How to check your baby's pulse? Let's find out exactly!

When your little one feels a little hot, or when they are acting a little different than usual, we get a little worried, don't we? "Oh my god, I don't know if something is wrong." At times like these, it's very important to know how to check your baby's pulse, that is, how fast their heart rate is. Sometimes this can give us a little idea of ​​their condition.

What is pulse or heart rate?

Simply put, pulse is the number of times our heart beats per minute. The heart is like a small pump. This pump is what sends blood throughout the body. So, when the heart beats, when the blood moves quickly through the veins, we feel it in some places. That's what we call the pulse. This is also called `(Heart Rate)`.

Now look, the rate at which this pulse falls is not always the same. It varies with each and every thing.

• With the things your child does: Think about it, when your child comes back from running and playing, their heart rate increases, right? In the same way, when they are sleeping well, their heart rate decreases.
• With stress: When a child is scared or anxious, their heart rate may increase.
• With body temperature: When you have a fever, your heart rate increases as your body heats up.
• With medications: Some medications can increase or decrease heart rate.
• With diseases: There are some diseases that can affect the heart rate. For example, conditions like thyroid problems or anemia can cause changes in the heart rate.

Therefore, you can't determine whether a child is sick just by looking at the pulse rate. However, being aware of this makes it easier for a doctor to give details about the child.

What should we do before checking the baby's pulse?

Before checking the pulse, there needs to be a little preparation. Only then can we accurately measure the pulse rate.

1. Calm the child: If you check the pulse while the child is running around and crying, it is not exactly his normal pulse rate. Therefore, keep the child calm for at least 5 minutes without playing, running, jumping, or crying. Sit him in a chair or hold him on your lap and talk to him for a while.

2. Prepare the necessary things: You will need a watch with a second hand, or a ``Stopwatch``. Even the ``Stopwatch`` on your phone is fine.

How to check the pulse of a small baby (baby's milk)? (Brachial Pulse)

The best place to check the pulse of a newborn baby up to about 12 months of age is on the inside of the upper arm. In medical terms, this is called the ``Brachial Pulse``.

Here's how to do it:

1. Lay the baby down: Turn the baby on his back and lay him down on a bed or flat surface.

2. Place your hand in the right position: Bend one of your baby's arms slightly and place it so that the baby's ear is facing you. Imagine that your baby is holding your hand to your ear as if to say `Hello`.

3. Find the pulse: Now, using your middle and index fingers (two fingers) , gently press on the inside of your baby's upper arm (a little lower than the armpit, the inside of the arm) between the baby's shoulder and elbow. Do not use your thumb, as you may feel your own pulse on your thumb, which will be a mistake.

To be precise, this ``Brachial Pulse`` is felt on the inside of the biceps muscle, close to the arm bone. You have to look for it a little.

4. Count your pulse: As soon as you feel your pulse, look at your watch and count the number of times your pulse beats for 15 seconds.

5. Count per minute: Multiply the number you counted for 15 seconds by 4. Then you can find the number of times your baby's heart beats per minute, or pulse rate.

For example, if the pulse beats 30 times in 15 seconds, 30 x 4 = 120. That means the baby's pulse rate is 120 beats per minute.

Where and how to check the pulse of children over one year old

When the child is a little older, that is, over a year old, there are easier places to check the pulse.

1. Wrist (Radial Pulse)

This is where we use it the most.

• Find the location: Turn your child's hand over. Look for the thumb side, right by the wrist, at the end of the hand. There's a little dimple there, right? That's where you'll feel the ``Radial Pulse.''
• How to check your pulse: Place your middle fingers (index and middle) on the spot and press firmly. When you feel the pulse, count for 15 seconds as before and multiply by 4. Or, if possible, count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. If you want to be more precise, you can count for a full minute.

2. Neck (Carotid Pulse)

This is also a place where you can check the pulse, but you need to be very careful when checking this on small children. Because if the sensitive areas in this area become tight, the heart rate can also decrease. Therefore, we usually use this method less often on small children at home.

• Find the location: On either side of the neck, on either side of the windpipe, coming down from under the jaw.
• How to check your pulse: Here too, you check with two fingers. But never press on both sides of your neck at once. Check only on one side. The counting method is the same as before.

A little tip: If you're having trouble finding a pulse, try moving your fingertips around the child's arm or neck. Don't press hard on one spot, try moving them around a bit.

What should be the normal pulse rate according to the child's age?

This is very important because the normal heart rate varies depending on the age of the child. A small baby's heart rate is much faster than an older child's.

Here are some normal values ​​(these are values ​​taken when the child is calm. They may be slightly lower when sleeping):

• Newborns (0-1 month): 100 – 190 times per minute (90-160 when sleeping)
• Breast milk (1-11 months): 100 – 180 times per minute (90-160 when sleeping)
• Preschoolers (1-2 years): 98 – 140 times per minute (80-120 when sleeping)
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): 80 – 120 times per minute (65-100 when sleeping)
• School-age children (6-11 years): 75 – 118 beats per minute (58-90 when sleeping)
• Young children (12-15 years+): 60 – 100 times per minute (50-90 when sleeping)

These values ​​are just a rough guide. Don't worry if your child's pulse rate is slightly higher than these values. This is because each child's body type can vary slightly. Also, when the child is active or has a fever, it can be higher than these numbers.

When should we see a doctor about a drop in pulse?

It's good to know how to check your pulse, but you shouldn't be afraid of every little change. However, if you notice any of these things, it's best to talk to a doctor:

• If the child's pulse rate is consistently higher or lower than the normal rate for their age, even when they are calm. (For example, if a 5-year-old child's pulse rate is consistently higher than 140 or lower than 60, even when they are calm).
• If the pulse rhythm is irregular. That is, if the pulse beats without rhythm, as if it beats quickly once, then slows down, then beats quickly again.
• If there are other symptoms like these along with a change in pulse rate:
• Dizziness (vertigo)
• If you are losing consciousness or are about to lose consciousness
• If you are talking about chest pain
• If you say it's hard to breathe
• If the child seems more tired than usual or is pale.
• If you have any doubts about your baby's pulse rate, or if you feel something is wrong, definitely see a doctor. Sometimes our instincts can be right.

Remember, a doctor is the one who accurately assesses the child's condition and prescribes treatment if necessary. We only check the pulse at home in this way to gain a little understanding of the child.

Final Take-Home Message

Okay, so we talked a lot about how to check children's pulses today, didn't we?

• Pulse is the number of times the heart beats per minute.
• You should check the pulse after calming the child.
• The pulse can be checked on the inside of the upper arm of small babies (`Brachial Pulse`) and on the wrist of slightly older children (`Radial Pulse`).
• Counting your pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying that number by 4 gives you your pulse rate per minute.
• The normal pulse rate varies depending on the child's age. Be aware of that.
• If you are in doubt about your pulse rate, or if you feel that your pulse rate is abnormal along with other symptoms, seek medical advice.

I think knowing these things will be very useful for a mother or father who is concerned about the health of their child. But remember, you are not a doctor. This is just to gain a little understanding. If in doubt, see a doctor. I wish you all good health!

Pulse, Heart Rate, Brachial Pulse, Radial Pulse