Your baby may have breathing that pauses for up to 10 seconds at a time. This is called periodic breathing. There may be several such pauses close together, followed by a series of rapid, shallow breaths. This irregular breathing pattern is common in premature babies in the first few weeks of life. Even healthy, full-term babies sometimes have stretches of periodic breathing. These episodes often happen when the infant is sleeping deeply. But they may also happen with light sleep or even when the baby is awake. A baby with periodic breathing will usually restart regular breathing on their own. No intervention is needed. Although this can be alarming to parents, it's a harmless condition. It will go away as your baby gets older.
Periodic breathing is not the same as apnea (when breathing stops for at least 20 seconds). But the two conditions may be related in some cases. Apnea is a more serious condition. It should be evaluated by a doctor.
Home care
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Never shake your baby in an attempt to restart breathing. This can cause severe brain injury.
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Always place your infant on their back to sleep, and never on their stomach or side. This is true for naps as well as nighttime sleep.
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Place your baby on a firm, flat, sleep surface without an incline. Never place your infant on soft surfaces, such as a waterbed, sheepskin, soft pillow, bean bag, soft mattress, or fluffy comforter.
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Never share a bed with your baby. Instead, put your baby's crib in your room. This is recommended for at least 6 months.
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Try to keep your infant’s head and neck in a straight position when the baby is lying down. If the neck bends too far back or forward, breathing can be limited.
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Don't expose your infant to smoke of any kind. Never smoke or use nicotine products in the home or around the baby. If you smoke, change your clothes before touching your infant. Insist that other smokers follow your example. Make your home and car smoke free at all times.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's doctor as advised. Be sure to return for your baby’s next scheduled exam.
When to call your child's doctor
Always call the doctor or seek medical care if you have any questions or concerns. In infants, minor symptoms can get worse very quickly. Your child's doctor may give you different instructions. If so, follow their instructions
Call your child's doctor right away if your child:
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Pauses in breathing that last more than
10 seconds or longer than usual. -
Pauses in breathing that happen more often than usual.
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Vomits repeatedly or is not eating well.
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Is sleeping more than usual or not waking for feedings.
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Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or as directed by your child's doctor.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if your child:
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Stops breathing.
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Has trouble breathing. Signs may include flaring of the nostrils, sucking in the muscles between the ribs and/or in the belly with each breath, so that the ribs stick out (retractions).
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Has skin that is blue or pale in color, especially around the mouth.
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Is lethargic, not responding normally, or is unconscious.
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