Important: If you see your baby’s skin pulling in when they breathe, get help right away.
What are “retractions”?
Imagine your baby’s skin sucking in between their ribs, under their chest, or above their collarbone when they breathe. That’s a retraction. It means they’re working really hard to get air.
Why does this happen?
It usually happens because something is blocking their airway, like:
- Something stuck in their throat.
- Too much mucus (like from a cold).
- A chest infection.
- Asthma.
- Cystic fibrosis (a lung disease).
- Other lung problems.
What to do if you see retractions:
- Don’t wait. Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. This is serious.
How you can help while waiting for medical help:
- Keep your baby calm. Crying makes it harder to breathe.
- Give them small amounts of fluids if they’re still able to swallow.
- If they have a fever, you can give them children’s pain reliever (like Tylenol or Motrin), but follow the directions on the bottle.
- Never smoke around your baby.
How to help prevent breathing problems:
- Make sure your baby gets all their shots.
- Keep them away from cigarette smoke.
- If your baby has had breathing problems before, talk to your doctor about how to keep them healthy.
Important things to remember:
- If your baby is struggling to breathe, don’t give them food or drink.
- Don’t put anything in their mouth if they’re coughing.
- If they have a seizure, don’t put anything in their mouth.
- This information is just for your knowledge. Always talk to your doctor if you’re worried about your baby’s breathing.
