A pulse check on an infant is a simple, non-invasive way to measure their heart rate. This measurement provides a snapshot of the baby’s circulatory function. Since an infant’s heart rate is naturally much faster than an adult’s and changes rapidly in response to distress, knowing the correct technique is valuable for home health monitoring. Understanding the proper technique and normal rate variations allows a caregiver to assess the baby’s condition.
Primary Locations for Pulse Assessment
Infant pulse locations differ from adults because typical wrist or neck sites are less reliable. The preferred and most accessible location for a routine check is the brachial artery, found on the inside of the baby’s upper arm. To find this site, gently extend the infant’s arm and feel the groove between the shoulder and the elbow. The artery is compressible against the underlying bone, making the pulse easy to detect with a light touch.
Femoral Artery
A secondary site is the femoral artery, located in the groin area where the thigh meets the lower abdomen. The pulse here is usually stronger because it is a larger, more central artery. This site provides a good alternative if the brachial pulse cannot be easily felt.
The Step-by-Step Measurement Technique
Once the artery is located, careful finger placement and pressure application are required for an accurate reading. Always use your index and middle fingers for palpation, never your thumb, which has its own noticeable pulse that could lead to a miscount. Apply gentle but firm pressure, sufficient to feel the rhythmic beat without collapsing the artery entirely. Pressing too hard or too lightly can obscure the pulse.
Counting the Rate
The most precise measurement is obtained by counting the beats for a full 60 seconds, which accounts for irregularities in the rhythm. For a quick assessment, count the beats felt over 15 seconds and multiply that number by four to calculate the beats per minute. Perform the check while the infant is calm and still, such as while sleeping, to avoid an artificially elevated rate due to movement.
Interpreting Infant Pulse Rates
The measured pulse rate must be compared against the normal range, which is significantly higher than for adults. For a resting infant between 0 and 12 months, a normal heart rate typically falls between 100 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). This range narrows as the baby gets older, with infants closer to 12 months averaging toward the lower end. These numbers represent a resting rate; activity, crying, or fever can temporarily elevate the rate above this standard range.
Abnormal Rates
A pulse rate that is consistently too fast is known as tachycardia (over 160 bpm for a newborn). Conversely, a rate that is too slow is called bradycardia, which may suggest a potential heart or breathing issue. If the heart rate remains persistently outside the 100 to 160 bpm range while the infant is calm, or if the rate is extremely slow (below 60 bpm), it warrants immediate medical attention. A high rate accompanied by symptoms like lethargy or difficulty breathing is a greater cause for concern than a high rate during a crying fit.