Early signs of breathing problems in babies every parent must watch for

Babies, especially new-borns and infants, have delicate, developing respiratory systems, making them particularly vulnerable to breathing difficulties. Because they cannot verbalize discomfort, parents need to rely on visual and behavioural cues to detect potential respiratory distress early.

Paediatric and neonatology experts stress that recognising these warning signs can prevent serious complications and ensure timely medical intervention.

Changes in Breathing Patterns

Dr Poonam Sidana, Director of Neonatology and Paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, explains that one of the first indications of trouble is a change in a baby’s breathing pattern. “For newborns, it’s normal to breathe quickly and irregularly, with brief pauses followed by normal breathing,” she says. “However, parents should be alert if the breathing seems faster than usual or irregular beyond what is expected for their age.”

Signs such as a gentle rise and fall of the chest that becomes erratic, or the chest and tummy moving differently, creating a hollow space known as “chalna,” may also indicate distress. Babies who are restless, fussy, or unable to feed properly could be showing early symptoms of respiratory problems.

Visual Cues of Respiratory Distress

Dr Anjali Saxena, Pediatrician at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Malviya Nagar, outlines five early warning signs parents should watch for:

Rapid or Laboured Breathing: Noticeable chest movements, flaring nostrils, or unusually fast breathing—more than 60 breaths per minute in newborns or over 40 in older infants—can indicate the lungs are struggling to get enough oxygen.

Chest Retractions: Visible pulling in of the skin around the ribs, collarbone, or below the breastbone with each breath signals that the baby is using extra muscles to breathe.

Wheezing, Grunting, or Noisy Breathing: Whistling, rattling, or grunting sounds may point to airway blockage, infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, or asthma-like episodes.

Bluish Tint Around Lips or Fingertips: Cyanosis—a bluish or greyish discoloration of the lips, tongue, or nails—indicates dangerously low oxygen levels and requires immediate medical attention.

Unusual Sleepiness or Irritability: Babies who are lethargic, unusually drowsy, or excessively fussy may not be getting enough oxygen, even if other signs appear mild.

Preventive Measures

Dr Sidana adds that in older children, difficulty speaking full sentences, changes in awareness, or laboured breathing with noticeable head nodding are late-stage indicators. “The tongue, lips, or palms might take on a bluish colour, and feeding problems often accompany respiratory distress,” she notes.

Parents are advised to ensure good air quality at home, avoid smoke exposure, and keep the baby’s nose clear. Early detection and prompt medical intervention are key to preventing severe complications and helping infants breathe easier.

By staying vigilant and recognising these signs, parents can safeguard their child’s respiratory health, ensuring that minor breathing issues do not escalate into serious emergencies.