Medical reference
Pediatric vital signs.
Normal ranges by age group. Kids aren't small adults — HR, RR, and BP shift fast with development.
| Age | HR (bpm) | RR (breaths/min) | SBP (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 mo) | 100–160 | 30–60 | 60–90 |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 100–160 | 25–50 | 70–100 |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | 90–150 | 20–30 | 80–110 |
| Preschool (4–5 yr) | 80–140 | 20–25 | 80–110 |
| School age (6–12 yr) | 70–120 | 15–20 | 80–120 |
| Adolescent (13–18 yr) | 60–100 | 12–20 | 90–120 |
Quick BP rule
Minimum acceptable SBP (1–10 yr) = 70 + (2 × age in years). Below that = decompensated shock.
Field pearls
- Tachycardia is the earliest sign of pediatric shock. Do not wait for a BP drop.
- A quiet or "too calm" sick-looking child is a red flag — often decompensating.
- Bradycardia in a hypoxic child is a pre-arrest sign. Oxygenate and ventilate immediately.
- Use a length-based tape (Broselow) for weight, tube size, and drug dosing when possible.
- Assess with the Pediatric Assessment Triangle: appearance, work of breathing, circulation to skin.
FAQ
What's the quick formula for pediatric systolic BP?
For children 1–10 years, minimum acceptable SBP ≈ 70 + (2 × age in years). Anything below suggests decompensated shock.
Why is heart rate the most sensitive pediatric vital?
Kids compensate for shock by raising heart rate long before blood pressure drops. Tachycardia is an early warning sign; hypotension is late and ominous.
How do I estimate a pediatric weight in the field?
Use a length-based tape (Broselow) when available. A rough backup: weight (kg) ≈ (2 × age in years) + 10.
What respiratory rate is worrisome?
Sustained rates above the upper end, or — more concerning — a slowing rate in a sick child, which suggests fatigue and impending arrest.
Master pediatric emergencies
Practice peds scenarios and drug math with rationales.
Try the free practice test