What Is Your Pulse?
A person's pulse, or heart rate, is the number of times the heart beats per minute. It can change with activity, stress, body temperature, medicines, and illness.
You'll need a stopwatch or a watch with a minute hand. Have your child rest quietly (no running, jumping, crying) for at least 5 minutes before you check.
Quick Action Guide
👶 Infants: Brachial Pulse (Upper Arm)
- 1. Lay baby on back; bend one arm so the hand is by the ear.
- 2. Feel on the inner upper arm between the shoulder and elbow.
- 3. Press two fingers (not your thumb) gently until you feel beats.
- 4. Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
🧒 Children: Radial or Carotid Pulse
- • Wrist (radial): Inside of wrist on the thumb side.
- • Neck (carotid): One side of the windpipe (use gentle pressure).
- 1. Press two fingers (not your thumb) until you feel beats.
- 2. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
When Should I Take My Child's Pulse?
Usually there's no need to take a child's pulse — your doctor checks it during visits. Take it at home only if your doctor asks you to monitor it or if your child has concerning symptoms.
Possible Reasons
- • A condition that needs heart rate monitoring (as advised by your doctor)
- • Skipping, pounding, or racing heart
- • Chest pain or dizziness
- • A fainting spell or fast breathing
Call 911 or Go to ER if also:
- • Your child is hard to wake up
- • Has trouble breathing (muscles pulling in between ribs, nostrils flaring)
- • Has pale/grey skin or blue lips
Normal heart rate ranges vary by age and activity. Your doctor can tell you what is normal for your child.
Understanding the Reading
Resting vs. Active Heart Rate
- • Resting heart rate is measured when your child is calm, relaxed, and not recently active.
- • Exercise, stress, fever, dehydration, and some medicines can raise heart rate temporarily.
- • Sleep and deep relaxation can lower heart rate.
How Long to Count
- • Best accuracy: count for 60 seconds.
- • Quick method: count 30 seconds × 2, or 15 seconds × 4.
- • If the rhythm is irregular, count the full 60 seconds and repeat once more.
What if it Seems Too High or Too Low?
- • Recheck after 5 minutes of quiet rest.
- • Ensure fingers are in the right place and not pressing too hard.
- • If your child has fever, pain, dehydration, or anxiety, heart rate may be higher.
- • If readings remain worrisome or your child has symptoms, call your doctor.
Accuracy and Technique Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Using the thumb (it has its own pulse).
- • Pressing too hard (can block the pulse) or moving fingers around too much.
- • Counting while your child is talking, crying, or moving.
- • Measuring right after vigorous activity without a cool-down period.
Helpful Pointers
- • Warm hands can make pulses easier to feel.
- • Try different locations (wrist vs. neck) if one is hard to find.
- • Use a timer with second display to improve accuracy.
- • Repeat the measurement and take the average if unsure.
Simple Pulse Tracking Template
Bring your log to your child's appointment if your doctor asked you to monitor heart rate.
Helpful Tips & Tools
Apps and Wearables
Some smartphone apps can count a pulse using the camera, and some watches measure heart rate. These work best when a child can sit very still. Ask your doctor if they recommend a specific method or app for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I use my thumb to feel the pulse?
A: No. Use two fingers, not your thumb (it has its own pulse and can mislead you).
Q: How long do I count?
A: Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get beats per minute.
Q: What is a normal heart rate?
A: Normal ranges depend on age and activity. Ask your doctor for the right range for your child.
Q: My child’s pulse feels irregular. What should I do?
A: Count for the full 60 seconds, have your child rest quietly, and repeat. If it remains irregular or your child has symptoms (dizziness, chest pain, fainting), call your doctor.
Q: Are phone apps and smartwatches reliable?
A: They can be helpful for older kids who can sit still, but readings vary by device and motion. Use them as a guide and confirm manually if a reading seems off. Ask your doctor if they recommend a specific method.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information on taking a child's pulse and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your child has concerning symptoms, seek medical care promptly or call 911 in an emergency.