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Please wait while the page loadsChildren's Nursing · Free Resource
Normal ranges by age group — from newborn to adolescent. Essential for OSCEs, placement, and recognising the deteriorating child.
Key principles before you look at the numbers
Respiratory rate is often the FIRST sign to change in a deteriorating child
Hypotension is a LATE sign — children compensate well until they crash
Always use age-appropriate cuff size for BP (cuff width = ⅔ upper arm)
Trends matter more than single readings — compare to baseline
| Age group | Heart rate (bpm) | Resp rate (/min) | Systolic BP (mmHg) | Cap refill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn 0–28 days | 100–160 | 30–60 | 60–90 | <3 sec |
| Infant 1–12 months | 100–150 | 25–50 | 70–100 | <2 sec |
| Toddler 1–3 years | 90–140 | 20–40 | 80–110 | <2 sec |
| Pre-school 3–5 years | 80–120 | 20–30 | 85–110 | <2 sec |
| School-age 6–11 years | 70–110 | 16–24 | 90–120 | <2 sec |
| Adolescent 12–18 years | 60–100 | 12–20 | 100–135 | <2 sec |
Oxygen saturation
Normal SpO₂ is 95–100% for all age groups. SpO₂ below 94% warrants assessment and consideration of supplemental oxygen. Temperature is normal at 36.5–37.5°C across all ages.
Newborn (0–28 days)
Irregular breathing normal. Periodic breathing (pauses up to 20s) expected.
Infant (1–12 months)
Obligate nose breathers — nasal congestion can cause significant distress.
Toddler (1–3 years)
Fear of strangers common — observe before touching. Use parents for reassurance.
Pre-school (3–5 years)
May cooperate with distraction. Explain procedures in simple terms.
School-age (6–11 years)
Can understand explanations. Involve them in their care. Privacy becoming important.
Adolescent (12–18 years)
Approaching adult values. Consider confidentiality — offer time alone.
Airway & Breathing
Circulation
Recognising early deterioration
CRT, skin colour, and behavioural changes often come before vital sign changes. A quiet, still child who isn't responding to parents is very concerning — escalate early, trust your instincts.
Red flags — escalate immediately
PEWS — Paediatric Early Warning Score
Your trust will have a PEWS (or similar) chart. It scores behaviour, cardiovascular status, and respiratory status. Any score above your trust's threshold triggers escalation. PEWS is most useful when tracked over time — a rising score is more concerning than a single reading.