From the Guidelines
The normal pulse rate for a 15-month-old child typically ranges from 80 to 130 beats per minute at rest. This is based on the most recent evidence from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1. According to this study, normal heart rate ranges from 80-120 beats/minute at age 3 years; and from 70-115 beats/minute after age 3 years, but for infants and children under 3, the normal range is slightly higher. Some key points to consider when evaluating the pulse of a 15-month-old child include:
- The child's heart rate can increase to 150-180 beats per minute during physical activity, excitement, or when the child has a fever, which is a normal physiological response.
- The pulse can be checked at the wrist (radial pulse), neck (carotid pulse), or by listening to their chest with a stethoscope.
- It's best to check the pulse when the child is calm or sleeping for the most accurate resting measurement.
- If the child's resting heart rate consistently falls outside the normal range, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue, or bluish skin coloration, a healthcare provider should be consulted promptly 1.
From the Research
Normal Pulse Rate for a 15-Month-Old Child
- The normal pulse rate for a 15-month-old child can be determined by looking at the centile charts for heart rate in relation to age, as derived from observational studies 2.
- According to the study, the median heart rate increases from 127 beats per min at birth to a maximum of 145 beats per min at about 1 month, before decreasing to 113 beats per min by 2 years of age 2.
- Since the child in question is 15 months old, their normal pulse rate would likely be closer to the 2-year mark, which is around 113 beats per min.
- However, it's essential to note that these values are based on a systematic review of observational studies and may not reflect individual variations.
- Other studies have focused on respiratory rate and dyspnea in children, but they do not provide specific information on normal pulse rates for a 15-month-old child 3, 4, 5, 6.