Chest Retractions
Quick Answer
Chest retractions are visible pulling-in of the skin around the ribs, collarbone, or below the breastbone with each breath — a sign that a child may be working harder than usual to breathe.
AI generated for educational purposes only.
What Does Chest Retractions (Skin Pulling Between the Ribs) Look Like?
- The skin between the ribs appears to pull inward with each breath
- The area above the collarbone dips down visibly when breathing in
- The belly seems to be doing more of the breathing work than the chest
- Breathing may appear faster than usual or seem labored
- The child may seem quieter or less active than normal
- The nostrils may flare outward with each breath
Why Does Chest Retractions Matter?
- Retractions indicate the breathing muscles are working harder than usual to move air in and out
- They may be associated with a partially blocked airway, narrowed breathing passages, or lungs that are struggling to expand fully
- Retractions are recognized by medical providers as one of the key signs used to assess how much difficulty a child is having breathing
This guide does not determine when it is safe to stay home.
Retraction Mapper
Tap the areas where you see pulling or movement when your baby breathes. Select all that apply.
When Should I Be Worried About My Baby's Chest Pulling In When Breathing?
These are visual patterns that may deserve closer attention. This is for education only — not a diagnostic guide.
- Retractions that appear even when the child is calm and resting
- Bluish or pale color around the lips or fingertips
- Grunting sound with each breath
- The child seems too tired to eat, drink, or stay awake
- Breathing that is both fast and appears labored at the same time
Visible chest retractions, especially when a child is at rest and not crying, are among the signs many parents bring to immediate medical attention. A short video taken on a phone can be very helpful to share with a medical provider.
Knowledge Check
A 7-month-old has had a cold for 3 days. His breathing seems faster and you can see the skin between his ribs pulling in when he breathes.
What does this skin pulling-in between the ribs indicate?
A 2-year-old with croup is calm and watching a video. You notice a slight dipping above her collarbone each time she breathes in.
Where are retractions sometimes visible besides between the ribs?
A parent is watching her 4-month-old breathe. She notices the belly seems to move more than the chest during breathing.
Why might increased belly breathing look concerning in a baby?
Medical References
PediaPulse content is designed and authored by board-certified pediatricians (FAAP). All pages are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your child's physician.