Checking an infant’s pulse is a fundamental skill for any caregiver, providing a quick assessment of circulatory function and overall health. A pulse check determines the heart rate, which is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Understanding this rate is essential because an infant’s circulatory system operates much faster than an adult’s to support rapid growth and maintain body temperature.
Step-by-Step Guide for Checking an Infant’s Pulse
To check an infant’s pulse, place the baby on their back on a firm, flat surface. Unlike older children, the pulse is typically not checked at the wrist due to the difficulty in locating the artery. The two most reliable sites for checking an infant’s pulse are the brachial artery in the upper arm or the femoral artery in the groin.
The preferred method uses the brachial artery, located on the inside of the upper arm between the elbow and the shoulder. Gently extend the infant’s arm and place your index and middle fingers on the soft groove of the inner bicep. Avoid using your thumb for this check, as it contains its own pulse which can interfere with an accurate reading.
Apply only gentle pressure with the pads of your two fingers until you feel a rhythmic thumping. Excessive pressure can block the artery entirely, making the pulse undetectable. Count the beats for a full 60 seconds for the most precise result. Alternatively, count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply that number by four to calculate the beats per minute.
Normal Heart Rate Ranges for Infants
An infant’s heart rate naturally varies widely depending on their age and activity, making it much faster than the typical adult rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. For a newborn (birth to one month), a normal resting heart rate ranges from 70 to 190 beats per minute (bpm). When awake and calm, this rate is often between 100 and 180 bpm.
As the infant grows into the 1 to 12-month age range, the normal heart rate moderates slightly. Infants in this group typically have a resting rate between 80 and 160 bpm. During periods of crying, excitement, or activity, the heart rate can safely increase to the upper end of these ranges or even exceed them.
A slightly slower heart rate while an infant is sleeping is expected and considered normal. For instance, a sleeping infant around six months old may have a heart rate between 75 and 160 bpm. Understanding these broad ranges is important, as a rate concerning in an older child is often a sign of a healthy, functioning heart in an infant.
Recognizing and Responding to Abnormal Rates
Any heart rate that falls significantly outside the expected range for an infant’s age and activity is considered abnormal. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that is too fast, while bradycardia describes a heart rate that is too slow. In infants, a heart rate persistently above 220 beats per minute may indicate a serious condition like Supraventricular Tachycardia.
Conversely, a heart rate persistently less than 60 beats per minute is dangerously slow and requires immediate intervention. This low rate is particularly concerning if the infant shows signs of poor perfusion, meaning inadequate blood flow to the body’s tissues. Signs of poor perfusion include difficulty breathing, lethargy, pale or blue-tinted skin, or trouble feeding.
If the infant’s heart rate is extremely slow or if you cannot locate a pulse within a quick 10-second check, contact emergency medical services immediately. If the pulse is absent or below 60 bpm with signs of poor perfusion, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated while awaiting medical help.