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What Is a Child's Normal Pulse Rate?

Pulse rate--also called heart rate--varies by age and by activity. A fast rate is more likely after and during exercise, and slower heart rates are normal when a child is resting. Having an irregular pulse rates can be a sign of a problem, whether it is accompanied by a fast or slow pulse rate.

  1. Infants

    • A normal pulse rate for infants (birth to 1 year old) is anywhere between 100 and 160 beats per minute (bpm).

    Toddlers and Young Children

    • Toddlers and young children (between 1 and 10 years old) can have pulse rates between 70 and 120 bpm.

    Children and Teens

    • Children older than 10 normally have a pulse rate between 60 to 100 bpm.

    Girls

    • Girls tend to have slower pulse rates than boys.

    Slow Pulse Rate

    • Slow pulse rates can indicate problems including arrhythmia, low thyroid levels or potentially dangerous increased pressure inside the skull.

    Fast Pulse Rate

    • Fast pulse can also indicate an arrhythmia, but it often can occur in children because of fever and dehydration during illness. They can also be caused by fear, hormone imbalances and congenital heart defects.

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