How to measure the temperature in a newborn

Body temperature is one of the main indicators of human health, and especially a child. The thermoregulation of the baby after birth is imperfect, it can easily overheat or freeze. It is very important to monitor body temperature in the first months of a child's life. High temperature can be a sign of an infectious or inflammatory process. A low temperature indicates a decrease in the protective functions of the body.

Normal body temperature in a child

Many mothers begin to worry when they see a figure above 37 degrees on a thermometer. But do not worry ahead of time, the body temperature of a healthy child can vary from 35 to 37.3 degrees, depending on the method and time of measurement. It has been proven that body temperature is higher when the baby is sleeping. It may also show different values ​​depending on how you made this measurement.

1. Armpit. If you measure the temperature under the armpit, you need to know that normal values ​​can vary from 36.3 to 37.3 degrees.
2. Anal opening. If you measure the temperature through the rectum, its value is slightly higher. Normally, it should be 37.6-38 degrees.
3. Mouth. Measuring the temperature in the mouth will show the average temperature - slightly higher than in the armpit and slightly lower than in the rectum. The usual rate of body temperature, measured orally is 37.1 degrees.
4. An ear. Some thermometers allow you to measure body temperature by placing the device in the ear canal. Only a special ear thermometer can be used for this procedure. Its normal rate is 36.5-37.2 degrees.

Body temperature can be elevated if the baby just overheats. In this case, the removal of one layer of clothing will bring the state of the body back to normal.

How to measure the temperature in a newborn

There are several types of thermometers that will allow you to quickly and safely find out the body temperature of your baby.

1. Mercury thermometer. This is the simplest and most common thermometer, which certainly is in every house. Everyone knows how to use it - first you need to shake the thermometer to bring down the mercury column, and then place the thermometer in the armpit, mouth or anus. The data measured in this way are fairly reliable. However, this thermometer also has drawbacks - it is quite fragile. If such a thermometer breaks, it will lead to serious problems, since mercury vapor is very toxic. In addition, the measurement of body temperature by a similar thermometer is quite long - 5-10 minutes. This is especially true when the child is restless.
2. Electronic thermometer. This is a modern device that quickly produces a result. However, such a thermometer may have errors of a few tenths of a degree. The electronic thermometer is easy to operate, the result gives out in a couple of minutes. After the measurement, it gives a characteristic signal. There are thermometers for oral, rectal and traditional (axillary) measurement methods.
3. Thermometer Dummy. A great way to calmly measure your baby’s body temperature. The kid does not kick and does not cry from foreign objects inserted in the ass, mouth or armpit. Shows accurate data on baby's body temperature, made of safe materials. The temperature measurement time is 3-4 minutes. However, this method is not suitable for those children who are not accustomed to the nipple.
4. Infrared thermometer. This is a modern device that can measure body temperature in a few seconds.It just needs to be directed to the forehead or whiskey crumbs and see the result. In order to avoid measurement errors, carefully follow the instructions for the device.

We have presented you all types of thermometers, their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of a device remains with the parents.

How to measure the temperature in a newborn

1. If you are going to measure body temperature in the traditional way, remove one of the baby’s sleeves so that the armpit is bare. This is done to ensure the accuracy of the result and the comfort of the child.
2. Take the child in his arms and put a thermometer in his armpit. Make sure the tip fits snugly on the skin.
3. If the thermometer is electronic, wait for the signal. If mercury, detect for 7-8 minutes.
4. After completing the measurement, remove the thermometer, dress the child and record the result.
5. If you want to measure your body temperature rectally, you need to put the baby on a changing table on his back or on a barrel.
6. Carefully bend the crumbs of the knees, slightly spread the buttocks.
7. The tip of the thermometer should be greased with petroleum jelly or baby cream. Carefully twisting movements, insert a thermometer in the child’s ass for 1-2 cm. Wait for the measurement to finish.
8. After rectal measurement, the thermometer should be thoroughly rinsed and disinfected.
9. If you intend to use an ear thermometer, the baby should be placed on the changing table. Pull the auricle slightly down and insert the device into the ear canal.
10. After completing the measurement, remove the instrument and record the result.

These simple rules will help you measure your body temperature quickly, reliably, and safely.

Reasons for high and low temperature

The immune system of the crumbs is at the stage of formation, so body temperature can vary. If the baby has a temperature of 37.5, do not rush to give him antipyretic drugs. Critical temperature is 38.5, after which measures should be taken. But why can a small child have a fever?

1. High temperatures can result from viral, infectious and bacteriological diseases. Keep track of the baby’s other symptoms — it may have a red throat, cough, mucus coming from the nose.
2. Body temperature may be elevated due to overheating. High body temperature in the room, a large amount of clothing - all this can cause overheating. Touch the back and forehead of the baby - if he sweats, urgently need to undress or ventilate the room.
3. Elevated body temperature may be due to vaccination. As you know, some vaccines are still in the hospital, in the first days of life. They can cause an organism reaction.
4. Tearfulness, crying, overexcitation. A frightened and agitated baby can cry for a long time, which also raises the temperature.
5. Teeth. Usually, the child begins to acquire teeth by the age of six months, but sometimes the teeth bite in babies in the first months of life. They become the cause of fever.
6. Colic, an allergic reaction - all this can provoke an increase in temperature.

Among the causes of abnormally low temperatures can be called malnutrition, hypothermia. In premature babies and babies with birth injuries, body temperature is usually below normal.

After the birth of a child, mothers and fathers protect their baby, protect them from possible diseases and viruses. Measuring body temperature is a kind of test for the health of the baby. In the first month of a child’s life, body temperature should be measured daily.

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