Fast Breathing (Tachypnea) in Babies
Content reviewed against published WHO, AAP, NHS guidelines
Last reviewed:
Fast breathing (tachypnea) in babies is defined by age: more than 60 breaths per minute in newborns (0-2 months), more than 50 in infants 2-12 months, and more than 40 in toddlers 1-3 years. Babies naturally breathe faster than adults, and brief episodes of rapid breathing are normal. However, sustained fast breathing can indicate respiratory distress and requires assessment.
Key takeaways
- Fast breathing (tachypnea) in babies is defined by age: more than 60 breaths per minute in newborns (0-2 months), more than 50 in infants 2-12 months, and more than 40 in toddlers 1-3 years.
- Most common cause: Normal periodic breathing in newborns (brief fast episodes)
- Emergency: Blue or gray color around lips, tongue, or fingernails
- Home care: Count respiratory rate for a full 60 seconds when baby is calm or sleeping
Possible Causes
When to Seek Help
Emergency — Call 911 or go to ER:
- Blue or gray color around lips, tongue, or fingernails
- Severe chest retractions (skin pulling in deeply between or under ribs)
- Grunting with every breath
- Baby is limp, unresponsive, or struggling to stay awake
- Breathing pauses longer than 20 seconds
- Fast breathing with drooling and inability to swallow (possible airway obstruction)
Urgent — See doctor today:
- Sustained respiratory rate more than 60/min in an infant at rest
- Nasal flaring with each breath
- Fast breathing with refusal to feed
- Head bobbing with each breath
- Fast breathing with fever in a baby under 3 months
Same-day appointment:
- Mild increase in respiratory rate with cold symptoms but baby still feeding well
- Fast breathing during fever that slows when fever is treated
- Slightly increased work of breathing with upper respiratory infection
Monitor at home:
- Brief episodes of periodic breathing in a healthy newborn
- Temporarily fast breathing during or after crying
- Mildly elevated rate during a cold with no other concerning signs
By Age
0-2 months
Normal: Normal respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute. Periodic breathing (pauses of up to 10 seconds followed by faster breaths) is normal in newborns, especially during sleep.
Worry if: Sustained respiratory rate above 60, breathing pauses longer than 20 seconds (apnea), grunting with each breath, nasal flaring, or visible rib retractions.
2-12 months
Normal: Normal respiratory rate is 25-50 breaths per minute. Rate increases with crying, activity, or fever and should return to normal at rest.
Worry if: Resting respiratory rate consistently above 50-60, chest retractions, nasal flaring, head bobbing, or blue/gray color around lips.
1-3 years
Normal: Normal respiratory rate is 20-40 breaths per minute. Temporarily faster with exertion, crying, or fever.
Worry if: Resting rate consistently above 40, belly breathing (abdomen moves significantly), inability to speak in full sentences (for talking toddlers), or refusal to lie flat.
Any age
Normal: Respiratory rate is best assessed when baby is calm and preferably sleeping. Count for a full 60 seconds.
Worry if: Fast breathing combined with: not feeding well, listlessness, blue or gray color, grunting, or progressively worsening over hours.
Home Care
- Count respiratory rate for a full 60 seconds when baby is calm or sleeping
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion contributing to fast breathing
- Suction nasal passages gently with a bulb syringe or NoseFrida if congested
- Keep baby upright or slightly elevated to ease breathing
- Offer frequent small feeds to maintain hydration without tiring baby
- Remove any tight clothing around chest and belly
- Use saline drops before feeding if nasal congestion is present
- Do NOT give cough or cold medicine to babies under age 2
Need help deciding what to do?
Use our interactive triage tool →Frequently asked questions
What causes fast breathing (tachypnea)?
When is this an emergency?
What can I do at home?
When should I call the doctor?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Symptoms
Bottom line
Most cases of fast breathing (tachypnea) in babies are not emergencies. However, seek immediate care if blue or gray color around lips, tongue, or fingernails.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.