What is the normal respiratory rate for children?

The normal respiratory rate for children varies significantly based on their age and developmental stage. Typically, a healthy range for children can be between 12 to 37 breaths per minute, which encompasses various age groups from infants to young adolescents. This wide range reflects the fact that younger children and infants have higher metabolic rates, requiring a faster respiratory rate, while older children might breathe more slowly as their bodies grow and develop.

Age-specific normal respiratory rates are important for healthcare providers to know in order to assess a child's health appropriately. For instance, infants can have respiratory rates that are often higher than older children due to their smaller lung capacity and higher oxygen needs. Understanding this range can help caregivers and medical professionals recognize abnormal breathing patterns that might indicate respiratory distress or other medical issues.