Newborn babies sleep an average of 17 hours a day. This can be unsettling for some parents. Their child sometimes lies there lifelessly during longer sleep phases and they are not sure whether it is still breathing at all. In most cases, however, this concern is unfounded.
Interrupted breathing in babies and so-called "periodic breathing" are completely normal in the early days. We'll tell you what to look out for and when action is actually needed.
Sudden breathing stops in babies: all-clear or alarm signal?
It is completely normal for babies to sleep a lot. During sleep, they process all the impressions that come to them during the waking phases. They also learn while they sleep. So while they appear to be slumbering peacefully from the outside, their brain is working at full speed and taking important developmental steps.
Parents also notice that their baby'sbreathing stops from time to time . Such pauses in breathing can sometimes last up to 20 seconds. This phenomenon is called "„periodic breathing" and always causes parents a moment of shock. But don't worry: it is a completely normal phenomenon in babies.
Babies have not yet developed a regular breathing pattern. Instead, they may alternately stop breathing and then take hasty breaths again. However, it also depends on which sleep phase your baby is currently in; they breathe differently in the deep sleep phase than in the dream phase.
What parents should look out for in newborns
Although breathing stops and periodic breathing are common in babies, the issue should not be taken lightly. There are warning signs and signals that you should react to immediately.
These include, for example, breathing stops that last longer than 20 seconds. Try to keep a close eye on your baby's breaths and count how much time passes between them. If the interruptions regularly last longer than 20 seconds, you should definitely have this checked out by a doctor.
Caution is also advised if there is a bluish discoloration of the lips or face. The blue coloration can be a symptom of oxygen deficiency. You should call the emergency services immediately, as this could be a serious problem.
Slowed or sluggish breathing should also be checked out by a doctor. If the doctor determines that your child is at increased risk, they may be given a monitoring device: If breathing stops during sleep, an alarm is triggered.
If your baby is breathing hard and has breathing noises, it could be a cold or a respiratory infection. It is best to visit your pediatrician and have your baby examined.
How can you makesure that yourbaby isstillbreathing while sleeping ?
If your baby is conspicuously quietwhen sleeping , you may wonder from time to time whether he or she is actually still breathing. Fortunately, this is very easy tofind out .
For example, place your hand on the baby's chest and feel the upanddownmovement. You can also put your face close to your baby's nose and mouth so that you can listen to their breaths.
Breathing stops in babies: causes
Because babies' hearts beat faster than those of adults, they need to breathe much more frequently. During sleep, this can sometimes sound like a snort accompanied by a whistling noise . Afterthe long time in mummy's womb, babies first have to get used to thenew stimuli , that bombard them day in, day out .
During pregnancy, they did not yethave to breatheon their own. They received oxygen directly via the umbilical cord. After birth they still have to practice breathing - the respiratory center is not yet fully developed at birth.
In addition, there is still amniotic fluid in the lungs at this time, which first has to be broken down. This could also be the cause of the conspicuous breathing noises that the baby makeswhen breathing.
There is also a special feature in premature babies. They can suffer from premature infant apnea, which is caused by the immaturity of the respiratory center in the brain.
This condition causes breathing stops without a cause and is often accompanied by a slow heartbeat. If your baby is premature and has breathing stops, you should definitely see a doctor.
The baby's breathing changes over time
Your baby' s breathing changes gradually. In the first few months of its life , an infant breathes around 30-60 times perminute, whereas as a toddler it only breathes 20-30 times.
From the age of 6 months at the latest, periodic breathing decreases significantly. From then on, the problems should be a thing of the past.
Create the right environment for healthy sleep
Your baby's breathing is not only influenced by physical causes. His sleeping environment can have a major influence on his breathing.
We have summarized some important tips for you:
- Supine position: Make sure your baby sleeps in a supine position. This position promotes healthy breathing and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Own bed: Your baby should sleep in their own bed. Place this directly next to the parents' bed so that breathing can be monitored easily.
- Room temperature: When your baby is sleeping, the temperature should not be too high. Ideally, it should be around 18 to 20 °C so that your baby doesn't overheat and gasp for air.
- Sleeping bag instead of blanket: Your baby should not sleep with a blanket. This can slip onto his face and negatively affect his breathing.
- Ventilation: To ensure that your baby is optimally supplied with oxygen, there should be good air circulation. Ventilate the room so that your baby breathes healthy air.
These measures can help you to minimize breathing interruptions and reduce possible risks. However, if you notice that your baby suddenly stops breathing, you should consult a doctor to be on the safe side.
Swing2sleep cradle ensures optimum air circulation
You now know how to create the best conditions for your baby's healthy sleep. Your little one's bed or cradle plays a crucial role in this.
In the innovative cradle from swing2sleep, the child lies in a close-meshed net that ensures optimum air circulation. This ensures that your baby's oxygen supply is always guaranteed. It also lies on its back in the hammock and can relax as much as possible in its cozy nest.
The swing2sleep team wholeheartedly wishes all families a healthy night's sleep.
Conclusion: Observe the breathing of newborn babies and look out for warning signs
If your baby lies completely still and sleeps, there is usually little cause for concern. Even occasional pauses in breathing, sighing or loud breathing are completely normal during the first few months of life and will go away on their own.
What to do if your baby stops breathing?
If you notice pauses in breathing, stay calm and look closely. Short pauses of a few seconds can occur in babies.
If your baby seems relaxed, the skin color remains inconspicuous and breathing resumes on its own, it is often enough to observe carefully.
If breathing stops occur more frequently, last longer or you notice blue coloration, severe restlessness or noticeable drowsiness, please seek medical advice immediately.
What to do if the baby stops breathing while sleeping?
Babies often breathe more irregularly in their sleep than adults. Short pauses may occur in the first few months.
Make sure that your baby continues to breathe independently afterwards, moves normally and shows no noticeable changes in color.
If your baby stops breathing for a longer period of time, appears limp or cannot find a normal rhythm on its own, you should seek medical help immediately.
What do breathing stops sound like in babies?
Breathing pauses themselves are usually barely audible because there is no breathing sound during this time. What is often more noticeable is an unusual silence.
Breathing may then resume with a deeper breath, a sigh or a short snort.
It becomes noticeable if the breathing sounds very strained, your baby is gasping for air or seems unusually restless all the time.
How can I tell if my child is having pauses in breathing?
It is often noticeable that the pause between two breaths seems longer or that the chest does not move visibly for a short time.
Also observe skin color, muscle tension and behavior. If you are unsure or your gut feeling alarms you, a medical examination is always advisable.
