Back to Learn
Health
6 min read

Periodic Breathing in Newborns: What’s Normal vs When to Worry

Newborns may breathe rapidly, pause briefly, then resume breathing. This pattern—called periodic breathing—is often normal. Learn how to tell what’s safe and when to seek help.

Periodic Breathing in Newborns: What’s Normal vs When to Worry

Important: This page is educational and not a diagnosis. If your baby has trouble breathing, turns blue/grey, has pauses in breathing with limpness, or seems very unwell, seek urgent medical care.

Why Do Babies Pause Breathing? (Periodic Breathing vs Apnea)

If you’ve ever watched your baby sleep and thought, “Wait… did they just stop breathing?” — you’re not alone.

Many newborns have breathing patterns that look irregular compared to adults. They may breathe quickly for a few seconds, slow down, and even pause briefly before starting again. Most of the time, this is a normal newborn pattern called periodic breathing.

But there are situations where pauses can be a sign of something that needs medical attention — like apnea or breathing distress.

This guide will help you understand:

  • what periodic breathing is
  • what’s normal (and what’s not)
  • red flags to watch for
  • what to do next

Quick answer (for tired parents)

✅ Periodic breathing (often normal)

  • Brief pauses (usually a few seconds)
  • Baby resumes breathing on their own
  • No color change
  • Baby looks comfortable

🚨 Apnea / concerning pauses

  • Longer pauses
  • Baby looks distressed
  • Color changes (blue/grey around lips/face)
  • Limpness, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness

If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to get checked — especially with newborn breathing.

What is “periodic breathing” in babies?

Periodic breathing is when a baby’s breathing naturally cycles through:

  • a few quick breaths
  • a few slow breaths
  • a brief pause
  • then breathing resumes

This pattern is common in young babies because their breathing control systems are still maturing.

It’s most noticeable:

  • in the first weeks of life
  • during sleep
  • when baby is in active (REM-like) sleep

Why do babies pause breathing during sleep?

Here are the most common reasons:

1) Their breathing control is still developing

Newborn brains are still learning how to regulate breathing rhythm smoothly. That’s why breathing can look “start-and-stop” compared to adults.

2) Sleep stage changes (active sleep)

Babies spend a lot of time in active sleep, where breathing can be irregular and noisy. This is also when you might hear grunting or see squirming.

(If your baby is also noisy at night, read:
why newborns grunt while sleeping helpful.)

3) Mild nasal stuffiness

Because babies mostly breathe through the nose, even mild congestion can change airflow and make breathing look uneven.

How long is “normal” for a pause?

Many babies have very brief pauses that are harmless.

What matters more than the exact seconds is:

  • Does baby restart breathing easily?
  • Do they stay pink?
  • Do they look comfortable?

If you’re seeing frequent pauses, it can be helpful to record a short video to show your pediatrician.

Important: If you ever see a pause with color change or baby looks unwell, treat it as urgent.

Periodic breathing vs apnea (how to tell the difference)

✅ Periodic breathing (often normal)

  • Brief pause
  • Baby resumes breathing without stimulation
  • No change in color
  • No “struggling” signs (no rib pulling in)

🚨 Apnea (needs medical evaluation)

Apnea can look like:

  • breathing pauses that don’t resolve quickly
  • baby becoming pale or bluish
  • baby becoming limp or unusually sleepy
  • pauses paired with choking, gagging, or significant distress

If you suspect apnea, it’s worth urgent medical review.

Red flags: get urgent help now

Seek urgent medical care if your baby has any of these:

  • Blue or grey lips/tongue/face
  • Breathing pauses with limpness or unresponsiveness
  • Fast breathing that doesn’t settle
  • Skin pulling in under ribs/neck (retractions)
  • Grunting with every breath
  • Poor feeding, repeated vomiting, or severe lethargy

Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, get checked.

What you can do at home (safe, practical steps)

If your baby seems comfortable and you’re not seeing red flags:

Support easier breathing

  • Keep baby’s sleep area cool and well ventilated
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier if air is dry
  • If nose sounds congested: saline drops + gentle suction (only as needed)

Reduce worry

  • Remember: newborn sleep breathing can be irregular
  • Watch baby’s color and comfort, not just rhythm
  • If it helps your peace of mind, keep a short log of:
    • how often it happens
    • how long it seems
    • whether there’s any color change

Safe sleep reminder: Always follow safe sleep guidance (on back, firm surface, no loose bedding).

FAQ

Is it normal for newborns to pause breathing in sleep?

Often, yes. Many newborns have periodic breathing where they pause briefly and then resume on their own, especially during active sleep.

When should I worry about breathing pauses?

Worry if pauses come with:

  • color change (blue/grey)
  • limpness
  • distress
  • poor feeding
  • retractions or nasal flaring

Can reflux cause breathing pauses?

Reflux can sometimes cause gagging or brief coughing/choking episodes, but frequent or severe events should be discussed with a clinician.

Do I need a breathing monitor?

Most home monitors are not necessary for healthy babies and can increase anxiety. If you’re concerned, it’s better to talk to your pediatrician about what you’re seeing.

A gentle next step

Newborn breathing questions are one of the biggest sources of night-time anxiety — and you deserve calm, clear guidance.

MyBabySoothe helps parents understand newborn behavior and sounds with science-backed explanations designed for real life.

If you’d like to go deeper into common newborn behaviors, these guides may help:

M

MyBabySoothe Team

Author