YOUR QUESTION. A CLEARER NEXT STEP.
Do children usually outgrow breath-holding spells?
Children almost always outgrow breath-holding spells, which usually begin between 6 months and 2 years and stop by age 5 or 6. Though frightening to watch, the spells are a reflex, not seizures, and do not cause lasting harm in most children. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
In this answer 5 sections
That sudden moment when your little one cries, goes quiet, holds their breath and even changes colour is terrifying to watch — but for almost every child, it is something they grow out of.
In short
Yes — children almost always outgrow breath-holding spells. They typically begin between 6 months and 2 years, peak around the toddler years, and most children stop having them by age 5 or 6. The spells, though frightening to witness, are not seizures and do not cause lasting harm or brain damage in the vast majority of children. They are a reflex response, not a behaviour your child can control or is doing on purpose.
Understanding the spells
Breath-holding spells usually happen after a trigger — a sudden fright, pain, frustration or a bump. There are two common types:
- Blue (cyanotic) spells — the most common; after crying out, the child holds their breath, may go bluish around the lips, and briefly loses consciousness before recovering.
- Pale (pallid) spells — often triggered by a sudden shock or minor injury; the child goes pale and limp.
In both, your child usually recovers within seconds to a minute, breathing returns on its own, and they are themselves again soon after. Spells are sometimes linked to iron deficiency, so a simple check of iron levels can be worthwhile and treatment can reduce how often they happen. During a spell, stay calm, lay your child on their side, keep them safe from knocks, and do not shake, splash water or put anything in their mouth.
When to seek a check
While breath-holding spells are usually harmless, see a doctor promptly to be sure of what is happening — especially if spells are frequent, if your child takes a long time to recover, if there is jerking that continues after breathing returns, or if you are ever unsure whether it was a spell or a seizure. A clinician can distinguish a breath-holding spell from epilepsy or a heart-rhythm cause and check iron levels.
The Pinnacle way
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or online form. If spells are worrying you, our team can guide you on what is typical and when a medical review is needed, and reassure you about your child's overall development. Explore Pinnacle Blooms Network, learn how the AbilityScore® works, or book a gentle developmental assessment.
Trusted sources
American Academy of Pediatrics family guidance (HealthyChildren.org) on breath-holding spells; CDC developmental and child-health resources; WHO child-health information.
Next step — Worried about your child's spells? Speak with a Pinnacle clinician for reassurance and a developmental check.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Watch for spells that are very frequent, slow recovery, jerking that continues after breathing returns, or any doubt over whether it was a spell or a seizure — these warrant a prompt medical review.
In everyday life
During a spell, stay calm, lay your child on their side and keep them safe from knocks — do not shake, splash water or put anything in their mouth; they will breathe again within seconds.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
At what age do breath-holding spells usually stop?
Most children stop having breath-holding spells by around age 5 or 6. They typically begin between 6 months and 2 years and become less frequent as your child grows.
Are breath-holding spells dangerous or do they cause brain damage?
In the vast majority of children, breath-holding spells are harmless and do not cause brain damage. They are a reflex, not a seizure, and your child usually recovers fully within seconds to a minute. A doctor can confirm what is happening if you are unsure.
Can iron deficiency cause breath-holding spells?
Yes, breath-holding spells are sometimes linked to iron deficiency. A simple check of iron levels is worthwhile, as treating low iron can reduce how often the spells happen.
What should I do during a breath-holding spell?
Stay calm, lay your child on their side, and keep them safe from knocks or falls. Do not shake them, splash water or put anything in their mouth. Breathing returns on its own, usually within seconds.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Organisation website · further readingAmerican Academy of Pediatrics — HealthyChildren.org family guidance
- Organisation website · further readingCDC child-health and development resources
- Organisation website · further readingWHO child-health information
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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