Chart — Pediatrics
Pediatric Vital Signs Comparison
Pediatric vital signs differ significantly across age groups. A heart rate of 100 bpm is normal for a toddler but bradycardic for an adolescent. This chart provides a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of normal heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure ranges from newborn through adolescence.
Educational use only. Vital sign ranges represent population averages. Always interpret findings in clinical context. A single abnormal value requires clinical judgment and assessment of the full picture. Follow PALS guidelines and institutional protocols. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Vital Signs by Age Group
| Age Group | HR (bpm) | RR (/min) | Systolic BP (mmHg) | Diastolic BP (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 mo) | 110–160 | 30–60 | 60–90 | 30–60 |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 100–160 | 30–60 | 70–100 | 50–70 |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | 90–150 | 24–40 | 80–110 | 50–80 |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | 80–140 | 22–34 | 80–110 | 50–80 |
| School-Age (6–12 yr) | 70–120 | 18–30 | 85–120 | 55–80 |
| Adolescent (12–18 yr) | 60–100 | 12–20 | 100–130 | 60–85 |
Normal temperature (all ages): 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F) axillary. Fever defined as >38°C (>100.4°F).
Bradycardia and Tachycardia Action Thresholds
| Age Group | Bradycardia Threshold | Tachycardia Threshold | Priority Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn / Infant | <100 bpm | >180 bpm (at rest) | Bradycardia: O₂, stimulate, PPV if <60 bpm |
| Toddler / Preschool | <70 bpm | >150 bpm (at rest) | Bradycardia = hypoxia until proven otherwise |
| School-Age | <60 bpm | >130 bpm (at rest) | Assess for dehydration, pain, fever, arrhythmia |
| Adolescent | <50 bpm | >110 bpm (at rest) | Evaluate for underlying cause; ECG if arrhythmia suspected |
Minimum Acceptable Systolic Blood Pressure
Formula (Ages 1–10 years):
Minimum SBP = 70 + (2 × age in years)
Example: 6-year-old → minimum SBP = 70 + 12 = 82 mmHg
| Age | Minimum Acceptable SBP |
|---|---|
| Newborn (term) | ≥60 mmHg |
| 1 year | ≥72 mmHg |
| 5 years | ≥80 mmHg |
| 10 years | ≥90 mmHg |
| Adolescent | ≥90 mmHg |
Hypotension is a LATE sign of decompensation in children. Tachycardia and decreased perfusion precede hypotension — do not wait for low BP to act.
NCLEX Pearls
- Heart rates and respiratory rates decrease as children age; blood pressure increases
- Bradycardia in a child = hypoxia until proven otherwise — give oxygen first
- Hypotension is a pre-terminal sign in children — tachycardia comes first and is more clinically significant
- PALS: if HR <60 with poor perfusion despite oxygenation → begin chest compressions
- Normal RR for an infant (30–60/min) would be severe tachypnea in an adult (12–20/min)
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with PALS / AAP Pediatric Vital Sign Standards. It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →