Pediatric Vital Signs
Select an age band for heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure norms.
Neonate
0–28 daysHeart Rate
110–160 bpm
Respiratory Rate
30–60 /min
Systolic BP
60–90 mmHg
Hypotension threshold: SBP < 60 mmHg
Obligate nose breathers with periodic breathing — count respirations for a full minute. Take the apical pulse.
| Age | HR | RR | SBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neonate0–28 days | 110–160 bpm | 30–60 /min | 60–90 mmHg |
| Infant1–12 months | 90–160 bpm | 25–40 /min | 70–100 mmHg |
| Toddler1–3 years | 80–140 bpm | 20–30 /min | 80–110 mmHg |
| Preschool3–5 years | 70–120 bpm | 20–25 /min | 80–110 mmHg |
| School Age6–12 years | 60–110 bpm | 14–22 /min | 85–120 mmHg |
| Adolescent13–18 years | 60–100 bpm | 12–20 /min | 95–120 mmHg |
Assessment pearls
Tachypnea and tachycardia are early compensation in children — hypotension is a late and ominous sign of decompensation.
The minimum SBP formula for ages 1–10 is 70 + (2 × age in years). Trend vitals against the child’s own baseline; published ranges vary slightly by source.
Educational use only. Pediatric ranges vary by reference and clinical context; use your facility’s parameters, PALS guidance, and provider orders. 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.