If your baby shows signs of fever, it is essential for you to be aware of accurate ways in which you can check the baby’s temperature. Based on the reading on the thermometer you can decide on whether your baby needs to go to the paediatrician or not.
In babies, 36.4 ºC or 97.5 ºF indicates a normal oral temperature, with slight variations. However, if the rectal temperature shoots up to 38 ºC or 100.4 º F, it may be an indication of fever, warranting a call or a visit to the baby’s paediatrician.
Various types of digital thermometers are used to measure a baby’s temperature. These include:
It is ideal to use a digital thermometer to check your baby’s temperature as it gives quick and accurate readings. If you’re using the thermometer for the first time, follow the instructions on the thermometer pack that has details on how to use a thermometer for babies. Do not immediately measure the baby’s temperature after a bath as it may give inaccurate readings. You will need to hold your baby in a comfortable position before placing any thermometer for accurate results and to reduce discomfort to the baby. Each type of digital thermometer has a different procedure that you need to follow.
Measuring the rectal temperature is the best way to get an accurate reading in babies and toddlers up to the age of three. However, in cases where children older than three are unable to have their temperature measured orally due to a cough or congested nose, a rectal thermometer can be used.
Here’s how to measure the rectal temperature of your baby using a standard digital thermometer.
The baby’s rectal temperature is normally 0.5 ºF (0.3 ºC) to 1 ºF (0.6 ºC) higher than normal oral temperature. If your baby’s rectal temperature is over 100.4 ºF or 38 ºC then he may have a fever.
Temporal artery thermometers are suitable for babies over three months of age. In babies younger than three months it can be preferred over axillary thermometers to be used as a screening device.
To use the temporal artery thermometer you need to,
The normal temporal temperature in a baby is 0.5 ºF (0.3 ºC) to 1 ºF (0.6 ºC) lower than oral temperature. Readings over 99 ºF (37.2 ºC) may indicate a fever.
Tympanic thermometers are best used in babies over 6 months of age. Babies younger than six months have a narrow ear canal to insert the probe hence it is best to avoid using these thermometers in them. The device needs to be placed correctly in the ear for an accurate reading. If the baby has a lot of earwax, then the reading may be incorrect.
Here’s how to take the ear temperature of a baby:
The ear temperature of a baby is 0.5 ºF (0.3 ºC) to 1 ºF (0.6 ºC) higher than oral temperature. If you baby has a temperature of over 100.4 ºF or 38 ºC then he may have a fever.
Axillary thermometers are known to be less reliable compared to the others. Although it can be used at any age, it is recommended that you do not use these in babies younger than 3 months as the reading may not be precise.
To measure the armpit temperature of your baby:
The normal body temperature for infants under the arm is 0.5 ºF (0.3 ºC) to 1 ºF (0.6 ºC) lower than the oral temperature. A temperature reading higher than 99 ºF (37.2 ºC) under the arm usually indicates a fever.
An oral thermometer is recommended for children over the age of four as the child is old enough to hold the thermometer in place himself. If you are using a standard digital thermometer, then you should use different devices for rectal and oral temperature to avoid any infection. Keep in mind that the child should not have consumed anything hot or cold at least 30 minutes prior to measuring the oral temperature.
Here are a few steps you can consider while measuring your baby’s oral temperature:
Following the step by step instructions on the manual can help get an accurate reading. You can also keep in mind the following aspects to get an accurate reading:
Keep in mind the following things before and after using a digital thermometer on your baby.
It is essential that you measure the accurate temperature of your child to determine whether he has fever and a digital thermometer gets you the best results. The right procedures can help you record the temperature of your baby and take further steps accordingly.