Axial, tympanic, oral or rectal temperature
Measuring the child's temperature
Body temperature can be measured in the mouth, underarms, ears, rectally and on the surface of the skin. With a kiss on the forehead or by placing the hand on the child's skin we can tell if he has a fever or not, but the temperature measured (tactile temperature) is not a precise method, its accuracy depending on the person performing it. This is where the thermometers come in. The temperature read rectally has the highest accuracy and is often used in hospitals, it is not necessary to be so accurate in measuring body temperature at home. To decide which method of temperature measurement to use, see the table below:
How to measure temperature correctly
Rectally measured temperature
The rectal temperature is closest to the basal body temperature and is about 0.5 degrees Celsius higher than that measured at the mouth or in the ear.
How to proceed:
The child will sit on his stomach in the parent's lap or on the bed, and if he is sitting on his back, bend his legs to his chest and support his thighs with his forearm.
Grease the end of the thermometer with a little cream
Insert the thermometer very lightly into the baby's anus until the silver end is no longer visible (maximum 2.5 cm)
The thermometer is kept in the anus until the sound signal starts or the temperature stabilizes (less than 1 minute for the digital thermometer and about 2 minutes for the glass thermometer).
Temperature measured in the ear If you are willing to pay for an ear thermometer, measuring the temperature in the ear is a quick method that reads the degrees of the body in seconds. They are based on measuring infrared radiation (heat) in the eardrum. Do not use other types of thermometers to read the temperature in the ear! Such devices should never be close to the ear canal!
How to proceed:
For the correct temperature reading, the thermometer must be used exactly as recommended by the manufacturer. Read the instructions carefully before using it.
Especially in young children, ear thermometers should be handled firmly to accurately find the right place to read the temperature.
The ear canal has a natural curvature, so to make sure the thermometer is pointed at the eardrum, you may need to gently pull the earlobe back as you insert the thermometer into your ear.
Continue to insert the thermometer until the ear canal is completely sealed
Press and hold the thermometer button for 1 second
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
If the little one has just lifted his head from a warm pillow or entered the house in cold weather, you will need to wait 10-15 minutes before measuring his temperature with the ear thermometer, otherwise you will not benefit from a correct measurement. Temperature measured at the armpit It is not a suitable method to use in the case of young children, as it is almost impossible to stay calm during the measurement. The temperature measured at the level of the underarm is not very accurate and is usually 0.5 degrees Celsius lower than that measured in the mouth. If the temperature under the armpit exceeds 37.2 degrees Celsius, then the rectal temperature will also be measured.
Measured temperature in the mouth This is also not a recommended method for young children, as they can bite the thermometer, breaking it, but it can be an effective alternative for 4-5 year olds if the instructions are followed.
How to proceed:
The thermometer is cleaned with cold soap and water and rinsed very well.
The thermometer is inserted into the mouth, under the tongue. The child will be asked to hold the thermometer with his lips, sealing it.
The temperature reading takes 2-3 minutes to measure it correctly for glass thermometers and 1 minute for digital thermometers
If your child has just eaten something hot or cold, you will have to wait 30 minutes before trying to take his temperature.
The 4 states in terms of fever
Although it is common, especially in infants and young children, fever is often approached from a perspective that is not exactly correct. A first mistake parents make about fever is identifying it. Thus, doctors established 4 states regarding fever:
However, a lesser known aspect for parents is that these values change depending on how the fever is measured. In order to be able to correctly identify the temperature of the baby or baby, we will present you the main methods of measuring fever.
The child has a fever in the following situations:
What you can do at home to lower your fever:
Undress the child and stay in a room where it is not more than 20 degrees
Give him liquids
You can try the wraps (the temperature starts to drop in about 45 minutes)
water a towel with lukewarm water -> squeeze it well -> put it over the child from the waist down (the operation can be repeated several times)
fill the tub with a little warm water -> let the child play for about 40 - 60 min
moisten the child's socks with warm water and put them on the child's feet (without other additives eg alcohol, vinegar, etc.) (the operation can be repeated several times)
handkerchiefs with warm water on the wrists (the operation can be repeated several times)
An antipyretic may be given on the doctor's recommendation
What NOT to DO:
do not give the child medication without a doctor's recommendation
do not use vinegar and alcohol in wraps
don't stuff it
do not do activities that can overheat it
do not immerse the child in cold water or ice
It is necessary to go to the doctor with the little one in the following situations:
The baby is less than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 38 degrees or higher.
The 3-6 month old baby has a temperature of 38.9 degrees or higher.
The 6-24 month old baby has a temperature higher than 38.9 degrees for a day or more.
The child has a fever and associated symptoms - nausea, vomiting, pain, cough.
XOXO
Baby P., Mom R. & Dad D.
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