What labored breathing can look like: Fast breathing (tachypnea) – Over 60 breaths per minute. Retractions – The skin between ribs, above the collarbone, or under the ribs pulls in with each breath. Grunting – A little noise at the end of exhalation (the baby is trying to keep air in the lungs). Nasal flaring – The nostrils widen with each breath. Head bobbing – In infants, the head may bob with each breath due to effort. Color changes – Pale, bluish, or gray skin, especially around the lips and