My knowledge is limited but as a nurse midwife I know the heartbeat of a fetus at 10 wks gestation (170) is faster than at 40 wks gestation (135). My own children also were born with heart rates around 130 bpm and as they grow it slows down. My 7 yr old son has a heart rate of around 70-80 when I listen. read more
« Reply #1 on: 31/10/2010 05: 26: 55 » Child has larger surface area to volume ratio than adult, (because is smaller): so child has more heat loss per unit area, so needs a higher metabolic rate than an adult to maintain the same body temperature. read more
As the child grows to more adult proportions, their heart rate will fall into the "adult" range of 60 to 100 bpm. They should definitely have a faster heart beat and respiratory rate as their metabolic rate is higher, therefore the body needs an increased amount of oxygen. read more