Vital signs provide you with important information about how well the heart, lungs, and other important organs are functioning. They include measurements such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Pediatric vital signs differ a lot from adults. For instance, children breath quicker and have much quicker heart rates.
There are many reasons and factors that can cause a child’s vital signs to deviate from the usual levels. Heavy exercise can elevate body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate, for example, whereas tired or cold children may have lower body temperatures and slower heart rates.
Heart rate
A child’s heart rate decreases as they get older.
Heart rate is a measure of how many times the heart beats in a minute. There are a few ways to test heart rate.
For example, a person can place a finger on a child’s pulse and count the total number of beats per minute (bpm). Alternatively, you can purchase some form of a heart rate monitor.
Normal heart rates usually fall into the following ranges:
|
Age |
Awake |
Sleeping |
|
Under 28 days old |
100–205 bpm |
90–160 bpm |
|
1–12 months old |
100–190 bpm |
90–160 bpm |
|
1–2 years old |
98–140 bpm |
80–120 bpm |
|
3–5 years old |
80–120 bpm |
65–100 bpm |
|
6–11 years old |
75–118 bpm |
58–90 bpm |
|
12–15 years old |
60–100 bpm |
50–90 bpm |
Breathing rate
Breathing rate of a child shows you how easy or difficult it is for a child to inhale oxygen.
For example, rapid breathing could indicate that a child is having trouble getting enough oxygen.
Doctors measure breathing rate in breaths per minute. To measure a breath, look for signs that a child has exhaled, such as air coming out of the nose. Count the total number of breaths per minute by monitoring their breathing for a minute or by counting the number of breaths in 10 seconds and multiplying the number by six.
Typical breathing rates are as follows:
|
Age |
Breaths per minute |
|
1–12 months old |
30–60 |
|
1–3 years old |
24–40 |
|
3–6 years old |
22–34 |
|
6–12 years old |
18–30 |
|
12–18 years old |
12–16 |
Indications that something is wrong
Temporary changes in a child’s vital signs can be normal.
Example, a minor deviation from the norm — such as a heart rate that is 5 bpm above normal — probably does not signal a problem if there are no other symptoms.
It is helpful for parents to know what is normal for their child, so that they can keep track of vital signs and recognize when there may be a problem.
Some warning in a child include:
- a fever, which most healthcare providers define as a temperature 38ºC
- grunting or making other noises when trying to breathe
- significant changes in multiple vital signs
- breathing that stops for longer than 20 seconds
- chest breathing, especially in newborns and babies
- very fast breathing
- skin that is white, pale, or blue, especially under the nail beds or on the lips
- nostril flaring, especially in young babies
Abnormal Vital Signs
If your child’s vital signs are abnormal or seem off, you may need to see a doctor. Vital signs can vary based on time of day and the emotional state of your child. If your child has a drastic change, that could be a sign of a problem.
Your doctor will have a better idea of what’s outside of normal and can monitor your child over time if needed.
Easy way to monitor my child’s Vital signs
Here at Creatorishop.com we aim to provide you with the easiest way to monitor and improve your child’s health. GO check out our Baby Oximeter Ring that allows you to monitor their heart rate and oxygen levels. With its built in audible alarm, you or the nanny can be made aware in an instant.