Does your little one have a fever? Let's learn the correct way to take a rectal temperature.

Moms and Dads, I understand the fear and anxiety you feel when your baby has a fever. We all get a little nervous at times like that, don't we? So it's very important to take the temperature accurately. The most accurate and doctor-recommended way to check the temperature, especially for babies a few months old and children under two or three years old, is to take the temperature rectally. It may seem a little strange, but it's actually very simple and safe. Today, let's talk about how to do this correctly and without causing any harm to the baby.

Why do you check children's temperature rectally?

Now you may be thinking, "Why do we need to check the temperature this way? Can't we check it from the armpit?" Actually, the best way to accurately know the core body temperature of a small baby is to measure it rectally. When checking the temperature from the armpit (axillary temperature), it sometimes shows a lower value than the actual temperature. Taking the temperature from the mouth (oral temperature) is difficult for small babies. They try to chew on the thermometer, try to pull it out, and don't even hold it under their tongue properly. That's why doctors recommend this method to check the temperature of children, especially from newborns to about 3 years old . The value obtained from this is very accurate, so it is very important when treating the baby.

Should we do these things before checking the temperature?

Okay, so now let's look at what we need to prepare and what we need to be careful about before taking a rectal temperature. Although these may seem like small things, they are very important for getting an accurate temperature reading, for the baby's safety, and for the baby's comfort.

First, check if this is correct:

• Are you taking your baby's temperature shortly after giving him a bath? Or was he wrapped up in blankets and dressed in a lot of clothes? Even if he was swaddled tightly, wait 20 to 30 minutes before taking his temperature. Otherwise, the temperature may be incorrectly displayed as higher than it actually is due to the body's external heat.
• Use only a digital thermometer. This is the most important thing. Don't buy those old glass thermometers, that is, mercury thermometers. If they break, the mercury can leak out, and the glass thermometers can stick to the body. That's why even the World Health Organization says they are no longer safe. Digital thermometers allow you to check your temperature quickly, are easy to read, and beep when the temperature is measured.
• The tip of the thermometer, the silver tip that goes inside the baby's body, should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, and then rinsed thoroughly again with clean water . This should be done before and after each fever check. Otherwise, germs can spread.
• Apply a little lubricant to the tip of the bamboo skewer. This can be done with petroleum jelly (You can use something like petroleum jelly . Even a water-based lubricant is fine. Applying this lubricant will make it easier to insert the condom without hurting the baby or causing any discomfort.

How should you hold the baby?

Okay, now the fever patch is ready. The next step is to position the baby in a comfortable position to check the fever. Since little ones can be a bit fidgety, you need to position them in a way that is safe and comfortable for them. There are two ways, choose the one that is comfortable for you and your baby.

First method:

Place your baby on your lap, belly down . Imagine that you are sitting on a chair and holding your baby across your legs, with your belly touching your legs. Or, you can place your baby on a hard, flat surface like a bed, belly down. But when you are on the bed, you need to be very careful not to let your baby roll over. Place one of your hands on your baby's lower back and gently control him. This way, your baby will be less likely to squirm, and it will be easier for you to insert the needle .

Second method:

Or, place the baby face-up, bend the legs towards the stomach, and bring the knees towards the chest . Just like a baby playing with their legs. Hold the back of the baby's thighs with one of your hands. You can also check the temperature this way. Some mothers say this method is easier.

The most important thing is, no matter how you hold your baby, never leave him alone, especially in a high place. Don't take your eyes off him for even a second. Your attention should always be on him.

How do you insert the bamboo skewer? How far?

Now is the most important part. Don't be afraid, do this very carefully and slowly. With your other hand, take the lubricated cotton swab and insert it slowly into the baby's anal opening, holding it like you would a pencil .

How far do you need to insert?

You don't need to insert it too deep. Usually, about ½ inch to 1 inch is enough. That means in centimeters, about 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters . The silver tip of the thermometer should be completely inside the rectum . Don't insert it any deeper than that. Some digital thermometers have markings on them to indicate how far to insert.

Be especially careful about these things:

• If you feel any resistance or blockage when inserting the needle, do not push it any further . Stop immediately. If you try to force it in, you may injure the baby, so do it slowly.
• After inserting the needle, yourHold the bamboo skewer tightly between your index and middle fingers (second and third fingers) . With the other hand, hold the baby's bottom. This will keep the bamboo skewer from moving around, and the baby will be positioned properly.
• Calm your baby down when he has a fever . Talk softly, hum a song he likes, stroke his head, and talk to him lovingly. If he gets scared or starts to struggle, the fever blister may come out or he may get hurt . So it is very important to keep your baby calm. If you get nervous, your baby will be even more scared, so stay calm.
• Hold the digital thermometer until it beeps or displays the temperature. It usually takes about a minute to display the temperature. Some thermometers give a reading in 10-30 seconds.

After checking the temperature?

After the needle has reached the desired value, slowly remove the needle. Write down the value somewhere, because it is important if you have to tell a doctor. Then wash the needle again with soap and water, dry it, and put it back in its protective case. Hold your baby in your arms and comfort him. You can be proud of yourself for doing this very well!

Don't be afraid, you can do this!

I know, at first this may seem a little difficult and scary, but after doing it a couple of times you will get used to it. The most important thing is to stay calm, not panic, and do it carefully as I have said . When you do this for the sake of your baby's well-being, with the love in your heart, this will be a very easy thing. Knowing exactly your little one's body temperature, knowing exactly whether he has a fever and how much it is, will help you a lot in deciding what to do next.

The most important things to remember

Okay, so, shall we remind you again of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about?

• The most accurate and safest way to check the temperature of young babies and children under 3 years of age is to take a rectal temperature.
• Use only a digital thermometer. Glass thermometers/mercury thermometers are not allowed!
• Wash the bamboo skewer thoroughly with soap before and after use.
• Be sure to apply a lubricant such as petroleum jelly to the tip of the bamboo skewer.
• Slowly insert the needle about ½ inch or an inch (1.25 - 2.5 cm) . Never push it in forcefully . Stop if you feel any tightness.
• Keep your baby calm during fever control, talk to him/her gently, and treat him/her with love.
• After taking the temperature , record the value.

Important: If you think your baby has a fever, especially if they are under 3 months old, or if they have other symptoms along with the fever (loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea,If you have any symptoms (such as difficulty breathing , excessive sleepiness), seek medical advice immediately. In this article, we have only discussed the correct way to check a fever. It should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

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