Pediatric Growth and Development

Newborns (First Hours After Birth)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 100-180 beats per minute, Respirations 30-60 breaths per minute, SPO2 85-95% is normal.

Awesome physiologic changes occur immediately following birth. The capilaries and arteriols of the lungs that had been closed and are opened up with the first breaths.

Neonates (Birth to 1 Month)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 100-160 beats per minute, Respirations 30-60 breaths per minute

Neonates typically loose 10% of their birth weight initially and typically recover it within 10 days. Illness typically is jaundice, vomiting and respiratory distress. Fever is often the only sign that illness is present. Most of their actions are reflexes. Neonates are typically closest to mother and father.

Infants (1-5 Months)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 100-160 beats per minute, Respirations 30-60 breaths per minute

Infants should have doubled their birth weight by 5-6 months. They track movements with thier eyes and muscle control is beginning to develop. Most illnesses or accidents include: SIDS, vomiting, dehydration, meningitis, child abuse and household accidents.

Try to assess these patients on the caregiver's lap when possible to keep them confortable.

Infants (6-12 Months)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 100-180 beats per minute, Respirations 30-60 breaths per minute

Infants in this age group are very active and may be crawling or walking. They explore everything with thier mouths and are at high risk for FBAO. These children have a high stranger anxiety therefor should be assesed on a caregiver's lap. Common illnesses and accidents include: febrile seizure, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, bronchiolitis, car crashes, croup, child abuse, poisonings, falls, airway obstructions and meningitis.

Toddlers (1-3 Years)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 100-180 beats per minute, Respirations 30-60 breaths per minute

Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

Normal vital signs are Pulse beats per minute, Respirations 22-34 breaths per minute, average Blood Pressure 98/65

School-Age Children (6-12 Years)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 65-100 beats per minute, Respirations 18-30 breaths per minute, average Blood Pressure 105/69

Adolescents (13-18 Years)

Normal vital signs are Pulse 60-90 beats per minute, Respirations 12-26 breaths per minute, average Blood Pressure 114/76

Author

• Jen Weiss, Night Stalkers III

Sources

1. Brady Paramedic Care, Volume 5 Special Considerations Operations