What is the normal heart rate range for a newborn?

The normal heart rate range for a newborn is typically between 120 to 160 beats per minute. This range reflects the high metabolic demands of newborns as they adjust to life outside the womb. Unlike adults, whose resting heart rates are lower, infants require a faster heart rate to support their growth and development, manage their oxygen needs, and maintain adequate cardiac output.

This range is supported by clinical guidelines and research in pediatric healthcare. While other age groups have different resting heart rates, the unique physiological characteristics of newborns necessitate this elevated rate. Understanding this normal heart rate range is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor the health and well-being of newborns effectively.