Armpit temps are useful for screening at any age. Age under 3 months old 90 days old. An armpit temp is the safest and is good for screening. Use a rectal reading. Reason: If young babies have a fever, they need to see a doctor now. New research shows that forehead temps may also be accurate under 3 months of age. Age 3 months to 1 year old. Rectal or forehead temps are accurate. An ear thermometer can be used after 6 months old. An armpit temp is good for screening if it is taken right.
Digital electronic thermometers are easily found in stores. They do not cost very much. They can be used for rectal and armpit temps.
Most of them give an accurate temp in 10 seconds or less. The AAP suggests you replace any glass thermometer in the house with one of these products. Another way is on the back with the legs pulled up to the chest. Put some petroleum jelly on the end of the thermometer and the anus. Slide the thermometer gently into the anus no more than 1 inch. That means until you can no longer see the silver tip. Be gentle.
There should not be any resistance. If there is, stop. Hold your child still. Leave a digital thermometer in until it beeps about 10 seconds. Do not use a mercury thermometer. Mercury is toxic and the thermometer could break. Over the forehead temporal artery method Non-contact infrared thermometers NCITs measure body temperature from a specific distance by sensing the energy emitted by humans. NCITs offer a way to take your temperature without touching, unlike traditional thermometers that require physical contact.
NCITs are considered more susceptible to inaccurate measurements than other thermometers for example, oral and rectal thermometers, well-calibrated tympanic thermometers. Several factors influence the ability of NCITs to detect fever accurately, including:. Follow the best practices and the manufacturer's instructions when using NCITs.
Speak to a pharmacist if you have any questions when buying a thermometer. A pharmacist can help you select the best type of thermometer for the method you choose to use. Whichever type of thermometer you use, make sure to clean them except ear thermometers with cool, soapy water and rinse off before and after use. From birth to age 5, the most common way to take a temperature is under the armpit. For children older than 2, temperatures can also be taken by ear or, if the child is able to sit still long enough, by mouth.
The most accurate way to take a temperature is in the bum rectal method. See the section on the rectal method to learn how safely take a rectal temperature. If you're an adult and have a temperature reading lower than 95 F or a fever that's over F, you should see your healthcare provider. You should seek medical help right away if you have a fever that's over F with symptoms such as:. A rectal thermometer can be an accurate way of checking your own body temperature, but it is the standard when it comes to checking the temperature of your infant.
As many parenting books don't thoroughly cover rectal readings, the idea of checking your child's temperature rectally may make you nervous or afraid to do so.
But no need to worry. By following the right steps, you can safely check your child's temperature and get a correct reading.
If you need more advice on checking your child's temperature rectally, speak with your pediatrician, as they can give you more guidance on how to do it effectively.
It might. If your baby is constipated, inserting a rectal thermometer just as you would if you were taking their temperature may stimulate a bowel movement. However, It's important to speak with your pediatrician to address your baby's constipation and discuss if using a rectal thermometer is appropriate. Although rectal thermometers can be used from infancy to adulthood, many older children may not like to check their temperature rectally.
You can stop using a rectal thermometer on your child after three months, but make sure your child is cooperative enough and can tolerate other thermometers. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Wise J. Rectal thermometer should be used for accurate temperature reading, analysis finds. American Academy of Pediatrics. Is a temperature ever normal? Published March 28, How to take your child's temperature. Updated October 12, Temperature measurement.
Updated January 23, Cleveland Clinic. Kid's fevers: when to worry, when to relax. Published October 25, Hypothermia low body temperature.
Updated August 12, When your baby or infant has a fever. Reviewed October 2, Harvard Health Publishing. Treating fever in adults. Published March 25, Nationwide Children's.
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