Breathing

Newborns breathe differently than older babies and adults - this is normal. Newborns do "periodic" or "cluster breathing": they may pause breathing for up to 20 seconds and then start up again with deep breaths. Breathing can be irregular: sometimes it is fast and deep and sometimes it is slow and shallow. Read the links below for more information on what is normal and what is concerning for your baby's breathing.

• Association of Ontario Midwives - Normal newborn behaviour (see section on breathing, also available in Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, and Simplified Chinese) 
• Canadian Pediatric Society - Croup (laryngitis): transmission, symptoms, treatment
• Montreal Children's Hospital - 10 things every parent should know about RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
• About Kids Health - Influenza (flu): An overview