My Baby Holds Their Breath Until They Turn Blue
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed holds their breath until they turn blue, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Breath-holding spells are frightening to watch but almost never dangerous. They happen in about 5% of healthy children, usually between ages 6 months and 6 years, and are involuntary responses to strong emotions like frustration, anger, or fear. Your child is not doing this on purpose and cannot control it.
Key takeaways
- Breath-holding spells are frightening to watch but almost never dangerous. They happen in about 5% of healthy children, usually between ages 6 months and 6 years, and are involuntary responses to strong emotions like frustration, anger, or fear. Your child is not doing this on purpose and cannot control it.
- Usually normal when: The spell lasts less than a minute before breathing automatically resumes
- Call your doctor if: Your child has rhythmic jerking movements that last more than a few seconds during or after the spell - this could be a seizure rather than a breath-holding spell
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, breath-holding spells are frightening to watch but almost never dangerous. They happen in about 5% of healthy children, usually between ages 6 months and 6 years, and are involuntary responses to strong emotions like frustration, anger, or fear. Your child is not doing this on purpose and cannot control it. At 6-12 months, breath-holding spells can begin as early as 6 months, though they are more common after the first birthday. At this age, they are often triggered by pain (like a fall or bump) rather than frustration. Your baby cries, then suddenly stops breathing, may turn blue or pale, and might briefly go limp or stiff. The episode typically lasts less than a minute before breathing resumes automatically. It is generally considered normal when the spell lasts less than a minute before breathing automatically resumes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has rhythmic jerking movements that last more than a few seconds during or after the spell - this could be a seizure rather than a breath-holding spell.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Breath-holding spells can begin as early as 6 months, though they are more common after the first birthday. At this age, they are often triggered by pain (like a fall or bump) rather than frustration. Your baby cries, then suddenly stops breathing, may turn blue or pale, and might briefly go limp or stiff. The episode typically lasts less than a minute before breathing resumes automatically.
12-24 months
This is when breath-holding spells are most common, often triggered by frustration or being told "no." The typical pattern: your toddler starts crying intensely, then stops breathing and may turn blue (cyanotic spell) or pale (pallid spell). Some children briefly lose consciousness or have a few seconds of stiffening. While terrifying for parents, the body's automatic reflexes always restart breathing.
2-4 years
Breath-holding spells often continue through the toddler years but may start to become less frequent as your child develops better emotional regulation and communication skills. The spells remain involuntary - your child cannot "decide" to hold their breath, and trying to prevent tantrums to avoid spells often backfires. Most children outgrow these completely by age 4-6.
4-6 years
Most children have outgrown breath-holding spells by this age. If they continue or start for the first time after age 5, your doctor may want to rule out other causes like seizures or cardiac issues. Keep a video of an episode if possible - this can be very helpful for diagnosis.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed holds their breath until they turn blue and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if spells are happening more than 1-2 times per week or are increasing in frequency.
- Mention if your child seems drowsy or confused after a spell rather than immediately returning to normal.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- The spell lasts less than a minute before breathing automatically resumes
- Your child returns to normal immediately after breathing resumes with no confusion or drowsiness
- Spells are triggered by specific events like frustration, fear, anger, or pain
- Your child is developing normally in all other areas
- The spell follows a consistent pattern: cry → breath hold → brief color change → automatic breathing recovery
- Spells are happening more than 1-2 times per week or are increasing in frequency
- Your child seems drowsy or confused after a spell rather than immediately returning to normal
- Spells began after age 4 or continue past age 6
- You have a family history of heart problems or seizure disorders
- Your child has rhythmic jerking movements that last more than a few seconds during or after the spell - this could be a seizure rather than a breath-holding spell
- Your child does not resume breathing within 60 seconds or appears to need help to start breathing again
- The spell happens without any trigger (no crying, pain, or emotion beforehand) or happens during sleep
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice holds their breath until they turn blue — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that the spell lasts less than a minute before breathing automatically resumes — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has rhythmic jerking movements that last more than a few seconds during or after the spell - this could be a seizure rather than a breath-holding spell.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Breathing Difficulty Triage
Assess breathing concerns and know when to seek emergency care.
Excessive Crying Triage
Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.
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 holds their breath until they turn blue normal?
When should I call the doctor about holds their breath until they turn blue?
When is holds their breath until they turn blue normal?
What causes holds their breath until they turn blue?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about holds their breath until they turn blue?
Is holds their breath until they turn blue normal at 6-12 months?
Is holds their breath until they turn blue normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for holds their breath until they turn blue?
Does holds their breath until they turn blue go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Holds Their Breath Until They Turn Blue.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed holds their breath until they turn blue and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if spells are happening more than 1-2 times per week or are increasing in frequency.
- Mention if your child seems drowsy or confused after a spell rather than immediately returning to normal.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Spells are happening more than 1-2 times per week or are increasing in frequency
- Your child seems drowsy or confused after a spell rather than immediately returning to normal
- Spells began after age 4 or continue past age 6
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has rhythmic jerking movements that last more than a few seconds during or after the spell - this could be a seizure rather than a breath-holding spell
- Your child does not resume breathing within 60 seconds or appears to need help to start breathing again
- The spell happens without any trigger (no crying, pain, or emotion beforehand) or happens during sleep
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 holds their breath until they turn blue are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has rhythmic jerking movements that last more than a few seconds during or after the spell - this could be a seizure rather than a breath-holding spell.
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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