Respiratory Rate in Children - Pulmonary Examination

Vital Signs Respiration
Respiratory Rate in Children

Infants and young children are diaphragmatic breathers and you should observe their abdominal excursions rather than chest excursions to determine the respiratory rate.
Newborns often exhibit irregular breathing patterns. For the true respiratory rate you should observe the child for 30-60 seconds.

Normal Respiratory Rates in Children
Approximate Age	Breaths Per Minute
Neonatal Period	30-60
Early Childhood	20-40
Late Childhood	15-25

© 2000 by Richard Rathe & Andria Klioze	Updated 7/22/01 RR
From the Basic Clinical Skills Web-Site/CD-ROM, go to www.gsm.com for more information.