Newborns sleep a lot. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll spend an unreasonable amount of time staring at them, trying to figure out if they’re still breathing. (Because apparently, a silent, still baby is just as terrifying as a crying one.)
Here are some quick, easy ways to check.
How to Check If Your Baby Is Sleeping and Still Breathing
1. The Fog Trick
This one is a tip I’ve learned from the dudes in my friend group, you should be holding a small mirror or a spoon under their nose. If it fogs up, congratulations—your baby is breathing. Or use a spoon instead of a mirror, it works the same.
2. The Belly Rise Test
Place your hand gently on their tummy and watch or feel for rhythmic movement. Babies have soft, squishy bellies, so it’s usually pretty easy to tell.
3. Light Touch
Gently place a finger under their nostrils to feel for air movement. Just be prepared for them to make a weird face and possibly sneeze on you.
4. The “Startle” Test
Babies are drama queens. Lightly touch their hand or foot. If they twitch, flinch, or throw out their arms like they just saw a ghost, they’re fine.
5. Use Devices (Portable Pulse Oximeter or Monitor)
Use devices to measure oxygen levels and heart rate. Make sure you look for one with a waveform display that should look smooth and wavy, not jagged and chaotic. They’re affordable and you can easily find them online, and some insurance plans cover them.
For newborns, also consider using smart socks with built-in sensors, as most fingertip pulse oximeters are designed for adult or pediatric fingers, not the tiny, delicate fingers of a newborn.
Red Flags to Watch For
Look for signs of breathing distress or abnormal breathing patterns, such as:
Tracheal Tug
If you see visible sucking at the neck when your baby breathes, this could be a sign they’re struggling to get enough air.
Nasal Flaring
If their nostrils flare dramatically with each breath, their little body might be working too hard to pull in oxygen.
Chest Retractions
If you notice their ribs pulling in deeply with each inhale, that’s another sign of labored breathing.
Here’s a video link to help you recognize these signs.
Grunting
A tiny grunt at the end of each breath can be a newborn’s way of trying to keep their lungs open.
Rapid Breathing
According to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, more than 60 breaths per minute is too fast for a newborn and could signal respiratory distress.
Credit: WebMD
Blue or Pale Skin
Especially around the lips or fingertips, this might indicate low oxygen levels.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your pediatrician immediately.
Final Thoughts
Checking if your baby is breathing should be easy and stress-free (in theory). A few quick tricks can save you from unnecessary panic at 2 AM, and more importantly, help you spot actual emergencies early.
And always remember to trust your instincts, if something feels off, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician. It’s always better to check than to wonder.