What is the respiratory rate range for infants?

The respiratory rate for infants typically ranges from 30 to 53 breaths per minute. This elevated rate is a normal physiological characteristic in infants, reflecting their higher metabolic demands and smaller lung capacity compared to older children and adults. Infants breathe more rapidly to ensure adequate oxygenation and gas exchange as their bodies are still developing. Generally, as children grow, their respiratory rates gradually decrease to align with slower metabolic rates and larger lung volumes. Understanding the normal respiratory rate range for different age groups, especially in pediatrics, is crucial for medical assistants, as it aids in the assessment of a child's health status.