The best way to take your baby’s temperature

 
There are various ways to take a baby’s temperature. However the best way to get an accurate reading is taking a rectal temperature. This is because the goal of taking a temperature is to access how warm it is inside the body. Infection in newborns can  be serious so it is essential to get the most accurate temperature reading as much as possible and this means getting a rectal temperature.

How to take a rectal temperature ?

 
To take a rectal temperature, you have to use a digital rectal thermometer.

• clean the  base of the digital thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Rinse with cool water
• apply a small amount of petroleum jelly at the base of the thermometer ( the end with the metal bulb )
• place your child on his belly on your lap or on a firm surface
• put your palm against his lower back just above his bottom
• Alternatively  you can also place the baby face up with his legs         bend to his chest
• put your free hand against the back of his thighs
• turn  the thermometer on using the other hand and insert it 1/2 inches to 1 inches into the anal opening so that the metal bulb is inside
• gently hold the thermometer between the index and fore finger steadily
• wait until the thermometer beeps and then take it out
• check the reading
• clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soapy water, rinse and dry before storing

 
Any temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit and higher is considered a fever. Call the doctor right away. You should also call the doctor even if your baby is sick and doesn’t have a fever.

You can also take a baby temperature orally, under the arm, in the ear or across the forehead but the best way is using a rectal thermometer . You should know that whichever method you use, do not take your baby’s temperature right after a bath . Wait at least 20 minutes after bath to get accurate readings. You should also wait for about 20 minutes after the child has been swaddled to take his temperature .
 
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