How to Take Your Child's Temperature with Love

Taking your child's temperature can be uncomfortable for you emotionally and uncomfortable for your child physically. There are some things you can do to make this necessary measure more comfortable for you both. If you suspect your child is feeling unwell, check her forehead for warmth. Do not use your hands since they can be cold, making the child feel warmer than she is. Instead, plant a kiss on that lovely little forehead. If it feels warmer than usual, you should take your child's temperature with a thermometer to be sure.

Infants

Unfortunately, with babies three months old and younger you must take the temperature rectally. Infants are especially vulnerable to disease, so it is important to have an accurate reading. A rectal temperature gives you the clearest reading of your child's inner temperature. To ensure taking your infant's temperature goes smoothly, make sure you take a few steps in advance.

Get the Right Thermometer

Buy a digital electronic thermometer. Mercury based thermometers are dangerous because of potential breakage and exposure to this heavy metal. Digital thermometers are also better because they can give you a reading in about 30 seconds. You should be sure you have petroleum jelly on hand to lubricate the. Because you should only insert the thermometer about one inch into the rectum, consider scratching a hash mark on the thermometer at the one-inch mark so you will not make a mistake. You should also be sure to clean the thermometer with soapy water before and after each use and never use the same thermometer to take an oral reading.

Enlist Help

If you can, get help taking your baby's temperature. Those flailing little arms and legs can make it difficult to hold the thermometer in the correct position. Lay your baby on her back and ask your partner to hold her arms and legs still. Place your index and middle fingers on either side of the thermometer probe at the one-inch mark. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and insert it until your fingers touch either side of your baby's bottom. Press the button on the thermometer and wait for the beep.

In infants, a temperature of more than 100.4 F (38 C) will signal the baby needs to see the doctor.

Older Babies and Toddlers

When your child is four months old, you can switch to a digital ear thermometer. This kind of thermometer is usually much more comfortable for your baby, unless she has an ear infection. If this is the case, you can try taking her temperature under the armpit with your standard digital thermometer, or you may need to resort to a rectal temperature. Understand that armpit readings are less accurate than those taken rectally or by ear.

To take your child's temperature with a tympanic (ear) thermometer,
Be sure to use a clean probe cover each time. Gently pinch the ear lobe, pull it away, and back to straighten the ear canal. Insert the probe in the ear canal until it seals off the hole. Be very gentle about this. Press the button on the thermometer and wait for the beep.

For babies and toddlers age three months to two years, you should watch your child closely if the fever goes above 102 F (38.9 C). If the fever lasts more than 24 hours, call your doctor.

Using an Oral Thermometer

When your child is old enough to keep a digital thermometer under his tongue, this becomes the method of choice. Taking your child's temperature by mouth is the least invasive way to do the job.

Your child will usually be able to use an oral thermometer by age 4. You simply place the thermometer under the child's tongue and ask him to close his mouth. Press the button and wait for the beep. Do not take an oral temperature within 20 minutes of eating or drinking because it can give a false reading. If you child is unable to breathe through his nose, try taking his temperature in the ear.

Children age two to four years should see the doctor if they have a fever over 102 F (38.9 C) for more than a day. Older children should see the doctor if the high temperature lasts for more than three days.

Medicine for Fever

You should never give an infant ibuprofen until they are over 6 months old. Ibuprofen is hard on their tiny kidneys. Use Tylenol instead. Never give anyone under 18 aspirin. You can use Tylenol or ibuprofen.

When considering medicine for your child's fever, it is important to remember that fever is only one sign of a problem. The fever is your child's immune response, fighting off infection. If you are too quick to give a fever reducing medication, you could be hampering your child's natural capacity to fight off infection. While a fever alone is not a cause for concern, you should call your doctor if the child shows excessive fussiness or irritability. On the flip side, if you child is too lethargic or unresponsive, this could also be a sign of serious illness, regardless if there is a fever present or not.

Obviously, you should consult your doctor on these issues and confirm what will work best for you and your child. Recommendations may be different depending on your child's particular medical circumstance.