How to measure the temperature of the newborn

Body temperature - one of the main indicators of human health, and especially the child. Thermoregulation of the baby after birth is imperfect, it can easily overheat or freeze. It is very important to monitor the body temperature in the first months of a child’s life. High fever may 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 the 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 is proved that the body temperature is higher when the child is sleeping.It can also show different values ​​depending on how you made this measurement.

1. Armpit. If you measure armpit temperature, you need to know that normal values ​​can vary from 36.3 to 37.3 degrees.
2. Anal hole. 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 normal rate of body temperature, measured orally - 37.1 degrees.
4. An ear. Some thermometers allow you to measure body temperature by placing the device in the ear canal. For this procedure, you can use only a special ear thermometer. Its normal indicator is 36.5-37.2 degrees.

Body temperature can be increased if the baby simply overheats. In this case, the removal of one layer of clothing will cause the state of the body to normal.

How to measure the temperature of the newborn

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

1. Mercury thermometer. This is the easiest and most common thermometer, which certainly is in every home. Everyone knows how to use it - first you need to shake the thermometer to knock down a mercury column, and then place a thermometer in the armpit, mouth or anus. The data measured in this way are fairly reliable. However, such a thermometer has its drawbacks - it is rather fragile. If such a thermometer breaks, it will lead to serious problems, since mercury vapor is very poisonous. 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 results. However, such a thermometer may have errors in several tenths of a degree. Electronic thermometer is easy to use, the result gives a couple of minutes. After completion of the measurement gives a characteristic signal. There are thermometers for oral, rectal and traditional (axillary) method of measurement.
3. Thermometer dummy. A great way to calmly measure the temperature of a child’s body.Baby does not kick and does not cry from foreign objects inserted in the ass, mouth or armpit. Shows accurate data on the child'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. You just need to send it on the forehead or temples of the crumbs and see the result. To avoid errors in measurement, you must carefully follow the instructions for the device.

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

How to measure the temperature of the newborn

1. If you are going to measure body temperature in the traditional way, remove one sleeve of the baby so that the armpit is bare. This is done for the accuracy of the result and the comfort of the child.
2. Take the child in your arms and put a thermometer in his armpit. Make sure the tip fits snugly to the skin.
3. If the thermometer is electronic, wait for the signal. If mercury, record 7-8 minutes.
4. After completing the measurement, remove the thermometer, put the child on and record the result.
5. If you want to measure the body temperature rectally, your baby should be put on the changing table on his back or flank.
6. Carefully fold the crumbs of your knees, slightly apart the buttocks.
7. The tip of the thermometer should be smeared with petroleum jelly or baby cream. Gently twist the thermometer in the baby's back by 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 the ear thermometer, the baby should be placed on the changing table. Slightly pull the ear down and insert the device into the ear canal.
10. After completing the measurement, remove the device and record the result.

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

Causes of high and low temperature

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

1. High temperatures can result from viral, infectious and bacteriological diseases. Follow the other symptoms of the baby - perhaps he has a red throat, has a cough, is nasal mucus.
2. Body temperature can be increased 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. Increased body temperature may be due to vaccination. As you know, some vaccines are made in the maternity hospital, in the first days of life. They can cause a body reaction.
4. Weeping, crying, overexcitement. Frightened and agitated baby can cry for a long time, from which the temperature also rises.
5. Teeth. Usually, the child begins to acquire teeth with his teeth by half a year, but sometimes the teeth hatch at the babies of the first months of life. They become the cause of fever.
6. Colic, an allergic reaction - all this can provoke a rise in temperature.

Among the causes of an abnormally low temperature are malnutrition, hypothermia. In premature babies and babies with birth injuries, body temperature is usually below normal.

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

Video: how to measure the temperature of the baby