Babies and children are not small adults. Their airways are narrower, their respiratory muscles weaker and their chest wall more flexible; techniques are not simply scaled down but rebuilt.
Telling a small baby to “take a deep breath and hold it” has no meaning. In this age group the work runs through positioning, gentle techniques and following the baby's own breathing rhythm. In a school-age child, play becomes the most effective tool.
The family's role is decisive. The programme is largely carried out at home by the family, so family training sits at the centre of the work. In children the programme is always delivered within the assessment and referral of the treating doctor.
When does it come up?
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis and primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Recurrent chest infections
- After bronchiolitis
- Neuromuscular conditions (SMA, muscular dystrophies, cerebral palsy)
- Congenital lung and chest wall anomalies
- Chronic lung problems following premature birth
- Childhood asthma, as a supportive programme on medical referral
- Before and after surgery
An age-appropriate approach
Babies (0–2 years): positioning, gentle techniques, appropriate waiting times after feeds and working with the baby's own breathing rhythm.
Play age (2–6 years): the exercise is turned into play — balloons, bubbles through a straw, windmills, whistles, blowing foam. Keeping sessions short and enjoyable reduces resistance.
School age (6 years and over): the child can understand the technique. Adapted forms of ACBT, huffing and appropriate devices can be used. Explaining why markedly improves cooperation.
For families
Family training covers:
- Hands-on teaching and rehearsal of the technique
- What time of day and how often to carry it out
- Timing in relation to feeding
- What to do when the child resists
- Which signs mean stopping and contacting the doctor
- Cleaning and maintenance if a device is used
Treatments used in this group
Paediatric Respiratory Physiotherapy
Read moreAirway Clearance Techniques
Read moreBreathing Retraining in Asthma
Read moreHome Respiratory Care
Read moreThe information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace individual advice. A physiotherapist does not diagnose; they assess and plan a programme within the framework of medical referral. Which techniques are suitable for you is determined through a face-to-face respiratory assessment. Please consult your doctor and physiotherapist before starting.
Sudden or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, bluish discolouration of the lips or nails, or confusion may signal an emergency. Do not attempt exercises in such a situation; call the emergency number (112 in Türkiye) or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
The techniques used with children are selected and adapted to be gentle. A baby crying does not always mean pain. If you notice clear discomfort, stop and let us know.
This is very common and usually means the method is not right for the age. Turning the exercise into play, shortening it, moving it to another time of day or offering small choices often helps.
Immediately after feeding is generally not appropriate, as it can increase the risk of vomiting. The right waiting time is set for your child's age and feeding routine.