How to Improve the Development of a Baby's Respiratory Function
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Improving the development of a baby's respiratory function can be achieved through various scientific interventions, including maintaining fresh and well-ventilated air, practicing proper breastfeeding, performing appropriate tummy time exercises, and avoiding exposure to respiratory irritants. Windows should be opened regularly each day to ensure indoor air freshness, with indoor humidity maintained between 50%–60% and temperature kept at 22–25°C.
To promote the development of a baby's respiratory function, various scientific interventions can be applied, including maintaining fresh and well-ventilated air, practicing proper breastfeeding, performing appropriate tummy time exercises, avoiding exposure to respiratory irritants, and regularly engaging in age-appropriate respiratory exercises. The details are as follows:
1. Maintain fresh and well-circulated air: Open windows at regular times each day to ensure indoor air is fresh. Maintain indoor humidity between 50%–60% and temperature between 22–25°C. Fresh air reduces irritation to the respiratory mucosa and creates a comfortable environment for the baby’s breathing, supporting normal respiratory development.
2. Practice proper breastfeeding: Breast milk contains abundant immune components that enhance the baby’s resistance to respiratory infections and reduce the risk of respiratory illness. Use correct breastfeeding positions to prevent choking or coughing during feeding, thereby avoiding accidental aspiration of milk into the airway, which could impair respiratory function.
3. Perform appropriate tummy time exercises: When the baby is awake and under adult supervision, allow for suitable periods of tummy time. This position strengthens neck and chest muscles, increases lung capacity, promotes lung expansion, and positively supports respiratory development. Note that each tummy time session should not be too long.
4. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants: Do not smoke around the baby and avoid exposing them to irritants such as cooking fumes, dust, and perfume. These substances can easily irritate the baby’s delicate respiratory tract, causing discomfort or even impairing respiratory development, so they must be strictly avoided.
5. Regularly perform age-appropriate respiratory exercises: For older infants, simple games like blowing bubbles or balloons (under adult supervision) can encourage active deep breathing. These activities strengthen respiratory muscles, increase pulmonary ventilation, and further promote respiratory development.
Improving a baby’s respiratory development requires consistent application of scientific methods. If the baby shows signs of rapid breathing, frequent coughing, or bluish lips, seek medical attention immediately. Regularly observe the baby’s breathing patterns and provide optimal conditions for healthy respiratory development, supporting overall growth and well-being.
