how to measure baby fever

how to measure baby fever:

how to measure baby fever | When a child becomes infected with a bacterial or viral infection, the infection is accompanied by a fever and a high temperature.

A fever will not harm your baby. Usually, it clears up after 72 hours, about 3 days. Babies younger than 6 months old should see a doctor if they have a fever. Older children can be treated at home, as long as they get enough fluids they should also see a doctor if the fever lasts for more than 72 hours. There are several ways to take a child’s temperature, and they are:

• Straight way.
• Oral method.
• Armpit method.
• Temporal artery method.
• Tympanic method.

how to measure baby fever:

• The rectal or armpit method for children under the age of two years.
• The rectal method, the ear method and the armpit method, from two to five years old.
• The oral method, the ear method, and the armpit method for children over five years old.

Important tips when measuring temperature in children:

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• Do not use a mercury thermometer. If it breaks, you may be exposed to this toxic substance.
• Do not use an oral thermometer to take a rectal temperature or a rectal thermometer to take an oral temperature.
• A digital thermometer can be used to measure rectal and oral temperatures. It is made of unbreakable plastic that is easy to read and quickly measures temperature.
• Temporal artery temperature products (a sweeping thermometer across your child’s forehead) at home are not accurate or reliable enough.
• Fever strips are not recommended as they do not give accurate readings. To get an accurate reading of your baby’s temperature, you will need to ensure it is done correctly.

Children’s temperature measurement (how to measure baby fever):

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The rectum (how to measure baby fever):

• This is the most reliable way to ensure an accurate fever measurement.
• Clean the thermometer in cold, soapy water and rinse it.
• Cover the silver tip with Vaseline.
• Lay your baby on his back with his knees bent.
• Gently insert the thermometer into the rectum, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, holding it in place with your fingers.
• You will hear a beep after about one minute. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature. Clean the thermometer.

the mouth (how to measure baby fever):

• The oral method is not recommended for children under the age of 5 because it is difficult for them to keep a thermometer under their tongue long enough.
• Clean the thermometer in cold, soapy water and rinse it.
• Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue. With your child’s mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for about a minute, until the beep is heard.
• Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
• Clean the thermometer.

Armpit (how to measure baby fever):

• The armpit method is usually used to check for fever in newborns and toddlers, but it is not as accurate as the rectal temperature.
• If the armpit temperature does not show a fever but your baby is feeling warm and seems fine, have a rectal measurement.
• Use a rectal or oral thermometer.
• Clean the thermometer in cold, soapy water and rinse it.
• Place the tip of the thermometer in the center of your child’s armpit.
• Make sure your child’s arm is stretched tightly against her body.
• Leave the thermometer in place for about a minute, until you hear the beep.
• Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
• Clean the thermometer.

Ear (how to measure baby fever):

• Although it is quick to use, the ear method can give very low temperature readings, even when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• It is not as reliable or accurate as taking a rectal temperature.
• Use a clean probe head every time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Gently pull the ear, and pull it back. This will help straighten the ear canal and make a clear path inside the ear to the eardrum.
• Gently insert the thermometer until the ear canal is completely closed.
• Press and hold the button for one second.
• Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

What is the systemic temperature (how to measure baby fever)?

The following chart tells you if your child has a fever. The normal temperature range varies and depends on how your child’s temperature is taken:

• Rectal method 36.6 ° C to 38 ° C.
• Oral method 35.5 ° C to 37.5 ° C.
• Armpit method 36.5 ° C to 37.5 ° C.
• Ear method 35.8 ° C to 38 ° C.

The degree (high) of a fever does not tell you how dangerous your child’s illness is, the way your child behaves is usually a better sign. A child with a mild infection may have a high temperature, while a child with a severe infection may not have a fever at all.

How should I deal with a fever (how to measure baby fever)?

• Keep your child comfortable and offer plenty of fluids.
• If your child has a fever, remove extra blankets and clothing so that the heat will leave his body and help lower his body temperature.
• Do not take off all of your baby’s clothes, as it may get very cold and start to shiver, which increases the body temperature and causes him to overheat again.
• Sponging your baby with lukewarm water, alcoholic baths and massages is not recommended.
• Medicines do not always need to be taken to lower a child’s temperature. In fact, the best reason to give your child medicine is not to reduce the fever, but to relieve any pain.
• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol, and others) is a suitable fever medicine. Unless otherwise authorized by your doctor, you can give the recommended dose on the package every 4 hours until your child’s temperature has decreased.
• The temperature usually drops within one hour and then rises again. If this occurs, the medication may need to be repeated at the recommended time.
• Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Alternatively, you can give your child ibuprofen, which is found in products like Advil and Motrin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
• Ibuprofen can be given every 6 to 8 hours up to 4 times in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Ibuprofen should only be given if your child is drinking reasonably well. Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age without talking to your doctor.
• Do not alternate between the use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen as this can lead to dosing errors.
• A child or teenager with a fever should not be given aspirin to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
• If the fever is due to chickenpox , the flu, or another viral infection, taking aspirin can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome. This is a very serious condition that can damage the liver and brain.

When to see a doctor (how to measure baby fever)?

• If your baby has a fever and is under 6 months old.
• Has a fever for more than 72 hours.
• Eccentric, difficult or irritable.
• Excessive sleepiness, lethargy, or unresponsive.
• Constantly whistling or coughing.
• Has a fever with a rash or other signs of illness.