Normal Blood Pressure for a 1-Year-Old Child
For a 1-year-old child, normal blood pressure is systolic 98-106 mmHg and diastolic 55-59 mmHg at the 95th percentile, with values below the 90th percentile considered normal. 1
Blood Pressure Reference Values
The American Heart Association provides specific blood pressure values for 1-year-old children based on sex and height percentile: 1
Boys (1 year old):
- 95th percentile ranges from 98 mmHg (5th height percentile) to 106 mmHg (95th height percentile) for systolic pressure 1
- 95th percentile ranges from 55 mmHg (5th height percentile) to 59 mmHg (95th height percentile) for diastolic pressure 1
Girls (1 year old):
- Similar ranges apply, with values typically within 1-2 mmHg of boys' values 1
Blood Pressure Classification
The American Academy of Pediatrics defines blood pressure categories for children under 13 years as: 1, 2
- Normal BP: Below the 90th percentile for age, sex, and height 1, 2
- Elevated BP: ≥90th percentile but <95th percentile 1
- Hypertension: ≥95th percentile for age, sex, and height 1
Measurement Technique Considerations
Accurate blood pressure measurement in 1-year-olds requires specific attention to: 1
- Cuff size: The bladder must encircle 80-100% of the arm circumference and cover approximately two-thirds of the upper arm length 1, 2
- Measurement method: Oscillometric devices are commonly used in infants and show high success rates, with average values at 1-5 months being 95/60 mmHg 3
- Patient cooperation: Blood pressure measurements in uncooperative or agitated children are unreliable and should be repeated when the child is calm 1
Clinical Context
Research using oscillometric devices in office settings found that blood pressure values increase rapidly from 2-3 weeks (78/47 mmHg) to 1-5 months (95/60 mmHg), then plateau until approximately 2 years of age. 3 This demonstrates that 1-year-old children are in a relatively stable blood pressure phase before the gradual increases that begin at age 2. 3
Important caveat: Never diagnose hypertension based on a single measurement—elevated readings must be confirmed on three separate occasions before establishing a diagnosis. 1, 2, 4