Written by Editorial Team
You will easily notice if your baby is warmer than usual. A touch on the forehead and on the neck is often enough to indicate a higher-than-normal body temperature. And if the body warmth is seen along with other symptoms that indicate an illness, then you might be worried that your baby has fever and you would want to know his exact body temperature. There are a couple of ways of checking a baby’s temperature but digital thermometers are popular due to their accuracy and easy readability as compared to a mercury thermometer. If you are wondering how to check baby’s temperature using a digital thermometer, this article is for you.
In this article, we explain the different types of thermometers available in the market, how to use each of these thermometers, and the various methods of measuring your baby’s fever.
In This Article
There are two broad types of thermometers available in the market. They are
A mercury thermometer is a narrow glass tube containing a small amount of mercury. This mercury will change its level to match the rise in body temperature.
Now, mercury thermometers are the traditional way of measuring temperature. However, it is not advisable to use mercury thermometer for your baby. This is because:
A digital thermometer is a small handheld device which has a small screen where the body temperature will be displayed. This thermometer is relatively safe and is highly recommended by pediatricians due to its safety and ease of use, especially for small babies.
Digital thermometers are also available in various forms. There are mainly three kinds available in the market:
This thermometer measures temperature when the sensor at the end of the thermometer touches some part of the baby’s body. It can be used to take the temperature from the rectum, mouth or armpit.
The temporal artery thermometer measures the temperature when placed near the temporal artery (across the forehead) of the baby.
This thermometer measures the temperature by sensing the infrared heat waves in the ear
Each of these thermometers has pros and cons and are suitable for babies of different age groups. A digital multiuse thermometer has the broadest applications, as it can be used to measure temperature rectally when the baby is less than 3 years old, orally when the child is above 3 years and axillary throughout.
This is how you will check your baby’s temperature rectally.
Note: Some babies do not like rectal thermometers. If your baby is fussing, screen the temperature first using a digital thermometer under the armpit and resort to the rectum only if you suspect a fever. Also, remember that many babies pass motion immediately after the rectal temperature is taken. So, be prepared.
Here is how to check a baby’s temperature orally.
Note: This method can be used only once your baby is 4 or 5 years old.
To check a baby’s temperature from under the armpit.
Note: This is a very easy and convenient way to measure temperature. However, this method is less reliable than the rest, so should only be used for screening and not for determining exact temperature.
To check a baby’s temperature from the temporal artery.
Note: This is a very convenient way to measure temperature, once you get a hang of how to use it.
To measure a baby’s temperature from the ear
Note: This can be tricky to use so please ask your doctor to demonstrate it to you for the first time. Also remember that the device will give the correct temperature only if it is measured correctly, and if there is not too much ear wax.
Now you know how to take your baby’s temperature. Immediately call your doctor when:
Just don’t panic if your baby has fever because it is not a medical emergency. One of the terrifying things for a mother is to see her baby burning with fever but stay calm as your baby can sense your tension and become cranky. You can check with your pediatrician and give the required dosage of medicine to provide relief to your baby. Remember, a fever is just an indication that your baby’s body is combating an infection and there is nothing to worry about as long as the fever is not too high. Relax, your baby will be fine soon!
Normal temperature in a baby is about 36.4°C or 98 F
If your baby is a newborn or very young, you must check the fever once every 4 hours. For older babies who are older than 6 months, you must check the fever once every 4 hours if the fever is very high and administer medications according to the doctor’s advice. In case of moderate fever, you can check the fever once every 6 hours.
Yes, forehead thermometers can be accurate for babies who are less than 4 months old.
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