Related Topics:
Childhood Illness and Disease
Home Remedies

You feel your child's forehead and think, "hmmm she seems warm." Her cheeks are a bit flushed and she is a tad cranky today. Chances are very good that she has an elevated temperature or fever.

For older children, taking a temperature is pretty simple. Stick an oral thermometer under the tongue, have them close their lips and sit for 2 minutes, then read the measurement.

For infants and very young children it's not so easy at times. The recommended method for taking an accurate temperature in young children and infants is by rectal thermometer.

While there are many types of thermometer on the market it is safest to use a rectal thermometer (mercury and glass type) when taking a rectal temperature in infants and young children.

Types of Thermometers

Oral Thermometers - Mercury/glass type- have a long thin bulb - Very breakable, but most accurate

Rectal Thermometers - Mercury/glass type- have a small round bulb - Very breakable, but most accurate

Digital Thermometers - Plastic oral thermometer - beeps when max. temperature is reached - fairly accurate

Thermo-Meter - Ear type- measures temperature instantly by means of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) - fairly accurate

Forehead Strips - plastic strips applied to the forehead- least accurate

Taking a Rectal Temperature

Taking a rectal temperature is really not as hard as it seems.

Have the following items within reach:

Rectal thermometer
Petroleum jelly
Rubbing alcohol
Tissue or cotton ball
Clean diaper

Steps:

1. Clean the thermometer with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or tissue.

2. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the bulb end of the thermometer.

3. Remove the baby's diaper.

4. Lay the baby over your lap, bottom up. Larger babies can be laid tummy down on a changing table or on the bed.

5. Gently but firmly hold baby down with one hand.

6. Insert the bulb end of the thermometer into the baby's rectum (1/2 to 1 inch) with the other hand.

7. Place the rectal thermometer between the index and middle fingers cupping the baby's bottom.

8. Hold in place for 2 minutes.

9. Remove the thermometer and read the baby's temperature.

SEE FEVER for temperature readings.

Related Topics:
Childhood Illness and Disease
Home Remedies

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How to Take a Child's Temperature