Paediatric vital signs by age
Approximate awake ranges. Trend values rather than treating a single reading, and interpret against the child's clinical state.
| Age | Heart rate | Resp. rate | Systolic BP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn · 0-1 mo | 100-205 | 30-60 | 60-90 |
| Infant · 1-12 mo | 100-180 | 30-53 | 70-100 |
| Toddler · 1-2 yr | 98-140 | 22-37 | 86-106 |
| Preschool · 3-5 yr | 80-120 | 20-28 | 89-112 |
| School age · 6-11 yr | 75-118 | 18-25 | 97-115 |
| Adolescent · 12-15 yr | 60-100 | 12-20 | 110-131 |
Common questions
What are normal vital signs for a child?
Newborn (0-1 mo): HR 100-205, RR 30-60, systolic BP 60-90; Infant (1-12 mo): HR 100-180, RR 30-53, systolic BP 70-100; Toddler (1-2 yr): HR 98-140, RR 22-37, systolic BP 86-106; Preschool (3-5 yr): HR 80-120, RR 20-28, systolic BP 89-112; School age (6-11 yr): HR 75-118, RR 18-25, systolic BP 97-115; Adolescent (12-15 yr): HR 60-100, RR 12-20, systolic BP 110-131.
Why do paediatric vital signs differ from adults?
Heart and respiratory rates are highest in newborns and fall steadily through childhood, while blood pressure rises with age. An adult 'normal' can be dangerously abnormal in an infant.
About this page
Compiled from standard paediatric references. Interpret against the child's clinical state and the ranges used by your own institution or laboratory.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.