A Scary Tantrum Side Effect: Breath-Holding

Here is a scary tantrum side effect: Your toddler is wailing and screaming so hard that they pass out! If you have experienced this frightening situation firsthand, you have probably wondered how to deal with toddler breath-holding spells in the moment…and more importantly, how to prevent them from happening again.  

The good news is that while breath-holding during a tantrum looks really scary, fortunately it is usually not a big deal. Typically, what happens is that young toddlers (15- to 30-month-olds) suddenly get upset (mad, scared, or startled) and try to cry, but although their mouths open, no sound comes out. For 30 to 40 seconds, they keep getting bluer (or paler) until they pass out. (Sometimes the body may twitch a little too.)

In essence, these kids 'forget' to breathe! But the instant they pass out, their breathing starts again automatically, and they revive in seconds.

If you can reach your child before he passes out, wet your hand and sprinkle a little cool water right in his face or puff hard a few inches from his face for several seconds (like you are blowing out birthday candles). This can often prevent a spell and make the child gasp, sputter, and start breathing.

Simple breath-holding spells are not dangerous. There is no risk of injury (as long as they do not fall and hit their heads). Nevertheless, you should immediately call your doctor to make sure it was not due to a seizure or other medical condition (like anemia). Ask your healthcare provider if your child needs an iron supplement to keep the spells from happening again. 

Hopefully reading this has made you feel like you can…breathe a little easier.

Avertissement : Les informations présentes sur notre site ne constituent PAS des conseils médicaux pour une personne ou une condition spécifique. Elles sont uniquement destinées à titre d'information générale. Si vous avez des questions médicales et des préoccupations concernant votre enfant ou vous-même, veuillez contacter votre fournisseur de soins de santé. Le lait maternel est la meilleure source de nutrition pour les bébés. Il est important que, en préparation et pendant l'allaitement, les mères adoptent une alimentation saine et équilibrée. La combinaison de l'allaitement au sein et au biberon dans les premières semaines de vie peut réduire la production de lait maternel de la mère et il est difficile de revenir sur la décision de ne pas allaiter. Si vous décidez d'utiliser une préparation pour nourrissons, vous devez suivre les instructions avec soin.