How to assess respiration in a baby who screams every time when approached?
“Stranger anxiety” normally develops in the second half of the first year of life. The child’s alertness to your presence is certainly a positive sign. Observing the child from across the room provides valuable information. General appearance, state of hydration, respiratory rate, nasal flaring, retractions, paradoxical respirations, and grunting can be appreciated without close proximity to the child. In many cases, the child is more cooperative if your approach is delayed, slow, and accompanied by soothing speech.
