Parents prefer to use a digital thermometer instead of a conventional one (mercury thermometer) for safety reasons. However, most parents do not know how to take baby temperature with a digital thermometer. Measuring correct body temperature is crucial because it is a good indicator of the baby’s health. However, there are different ways of measuring the temperature, and they mostly depend on the age of the child and the type of thermometer used. This post explains in detail the different kinds of digital thermometers available and the correct way of measuring your baby’s temperature.
What Are The Types Of Digital Thermometers?
The type of digital thermometer depends on the part of the body where the temperature is checked (1). Digital thermometers are better than the conventional thermometers as they give an accurate reading and are safe due to the absence of mercury and glass. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of a digital thermometer for babies.
Age Guidelines To Measure Temperature
The way you take the temperature depends on the baby’s age (2).
Temperature from rectal measurement is most accurate followed by forehead and armpit temperatures. Rectal temperature may be taken upto three years of age. Below three months of age armpit temperatures are safe to take. Recheck if it is above 99° F or use rectal reading. Ear thermometers should be used once the baby is above six months. Rectal or forehead temperatures may be accurately used from three months to one year. Above four years of age oral temperature would suffice and give accurate results
What Is The Normal Temperature In Infants?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the normal body temperature in babies is between 97.5ºF (36.4ºC) and 99.5ºF (37.5ºC); 100.4ºF (38ºC) and higher is considered a fever (3).
How To Measure Baby Temperature With A Digital Thermometer?
Here is how you can measure the baby’s temperature using a digital thermometer (4).
1. Rectal(Rectum) opening temperature
It is the most accurate mode of measuring body temperature as it shows the slightest of temperature changes. It can be safely done at home. How to: Use a standard digital thermometer and label it for exclusive rectal use.
2. Axillary(Armpit) temperature
Temperature can be measured by placing the standard digital thermometer in the baby’s armpit. However, this should be avoided in babies younger than three months as the reading would not be precise. How to:
3. Temporal Artery(Forehead) temperature
Use a digital infrared thermometer for checking forehead temperature. How to:
4. Tympanic(Ear) canal temperature
Never use a standard digital thermometer for tympanic temperature as you could accidentally damage the baby’s eardrum. Tympanic thermometers have to be held in the correct position for accurate reading. Excess ear wax could interfere with the measuring process. How to:
5. Oral temperature
It is a standard body temperature assessment procedure used for adults as well. How to: Remember, if you get a reading of 99ºF (37.2ºC) or above in axillary, temporal, or tympanic assessment, then immediately check the rectal temperature to verify if it is high temperature (5).
Points To Remember
It is important to keep certain points in mind before, during, and after taking the baby’s temperature with a digital thermometer.
Do not check the temperature after a physical activity and after taking showers as it increases the body temperature and gives an inaccurate reading.
Always follow the instructions in the product manual.
Keep the thermometer away from the child’s reach even if he is older than four years to avoid a choking hazard.
Clean the thermometer thoroughly before storing it away in a clean, cool, and dry place.
When To See A Doctor
A digital thermometer should give you an accurate reading to determine if the baby has a fever. There are some situations when you must see a doctor immediately (6):
The baby is below three months and has a temperature of 99ºF (37.2ºC) or above, measured by any kind of thermometer. Newborns have a developing immune system, which is vulnerable to pathogen attack. This makes medical intervention necessary.
This makes medical intervention necessary.
The baby is between three and six months and has a temperature of 100ºF (37.8ºC) or more.
The baby is older than six months and has a temperature of 102ºF (38.9ºC) or higher. Babies and even older children will show abnormal signs such as irritability, lack of interest in food, and chronic lethargy. Fever is often accompanied by health conditions such as cold, stuffy nose, or stomach problems such as diarrhea.
