What is the typical range for a child's respiratory rate?

The typical respiratory rate for a child varies based on age, but for many children, the range of 20-30 breaths per minute is considered normal. This range accommodates the higher metabolic needs of children compared to adults, as they generally have faster respiratory rates due to their smaller lung volumes and higher oxygen demand during activities such as play and growth.

In infants and young children, respiratory rates can be even higher, reflecting their physiological differences. As children grow older, their respiratory rates gradually decrease and approach adult levels, which typically fall between 12-20 breaths per minute. The selection of 20-30 breaths per minute effectively captures the range for early childhood, making it a suitable answer for the question concerning children's respiratory rates.