My baby is finding it hard to breathe

Babies normally breathe at a faster rate than adults and older children. It is normal for a newborn baby to take slight pauses in their breathing for a few seconds, or to breathe rapidly for a short period. By 6 weeks of age they should have a more regular breathing pattern.

Sometimes a baby’s breathing rate may increase for a longer period of time if they are unwell and you may also notice they are working harder to breath. For babies, the most tiring thing they do is feeding, so this can be the first time you notice them struggling to breathe. If they are too breathless to feed, they need to be seen urgently by a healthcare professional.

It can be very scary watching your baby having difficulty breathing and below are some signs to look out for if you are worried.

When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following:

  • Shows signs of working hard to breathe. These include constantly breathing fast, flaring of the nostrils, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs or making a grunting noise every time they breathe out
  • Is going blue around the lips
  • Has pauses in their breathing lasting more than a few seconds, or an irregular breathing pattern
  • Too breathless to feed
  • Becomes pale, mottled or abnormally cold to touch
  • Becomes stiff for a prolonged period or has rhythmic, jerky movements of arms or legs that does not stop when you touch it (a fit/seizure)
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction)
  • Becomes floppy or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Is under 1 month of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above
  • A rash that does not disappear with pressure (see the Glass Test)

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is 1-3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
  • Becoming increasingly sleepy and not consistently waking for feeds
  • No wet nappies in the last 8 hours
  • Has a dry mouth or sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
  • Is getting worse or you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, then consider taking them to your nearest ED.

  • None of the above features are present
  • It is normal for a baby to take slight pauses in their breathing for a few seconds, or to breath rapidly for a short period. By 6 weeks of age they should have a more regular breathing pattern.
  • Try to make sure that your baby stays well hydrated - you may need to offer them feeds more frequently than normal. And closely monitor them for any signs of deterioration by looking out for any red or amber features.
  • Additional advice is also available for families to help cope with crying in otherwise well babies – click here.

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child contact your Health Visitor or call NHS 111 – dial 111

Survey for parents/carers - what was the outcome of you looking at this page?

Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness through the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme. They work with you through your pregnancy up until your child is ready to start school.

Health Visitors can also make referrals for you to other health professionals for example hearing or vision concerns or to the Community Paediatricians or to the child and adolescent mental health services.

Contact them by phoning your Health Visitor Team or local Children’s Centre.

Sound advice

Health visitors also provide advice, support and guidance in caring for your child, including:

  • Breastfeeding, weaning and healthy eating
  • Exercise, hygiene and safety
  • Your child’s growth and development
  • Emotional health and wellbeing, including postnatal depression
  • Safety in the home
  • Stopping smoking
  • Contraception and sexual health
  • Sleep and behaviour management (including temper tantrums!)
  • Toilet training
  • Minor illnesses

For more information watch the video: What does a health visitor do?

If you’re not sure which NHS service you need, call 111. An adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need, or direct you straightaway to the best service for you in your area.

Sound advice

Use NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.

For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?

A&E departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.

Sound advice

  1. Many visits to A&E and calls to 999 could be resolved by any other NHS services.
  2. If your child's condition is not critical, choose another service to get them the best possible treatment.
  3. Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about going to A&E or riding in an ambulance