What you're describing is known as abdominal breathing, and is the type of breathing that we expect to see in newborns and young infants. In fact, it is the natural instinct of infants and babies to do diaphragmatic breathing (the diaphragm being the largest and primary muscle of respiration).
As kids grow up, however, they will learn to chest breathe more.
Abdominal breathing allows babies and kids to get a lot more oxygen intake than chest breathing.
The main reasons why abdominal breathing is prominent in babies include:
The abdominal muscles are still not fully developed.
Chest expansion goes unnoticed in infants and there is only little space for the lungs to expand in the chest.
The belly accumulates fat which makes it more prominent so breathing is more easily observable. In addition, the muscles of the abdomen are still weak in infants so they belly expands more easily.
Because babies spend a lot of time on their back, a big portion of the lungs will be in the mid-back, just above the kidneys. So when the baby breathes, the belly will have to expand.
Adult pattern breathing, or integrated breathing, where all the muscles of the chest and the abdominal area are used, is underdeveloped in young infants.
Sign up or
login to eTobb to get personalized preventive health recommendations and timely reminders.
Annual Checkup
It is recommended that all individuals see a Family Doctor for a full medical examination annually. Adults should get their blood pressure checked (US Preventive Task Force), a flu vaccine (CDC) and more each year.
The American Dental Association recommends dental cleanings for adults at least twice annually. Some stains can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
It’s recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology that every adult between the ages of 18 and 80 does an eye examination at least once every two years.
It's recommended by the American Cancer Association that every adult between the age of 20 and 80 does an annual skin screening by a licensed dermatologist.
Take a step forward towards a healthier lifestyle. Stay connected to doctors and stay informed on the latest health topics that matter to you. Sign up to eTobb now!
Premium Question Order Summary 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Check if your question is new We may already have an answer for you
You asked for:
Your question is::
Premium Question: Second Opinion
Get help to feel good!
Get answers to your health concerns by asking our certified physicians. Share your medical files for review in eTobb Premium.
Talk to real doctors!
Find the right doctor from our network of over 1000 verified physicians. Check out their eTobb Profiles to learn more about them.
Be proactive, Be healthy!
Your health is our number one priority. We've provided you with a Health Engage meter that tracks how many personalized health recommendations you have completed.
Feedback
premium
Ask Doctors Choose a plan to ask your question
PREMIUM
Ask doctors anonymously
Question can include up to 2000 characters
Receive expert medical advice
Get priority for doctor answers
Attach files (i.e. blood tests, X-rays...)
Choose a specialist of your choice
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Your question will not be posted publicly
$6 / Question
Basic
Ask doctors anonymously
Question can include up to 150 characters
Get educational information
Free
Edit Question
مبروك!
شكراً لإهتمامك في الإنضمام إلى إي طب! تم إضافتك بنجاح على قائمة الإنتظار. للحصول على الوصول والدخول المبكر، قم بإبلاغ عائلتك وأصدقائك. كلّما أبلغت عنّا أشخاص أكثر كلما زادت فرصك للحصول على دخول مبكّر.
