Heart rate and respiratory rate by age
Heart rate is listed awake and asleep, because a sleeping child's rate is normally lower.
Compare each reading with the range for the child's age group, not with adult values. In Brighton PEWS, a respiratory rate more than 10 above normal scores 1, more than 20 above normal or retractions score 2, and a rate 5 below normal with retractions, or grunting, scores 3.
| Age | Heart rate awake (beats/min) | Heart rate asleep (beats/min) | Respiratory rate (breaths/min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (under 1 month) | 100–205 | 90–160 | 30–53 |
| 1–12 months | 100–180 | 90–160 | 30–53 |
| 1–2 years | 98–140 | 80–120 | 22–37 |
| 3–5 years | 80–120 | 65–100 | 20–28 |
| 6–11 years | 75–118 | 58–90 | 18–25 |
| 12 years and older | 60–100 | 50–90 | 12–20 |
Blood pressure ranges and hypotension by age
The systolic and diastolic ranges below are normal values by age group. The hypotension column gives the PALS systolic threshold that defines low blood pressure.
| Age | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) | Hypotension (systolic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (under 1 month) | 67–84 | 35–53 | Under 60 |
| 1–12 months | 72–104 | 37–56 | Under 70 |
| 1–2 years | 86–106 | 42–63 | Under 70 + (2 × age in years) |
| 3–5 years | 89–112 | 46–72 | Under 70 + (2 × age in years) |
| 6–11 years | 97–115 | 57–76 | Under 70 + (2 × age); under 90 from 10 years |
| 12 years and older | 110–131 | 64–83 | Under 90 |
Using the hypotension formula
From 1 year to 10 years, the PALS lower limit for systolic pressure is 70 plus twice the age in years. A 4-year-old is hypotensive below 78 mm Hg, and an 8-year-old below 86 mm Hg. From 10 years, the cut-off is a systolic pressure under 90 mm Hg.
Read blood pressure alongside the other vital signs. In Brighton PEWS, a capillary refill of 4 seconds or a heart rate 20 above normal scores 2 for cardiovascular, and grey, mottled skin, a refill of 5 seconds or more, a heart rate 30 above normal, or bradycardia scores 3.
Estimating weight when you cannot weigh the child
The calculator also shows APLS weight estimates for each age group. Always weigh the child when possible.
- Newborn: about 3.5 kg
- 1–12 months: about 4–10 kg
- 1–5 years: (age + 4) × 2 kg
- 6–11 years: (age × 3) + 7 kg
- 12 years and older: weigh the child
Scoring deterioration with Brighton PEWS
The same tool scores the Brighton Pediatric Early Warning Score, which builds on these ranges. Behavior, cardiovascular and respiratory findings are each scored 0 to 3, and 2 points are added for nebulizers every 15 minutes or persistent vomiting after surgery. For example, a heart rate 20 above normal scores 2 for cardiovascular, and a respiratory rate more than 20 above normal scores 2 for respiratory.
A total of 3 means informing the nurse in charge and hourly observations; 4 means physician review within 30 minutes; 5 or more means immediate bedside review by a senior clinician. A score of 3 in any single area also needs prompt review. Escalation steps vary by hospital, so follow your local PEWS policy.
Use the free tool
Normal heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure by age, and the Brighton early warning score.
Open Vital Signs & PEWS →Common questions
What is a normal heart rate for a 1-year-old?
For children 1–2 years old, a normal awake heart rate is 98–140 beats/min and a normal asleep rate is 80–120 beats/min.
What is a normal respiratory rate for an infant?
From birth to 12 months, the normal respiratory rate is 30–53 breaths/min.
How do you calculate hypotension in a child?
From 1 to 10 years, systolic pressure under 70 + (2 × age in years) is hypotension. Under 1 month the cut-off is under 60, from 1–12 months under 70, and from 10 years under 90 mm Hg.
What is a normal heart rate for a teenager?
For 12 years and older, a normal heart rate is 60–100 beats/min awake and 50–90 asleep, with a respiratory rate of 12–20 breaths/min.
Sources
American Heart Association. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual, 2020 (vital sign ranges and hypotension definitions).; Monaghan A. Detecting and managing deterioration in children. Paediatr Nurs 2005;17:32–35.; APLS weight estimation formulas.
For education only, not medical advice. Always confirm against current guidelines and your local protocols. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.