Baby Breathing Pauses: Periodic Breathing vs Apnoea | Parenting Hub
Brief pauses in newborn breathing are usually normal periodic breathing. Learn when a pause is apnoea and needs urgent care.
Newborns often have short, irregular breathing patterns. A pause under 10 seconds with no colour change is usually normal — anything longer or with blueness is not.
Periodic breathing — normal
In the first 3 months, many babies have an irregular rhythm: 10–15 seconds of faster breathing, then a pause of 5–10 seconds, then back to normal. Skin colour stays pink and baby is settled. This is periodic breathing and is normal.
Apnoea — not normal
Apnoea is a pause that lasts longer than 20 seconds, OR a shorter pause with any of:
- Colour change — blue, grey or pale
- Slow heart rate (floppy, unresponsive)
- Choking, gagging or limpness afterwards
Common causes of apnoea
- Prematurity (apnoea of prematurity)
- Infection — bronchiolitis (RSV), whooping cough
- Reflux
- Seizure
- Heart or breathing condition
What to do
Any episode of apnoea — even if baby recovers — needs same-day medical assessment. Apnoea with colour change or limpness needs emergency care immediately.
Follow safe sleep practice: back to sleep, on a firm flat mattress, no loose bedding, room sharing for the first 6–12 months.
When to seek urgent care
Pause longer than 20 seconds, any blueness or pallor with a pause, baby floppy or unresponsive — call 000 immediately.
When to seek help
- Pauses longer than 20 seconds
- Any colour change — blue, grey, pale
- Limp or unresponsive after a pause
- Choking or gagging episodes
- Premature baby with new pauses
Common questions
Should I get a home monitor?
Home apnoea monitors are not routinely recommended — they don't reduce SIDS risk and can cause anxiety with false alarms. Safe sleep practice is the strongest protection.
Is it normal for my newborn to breathe irregularly?
Yes. Short irregular patterns with brief pauses under 10 seconds and normal colour are normal in the first months. Pauses over 20 seconds or with colour change are not.