How to measure a baby's temperature?

Measuring the baby's temperature varies depending on the age . Most often, parents are interested in measuring the temperature of small children between the ages of a few weeks and 3 years. What thermometer to use ? Which will measure the exact value? No thermometer will measure an accurate body temperature if it is not used correctly . However, if you have heard that the temperature of several-month-old babies is measured exclusively in the bottom, this is not entirely true. There are more options. However, it is a fact that when the temperature is measured through the anus , the measured value is the most accurate . So how to measure the baby's temperature correctly?

You will also encounter multiple opinions in discussions on various public forums. According to research and the opinions of doctors , the most accurate temperature measurement in babies is achieved by measuring through the anus . An alcohol or rectal digital thermometer can be used. The use of mercury thermometers is no longer recommended and is considered risky due to the content of toxic mercury.

Measuring the rectal temperature is not pleasant for the baby, but if you suspect an elevated body temperature or a fever in your baby, this is the best possible way to verify this assumption. It is important to coat the tip of the thermometer with lubricant or baby oil. Then you put the baby on its back, lift the legs with one hand and insert the thermometer approximately 1.5 to 2.5 cm . Never force the thermometer in. Of course, expect the baby to fight back, so patience is essential. The time of rectal temperature measurement should be at least 2 minutes. The digital rectal thermometer measures the temperature within 10 to 20 seconds . After removal, subtract 0.5 °C from the measured value. Wipe the child's rectal area and disinfect the thermometer.

Infrared thermometers are a less traumatic option for measuring temperature in babies as well. Contact or non-contact are used. In both cases, the advantage is simple handling and a quick measurement result . Investing in such a thermometer is recommended, as many cheaper infrared thermometers are not accurate and the variation between readings can be confusing. The infrared thermometer measures the temperature on the forehead after application in about 3 seconds. The temperature is measured with such a thermometer on the forehead in the area of the temples or by a smooth movement from the center of the forehead to the temples. The advantage is that you do not have to stress the child or even wake him up from sleep. Before measuring, wipe your forehead from sweat so that the measurement is not distorted. Digital ear thermometers , which also use infrared technology , can quickly measure the exact body temperature. Measuring the temperature in the ear is not possible for babies under 6 months due to the small size of the ear canal - the infrared sensor will not measure an accurate value.

Many mothers consider digital thermometers to be inaccurate. Measurement under the armpit is suitable for children aged from about 3 to 4 years. Some mothers also practice measuring under the child's armpit, which, however, requires his cooperation , otherwise the measurement is unreliable. Also, when measuring through the rectal opening, mothers recommend lubricating the tip and looking for thermometers with a flexible and soft tip .

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