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When Should I Take My Child’s Pulse?
Usually, there’s no need to take your child’s pulse. Your doctor will check it during office visits.
Sometimes, though, a parent may need to take a pulse. You might do this if your child has:
a medical condition that requires you to monitor their heart rate. Your doctor will let you know if you need to do this, and if you should do it regularly or only on occasion. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor.
a skipping, pounding, or racing heart
chest pain
dizziness
a fainting spell
fast breathing
Call your doctor to review your child’s symptoms and share the pulse you counted.
Go to the ER or call 911 right away if your child has any of the symptoms listed above and:
is hard to wake up
has trouble breathing. Look for muscles pulling in between the ribs or the nose puffing out with each breath.
has pale or grey skin, or blue lips
The 911 operator may ask you to take your child’s pulse and count the heart rate.
What Else Should I Know?
Some smartphone apps can count a pulse by pressing a finger over the camera lens. For a good reading, your child needs to be very still, so this method works best in older kids who can cooperate. Some fitness and other smart watches can take a pulse too. Before using one of these, ask your doctor if it’s a good idea or if they recommend a particular heart rate app.
