What is the normal respiratory rate for an infant?

The normal respiratory rate for an infant typically ranges from 20 to 40 breaths per minute. This higher rate compared to older children and adults is due to the infant's smaller lung capacity and higher metabolic needs. Their bodies require more frequent breaths to ensure adequate oxygenation and support growth and development. Infants are also more susceptible to fluctuations in their respiratory patterns due to factors like sleeping, crying, or feeding. Understanding this normal range is essential for healthcare professionals to assess the respiratory health of infants accurately. Correctly identifying this rate enables timely intervention if an infant's breathing falls outside of this expected range, which can indicate potential health issues.