How does the respiratory rate of infants compare to that of adults?

Infants have a higher respiratory rate than adults due to their smaller lung capacity and higher metabolic demands. At rest, many infants typically breathe between 30 to 60 times per minute, while adults usually have a respiratory rate ranging from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This elevated rate in infants helps meet their body's needs for oxygen as they are growing and developing rapidly. Additionally, their smaller airways and less developed respiratory muscles contribute to the need for more frequent breaths to maintain adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. Understanding the differences in respiratory rates is crucial for monitoring the health and condition of infants in both emergency and clinical settings.