Pediatric Normal Vital Signs by Age
Age-banded normal ranges are the first filter in any pediatric assessment. Values below are awake, at-rest ranges; crying, fever, pain and distress shift heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) upward, so always interpret a single reading in clinical context and trend.
Heart rate (beats/min)
| Age band | Awake | Asleep |
|---|---|---|
| Neonate (<28 d) | 100–205 | 90–160 |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 100–190 | 90–160 |
| Toddler (1–2 y) | 98–140 | 80–120 |
| Preschool (3–5 y) | 80–120 | 65–100 |
| School-age (6–11 y) | 75–118 | 58–90 |
| Adolescent (12–15 y) | 60–100 | 50–90 |
Respiratory rate (breaths/min)
| Age band | Normal RR |
|---|---|
| Infant (<1 y) | 30–53 |
| Toddler (1–2 y) | 22–37 |
| Preschool (3–5 y) | 20–28 |
| School-age (6–11 y) | 18–25 |
| Adolescent (12–15 y) | 12–20 |
Blood pressure (mmHg, systolic / diastolic)
| Age band | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Term neonate (96 h) | 67–84 | 35–53 |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 72–104 | 37–56 |
| Toddler (1–2 y) | 86–106 | 42–63 |
| Preschool (3–5 y) | 89–112 | 46–72 |
| School-age (6–9 y) | 97–115 | 57–76 |
| Adolescent (10–15 y) | 102–131 | 61–83 |
Hypotension threshold (systolic BP)
Hypotension is a late, pre-arrest sign in children — compensated shock presents with tachycardia and poor perfusion long before BP falls. PALS 5th-percentile systolic thresholds:
| Age | Hypotension if SBP < |
|---|---|
| Term neonate | 60 mmHg |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 70 mmHg |
| 1–10 y | 70 + (2 × age in yr) |
| >10 y | 90 mmHg |
Red flags
- HR: persistent tachycardia out of proportion to fever, or any bradycardia in a sick child (impending arrest).
- RR: sustained tachypnoea, grunting, head-bobbing, or a falling/“normalising” RR in a tiring child.
- BP: hypotension = decompensated shock; act, don’t observe.
- Fever rule of thumb: HR rises ~10 bpm and RR ~2–4 breaths/min per 1 °C; reassess after antipyresis.
For weight-based emergency drug and fluid doses, see the companion cheat-sheets on resuscitation drug doses and IV fluids.
Decision support for qualified clinicians only — verify against current primary guidelines and your clinical judgement.