Why does my toddler hold his breath while crying?

I was startled the first time I saw a toddler hold his breath while crying. I was only 14 at the time and had been babysitting the child while his parents were away. He bumped his head against a table and made a crying face-- but no air escaped from his lungs, and he was turning blue from not breathing. I felt absolutely certain that there was something seriously wrong, and was rushing for the phone to call 911 when he finally took a deep breath and proceeded with normal crying.

It is actually very common for toddlers to hold their breath while crying, but this doesn't make it any less alarming to witness. Many parents and caregivers are concerned when they see a toddler experience a breath-holding spell. Here are some points to consider if your toddler holds his breath while crying.

1. Breath-holding spells constitute a medical condition. Many people believe that toddlers hold their breath during tantrums to manipulate adults, but this is far from the case. When a toddler holds his breath while crying, he is showing symptoms of expiratory apnea, which is an entirely reflexive and involuntary symptom. Your toddler isn't holding himself voluntarily and can't snap out of it willingly.

2. It varies in its severity and duration. Most toddlers have very mild breath-holding spells that only occur about once a week and last for only 2 to 20 seconds. A few have severe symptoms that cause them to turn blue or white in the face and lead to loss of consciousness. At this point, breathing will resume and the toddler's skin tone will go back to normal. Even in these cases, the condition will not cause serious injury or death.

3. The condition is temporary.

Breath-holding spells are a characteristic phenomenon of toddlerhood. Most toddlers develop them some time between 12 and 18 months of age and outgrow them by age three. It is very rare for breath-holding spells to last to age 8 or beyond. The condition is not likely to have any significant, lasting effects on your child's health or well-being.

4. Treatment isn't necessary. There is no effective treatment for breath-holding spells in toddlers. The only effective prevention is to minimize triggers for crying, such as emotional distress and injury. By keeping your home baby-proof and watching your child carefully, you can minimize the physical triggers that cause your toddler to hold his breath while crying. No medication or therapy will eliminate this stage in your child's development.

5. Talk to your child's doctor.

While your doctor won't be able to prescribe a treatment that will stop your toddler from holding his breath while crying, it's still a good idea to talk to his doctor about the condition. Your doctor can reassure you of your child's health and safety and may be able to provide tips to minimize the symptoms. If, during a breath-holding spell, you become worried, don't hesitate to call his doctor or 911. Listen to your instincts as a parent and get help if you think there is something seriously wrong.