Taking your baby's temperature
There
are many technical skills that need to be learned with a newborn. One of them
is the ability to accurately measure temperature. Fever is one of the main
signs of a potentially serious infection in your baby's first months of life.
Measuring a child's temperature rectally
The
purpose of temperature measurement is to measure how hot it is inside the body.
This means that the most accurate measurement will be inside the body, i.e.
rectally. This is a critical moment. Because any infection during the neonatal
period is very serious, newborns should have their rectal temperature taken to
ensure the most accurate measurement.
How to take your child's rectal temperature
- Buy a digital rectal thermometer to use.
- Place a thick strip of petroleum jelly on the base of the thermometer, on the end with the metal bulb.
- Place your baby on his tummy or hold his feet close to his ears when he lies on his back.
- Stabilize them so they don't move too much - with one hand behind their back (if they're on their stomach) or hold their legs firmly (if they're on their back).
- Slowly insert the thermometer into her anus about 1-1.5 cm so that the metal pear is inside.
- Gently hold the thermometer between your index and forefinger.
- Wait for it to beep, then remove the thermometer.
- Any temperature of 38°C or more in a young child is considered a fever and should be taken to the doctor immediately. You can always call a doctor for a sick child, even if he does not have a fever.