How to Check a Sleeping Infant's Breathing

Checking babies' breathing while they are sleeping is one way to make sure that they are okay. According to babycenter.com, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, strikes about one in a thousand babies. Although medical professionals are not sure why this happens, it important to keep an eye on babies as they sleep to ensure they are safe.

Instructions

• 1

  Know how a baby breathes. Babies do not breathe the same way as adults. According to babycenter.com, a baby can have pauses in his breathing of up to 15 seconds. This is normal and should not worry parents; as the baby grows, her breathing habits will change.

• 2

  Check to see if the baby is breathing by looking at him. If his chest can be seen moving, it means that he is breathing. Try putting a hand or a finger in front of her nose to see if you feel breaths. Always be sure that the baby sleeps on her back.

• 3

  Verify that the baby is breathing as often as you feel this is necessary. This is the recommendation of babyslumber.com. A parent should feel comfortable about his or her baby's safety, by any means necessary.

• 4

  Lightly try to wake the baby if you suspect that he is not breathing to see if he responds. Babycenter.com suggests that if there is no immediate response, infant CPR should be administered and 911 should be contacted.