Level 1: Causes of Shortness of Breath in Newborn Babies Shortness of breath in newborn babies may be caused by a variety of reasons. The most common causes include: neonatal asphyxia, pneumonia, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, etc. In addition, some babies may develop respiratory infections or other diseases after birth, causing shortness of breath. Level 2: Symptoms of shortness of breath in newborn babies. When a newborn baby has shortness of breath, it is usually accompanied by the following symptoms: 1. The breathing rate is accelerated, exceeding 60 times per minute; 2. The breathing is shallow and deep, and even asthma occurs; 3. .The chest rises and falls significantly; 4. Makes a sound when breathing; 5.