Tachypnea: When Your Baby Is Breathing Faster Than Usual
What Is Tachypnea?
Tachypnea means breathing faster than expected. Newborn babies normally breathe faster than older children and adults, and their breathing rate can vary with activity, sleep, crying and feeding.
When your baby's breathing remains faster than expected, the NICU team may describe it as tachypnea.
How Is Breathing Rate Measured?
Your baby's respiratory rate is the number of breaths taken in one minute.
A typical resting respiratory rate for a newborn is approximately 30–60 breaths per minute, although premature and medically complex babies may have different patterns.
The NICU team looks at more than a single number. They consider whether the faster breathing is persistent and whether your baby is showing other signs of increased work of breathing.
What Else Does the NICU Team Look For?
Along with respiratory rate, your baby's team may watch for:
Retractions
Grunting
Nasal flaring
Changes in oxygen saturation
Increased oxygen needs
Changes in your baby's color or activity
The team considers all of these findings together when deciding whether your baby needs additional evaluation or respiratory support.
Why Does Tachypnea Matter With Feeding?
Babies need to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing during oral feeding. If your baby is breathing rapidly or working harder to breathe, the care team may adjust or pause oral feedings until it is safer and easier for your baby to coordinate these skills.
Related Terms
Grunting & Nasal Flaring
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
