What Is the Best Way to Take Temperature in a Baby

All kids become a fever from time to time. A fever itself normally causes no harm and tin can actually be a skilful matter — it's often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. But a loftier fever sometimes is a sign of a problem that needs your doctor's attention.

Here's how to have your child's temperature, safely and accurately.

What Types of Thermometers Are Available?

Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers requite the quickest, most authentic readings, and are the only kind that doctors currently recommend. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, they're sold at almost supermarkets and drugstores.

Read the manufacturer's instructions to run across what the thermometer is designed for and how it signals that the reading is complete.

Digital thermometers are used for these temperature-taking methods:

• rectal (in the bottom) — most accurate method for children under 3 years old
• oral (in the mouth) — all-time for kids 4–5 years or older who tin can cooperate
• axillary (under the arm) — the to the lowest degree authentic digital thermometer, only practiced for a first bank check

Other Types of Thermometers

• temporal avenue thermometers — these measure rut waves on side of forehead and tin can be used in infants three months and older
• electronic ear (tympanic) thermometers — these measure heat waves from the eardrum and can be used in infants half-dozen months and older

Types Not Recommended

These types of thermometers aren't recommended because they're less accurate:

• plastic strip thermometers
• pacifier thermometers
• smartphone temperature apps

Glass mercury thermometers were once mutual, only should non be used because of possible exposure to mercury, an environmental toxin.

Tips for Taking Temperatures by Age

Every bit whatsoever parent knows, taking a squirming child's temperature can be a challenge. The best method will depend on a child's historic period and temperament.

Turn on the digital thermometer and clear the screen of whatsoever old readings. Digital thermometers usually accept a plastic, flexible probe with a temperature sensor at the tip and an easy-to-read digital brandish on the other end. If your thermometer uses disposable plastic sleeves or covers, put one on according to the manufacturer's instructions. Throw away the sleeve afterward and clean the thermometer co-ordinate to the manufacturer'due south instructions earlier putting it dorsum in its instance.

For babies younger than three months, you lot'll get the most reliable reading by using a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature. Telephone call the doctor if your babe is younger than 3 months erstwhile and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

For babies between 3 months and half dozen months old, a digital rectal thermometer is still the best pick. A temporal artery thermometer too can be used.

For kids between six months and 4 years erstwhile, y'all can use a digital thermometer to have a rectal temperature. You also tin can use an tympanic (ear) thermometer or a digital thermometer to take an axillary (armpit) temperature, just they're less accurate.

For kids four years or older, you tin can commonly use a digital thermometer to take an oral temperature if your kid volition cooperate. Just kids who are coughing a lot or breathing through their mouths because of stuffy noses might non be able to keep their mouths airtight long enough for an accurate oral reading. In these cases, you tin can use the temporal, tympanic, rectal, or axillary method (with a digital thermometer).

p

How Do I Take a Rectal Temperature?

Before becoming parents, nigh people cringe at the thought of taking a rectal temperature. Just don't worry — it'due south a uncomplicated and safe procedure.

First:

• Wash the end of the thermometer with soap and water and rinse with water.
• Moisten the tip of the thermometer with a lubricant, such every bit petroleum jelly.

• belly-down across your lap or on a business firm, flat surface and continue your palm along the lower dorsum
  or
• face-up with legs bent toward the chest with your manus against the back of the thighs

With your other mitt:

1. Insert the lubricated thermometer into the anal opening near ½ inch to 1 inch (virtually i.25 to 2.v centimeters), or until the tip of the thermometer is fully in the rectum. Finish if you feel any resistance.
2. Steady the thermometer between your second and tertiary fingers equally y'all cup your hand against your child'south bottom. Soothe your child and speak quietly as you agree the thermometer in place.
3. Await until you hear the appropriate number of beeps or other indicate that the temperature is ready to be read. Write down the number on the screen, noting the time of day that you took the reading.

How Do I Have an Oral Temperature?

Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child.

1. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after your child finishes eating or drinking to accept an oral temperature, and brand sure there's no mucilage or candy in your child's oral cavity.
2. Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and enquire your child to close his or her lips around it. Remind your child non to bite down or talk, and to relax and breathe normally through the nose.
3. Await until yous hear the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready to be read. Write downward the number on the screen, noting the fourth dimension of day that yous took the reading.

How Do I Accept an Axillary Temperature?

This is a convenient way to take a child'southward temperature. Although not as accurate as a rectal or oral temperature in a cooperative kid, some parents adopt to take an axillary temperature, peculiarly for kids who tin can't agree a thermometer in their mouths.

1. Remove your kid's shirt and undershirt, and place the thermometer under an armpit (it must be touching peel just, not clothing).
2. Fold your child's arm across the breast to concur the thermometer in place.
3. Await until you lot hear the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is set up to be read. Write downwards the number on the screen, noting the fourth dimension of solar day that you lot took the reading.

Any method you choose, go along these tips in heed:

• Never accept your kid's temperature right subsequently a bath or if he or she has been arranged tightly for a while — this can affect the temperature reading.
• Never leave your child unattended while taking a temperature.

gonzalezhimag1974.blogspot.com

Source: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/take-temperature.html#:~:text=rectal%20(in%20the%20bottom)%20%E2%80%94,good%20for%20a%20first%20check

Share this post