For a newborn, which heart rate range is typical?

• A. 60-100
• B. 80-160
• C. 100-180
• D. 120-200

Answer: (C)

Newborns have fast, variable heart rates because their autonomic systems are still maturing and their metabolic needs are high. A typical resting heart rate for a newborn sits around 100–180 beats per minute, with lower values when the baby is calm or asleep and higher values when crying or exerting themselves. This range best captures the normal fluctuations you’ll see in the first days of life.

The other ranges are less representative. A rate as low as 60–100 is too slow for a healthy newborn and would raise concern for bradycardia. A narrower 80–160 misses the higher end that can occur during crying or activity. A range like 120–200 is too high at the low end and 200 is not a common typical value. Thus, 100–180 best reflects the common, expected span for a newborn’s heart rate.