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Head bobbing
System: Chest & Breathing Signs · All chest & breathing signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
In a sick infant, the head bobs forward with each breath as the accessory neck muscles strain to help breathing.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with significant respiratory distress in infancy.
Related signs — Chest & Breathing Signs
Browse the H section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.