What is the normal respiratory rate for infants?

The normal respiratory rate for infants is typically in the range of 30 to 53 breaths per minute. This elevated rate compared to older children and adults is due to infants’ smaller lung volumes and the higher metabolic demands of their rapidly growing bodies. Monitoring the respiratory rate in infants is particularly important, as deviations from this range can indicate potential health issues, such as respiratory distress or infection.

Understanding this range helps caregivers and healthcare professionals ensure that infants are breathing adequately and can assist in prompt identification of any respiratory problems that may arise.