For infants less than 1 month, what is the normal range for heart rate?

For infants less than 1 month old, the normal range for heart rate typically falls between 90 and 180 beats per minute (bpm). This range is established based on the higher metabolic needs of neonates, who require an increased heart rate to maintain adequate circulation and oxygenation as their bodies are still developing.

This heart rate range is essential for ensuring that neonates can adequately respond to physiological demands, such as feeding and temperature regulation. As infants grow and develop, their heart rate will gradually decrease, but for those under a month old, the elevated heart rate is a vital characteristic of their normal physiology.

In contrast, the other options either represent heart rates that are too low or too high for this age group, failing to reflect the typical physiological state of neonates. Properly understanding the normal heart rate range helps in assessing the health and stability of young infants in clinical settings.