Few things frighten a parent more than watching a baby cry so hard that no sound comes out and their color starts to change. A nurse practitioner stepped in with a calm walk-through of what is happening and what to do.
The creator behind @ask_the_np_mom introduces herself as Leslie, a nurse practitioner, and says she wants to take the fear-mongering and the judgment out of motherhood. Her video opens with a clip of a baby in an orange onesie having a breath holding spell, then she explains it on camera.
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What a breath holding spell is
According to Leslie, a breath holding spell is common between about 6 months and 4 years old and, in her words, it is actually not that dangerous. A child may hold their breath, turn pale or blue, and even briefly pass out. She says they will start breathing again on their own, usually within seconds to under a minute.
After the child comes out of it, she notes, they will be very tired and a little out of it.
What she says to do
- Hold your child and keep them safe.
- Lay them on their side.
- You can try blowing on their face very fast and abruptly, but she says not to count on that working.
What she says not to do
- Do not put anything in their mouth.
- Do not try to shake them out of it.
- Do not splash water on them.
When she says to be more worried
Leslie lists the situations where she wants parents to get more concerned and have their child checked: when it is the first time it has happened, when it lasts longer than a minute, when there is no clear trigger, or when you are worried it could be a seizure.
She also offers a pro tip: children who have these spells might be low on iron, which is something to raise with your child’s provider.
The bottom line
Her bottom line is simple: stay calm and keep your child safe. She says she hopes the video is reassuring and leaves parents feeling better prepared, and she adds that she loves getting videos from patients.
This article shares one clinician’s general advice and is not a substitute for medical care. If your child has a spell for the first time, if it lasts more than a minute, or if anything about it worries you, call your pediatrician or emergency services right away.
Common questions parents have
Why do these spells seem to happen after a fright or a fall? Parents often notice that a spell follows a strong emotion or a sudden surprise, such as being upset, frustrated or startled. Watching for patterns can help you and your provider understand what is going on, even though a spell can sometimes arrive without an obvious cause.
What should I notice while it is happening? If you can stay steady enough, take mental notes: roughly how long it lasted, what led up to it, what your child looked like, and how they acted afterward. Those details are exactly what a pediatrician will ask about.
Should I tell other caregivers? Yes. If a grandparent, babysitter or childcare provider looks after your child, make sure they know what a spell can look like and that the first step is to stay calm and keep the child safe.
Preparing before it ever happens
Most parents who have not seen a spell are caught completely off guard the first time. A little preparation helps. Know where your child is safest to lie down if they go limp, keep floors around play areas clear of hard or sharp objects, and make sure everyone who cares for your child knows your pediatrician’s phone number.
What to keep ready for the doctor’s visit
- A short written description of each episode, including the date and time.
- What your child was doing or feeling just before it started.
- How long it seemed to last and how your child acted afterward.
- A list of any medicines or supplements your child takes.
- Your own questions, including anything about diet or iron.
A calm plan for scary moments
It is natural to panic when a baby’s color changes. Many parents find it helps to rehearse a simple plan ahead of time: stay close, keep the child safe, and call for medical help if something does not seem right. If your child is not breathing again or cannot be woken, call emergency services immediately and do not wait.
Afterward, give lots of comfort. Your child may be sleepy and confused, and a quiet cuddle is often the best medicine. Then call your pediatrician, even if everything seems fine, so the episode is on record and you can get guidance tailored to your child.
Credit for the original post goes to @ask_the_np_mom on Instagram.
