cold and is accompanied by wheezing or a whistling sound.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby seems to breathe faster than usual consistently, even at rest, and you are not sure if it is within normal range
- Fast breathing occurs during every cold and is accompanied by wheezing or a whistling sound
- Your baby's breathing rate is at the upper limit of normal and they seem to tire easily during feeds
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute at rest (for any age), has nasal flaring, chest or belly retractions, grunting with each breath, or head bobbing - these are signs of significant respiratory distress requiring emergency care
- Fast breathing is accompanied by blue or gray skin color, extreme lethargy, inability to feed, or your baby is struggling to breathe - call 911 immediately
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 is breathing fast are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is breathing more than 60 breaths per minute at rest (for any age), has nasal flaring, chest or belly retractions, grunting with each breath, or head bobbing - these are signs of significant respiratory distress requiring emergency care.
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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