What is the normal glucose reading for a newborn at 3 hours of age?

For a newborn at 3 hours of age, the normal glucose reading is typically between 40 and 60 mg/dl. This range is considered standard for infants during the initial hours of life, aligning with recommendations from pediatric guidelines for acceptable blood glucose levels in neonates.

Glucose levels are crucial for newborns since they depend on adequate glucose to maintain normal metabolism. Monitoring these levels shortly after birth is critical because newborns are at risk for hypoglycemia, which can occur due to various factors such as maternal diabetes or insufficient feeding.

The chosen range not only reflects the physiological needs of a newborn but also aligns with evidence-based practices in pediatrics, which aim to prevent the potential complications associated with both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. In this context, while the other ranges may reflect glucose levels seen in adults or older children, they do not meet the specific criteria established for newborns in their early hours of life.