We studied 120 full-term newborn infants and 20 pre-term infants by means of recording tidal breathing flow volume loops, passive flow volume technique and open circuit N2 washout technique. In the preterm infants, ventilatory function, FRC and Crs were lower than those in full-term infants, and Rrs were higher than those of full-term infants. TV, MV and PTEF were positively corelated with age (day), weight and height FRC, Crs and Trs were positively corelated with weight and height. TBFV loop in normal newborn infants did not show round or ellipse curve. The curve of expiration rose quickly, the position of expiration peak closed to the front, and decending line of expiration was relatively tilting. RR, Ti/Ttot, VPF, TPF, PF25, PTEF/TV, ME/MI, FRCkg, Crskg, sCrs, Rrs and sRrs were valuble indices in neonatal pulmonary function test. The results of our study are important in the establishment of normal values of pulmonary function indices for newborn infants in China.