Parents already know how to measure their childs temperature?

Raising children requires parents to equip a lot of skills. Correctly measuring your child's temperature is one of the most important skills that not every parent can do correctly.

Measuring body temperature using a thermometer to determine if your baby has a high fever is considered a more effective method than using your hands to feel. It is important that parents know how to measure and read an index correctly. If any parent has no experience in measuring baby's body temperature, the following article will be very helpful.

Time to take your baby's body temperature

If your baby seems to have a fever or doesn't look well, it's time for parents to take their temperature. However, parents should pay attention not to measure immediately after the baby shower, because then the child's body temperature has increased, affecting the accuracy of the temperature index. Instead, wait at least 20 minutes after bathing before taking your baby's temperature. Likewise, if the child is tightly wrapped in a towel, the parent will also wait 20 minutes after removing the towel before taking the measurement.

Types of thermometers

Mercury thermometer

Is the most common tool in the clinic. Today, mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because they are fragile and can release mercury and are toxic if inhaled. When choosing a thermometer, parents should consider when using this thermometer for their children.

Electronic thermometer

Multi-purpose electronic thermometer. This thermometer uses an electric −-sensor to record body temperature. They can be measured in the anus, mouth or armpit. Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate of the three types;

Electronic thermometer measured at the ear. This thermometer uses infrared rays to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Note that small and curved earwax or ear canal may affect the accuracy of ear temperature recording;

Thermometer measured at the temporal artery (forehead). This thermometer uses an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. This can be used even while the baby is sleeping;

Electronic nipple thermometer. This thermometer is not recommended;

Fever patches. This patch is not recommended.

How to use a thermometer safely

Parents should carefully read the instructions for use that come with each thermometer. Before and after each use, clean the thermometer tip with alcohol or soap and warm water, then rinse with cold water. If you have used an electronic thermometer in the anus, use another digital thermometer for oral measurements.

Besides, mark each thermometer and don't use the same thermometer in both places. For safety and to ensure that the thermometer is in the correct position, do not leave your baby alone while taking his temperature because he or she will easily move.

Age guide to use thermometer

In some cases, choosing the best thermometer or the best thermometer location depends on a child's age.

Babies up to 3 months

Use a standard digital thermometer to measure your rectal temperature. Some new studies suggest that the thermometer measured in the temporal artery also gives accurate results in babies.

3 months to 4 years old

During this age, parents can use the electronic thermometer to take temperature in the anus or armpit or can use the thermometer to measure in the temporal artery. However, wait at least until your baby is 6 months old before using an ear thermometer. If parents use another thermometer to measure their temperature and are questioning the reading, take an anal temperature measurement.

4 years old and older

At 4 years of age, most children can hold the thermometer under the tongue for a short period of time to take their temperature at the mouth. You can also use an electronic thermometer to take your body temperature in the armpit, at the temporal artery (forehead) or in the ear.

Hopefully the above information will help parents more easily measure their baby's temperature.