Does your little one have a fever? Let's learn exactly how to take a rectal temperature.

As a mother or father, one of your biggest responsibilities is to take care of your little one's health. So when your baby feels a little unwell or has a fever, the first thing we think about is checking their temperature. Especially when checking the temperature of a baby who is a few months old, doctors often recommend checking their temperature rectally. This may be a bit new to some mothers, and it may also be a bit scary. However, this is the best way to accurately measure a baby's temperature. So today, let's talk about this (Rectal Temperature), that is, how to check the temperature rectally accurately and safely.

Why do you tell a baby to take a rectal temperature?

Now you might be wondering, why is this only done for these little babies when you can take their temperature under the arm or orally? Simply put, the best and most accurate way to accurately measure the core body temperature of young babies, especially babies under 6 months old, is to take their temperature rectally. Other methods, such as taking their temperature in the armpit, do not give as accurate a reading for babies this age. Because babies are fidgety, difficult to hold, and the thermometer does not touch their skin properly, the reading can vary. Taking their temperature orally is difficult for babies this age anyway. They cannot hold the thermometer in their mouths, and they may chew on it. That is why doctors recommend this method, especially when they want to get the most accurate idea of ​​their baby's condition.

Do I need to prepare these things before taking the temperature?

Okay, so let's see how to prepare for this task. If you do these things correctly, the task will be easier than you think.

• First of all, don't check your baby's temperature right after they've been bathed. Or if your baby is well-wrapped and has a lot of clothes on, wait a little longer. Because the baby's external temperature may have risen a bit by then. It's best to wait about 20 to 30 minutes before checking the temperature.
• Be sure to use a digital thermometer. Never use those old glass thermometers with mercury. They are not safe. They can break when the baby squirms and the mercury can spill. Digital ones are not as dangerous, and they are also easier to read.
• Wash the tip of the thermometer thoroughly with soap and clean water. This is very important. Because we are inserting this inside the baby's body, it needs to be as clean as possible.
• Next, apply a little lubricant to the tip of the thermometer. You can use something like petroleum jelly, or another lubricant recommended by a doctor. This will help the thermometer to be inserted more easily and without causing pain to the baby.

How do you hold a baby properly?

Now that you have everything ready, you need to position the baby in a way that is suitable for checking the fever. You can use two methods here. Choose the method that is easiest for you and the baby.

1. Turn the belly side down:

• Hold your baby across your lap. Or, place your baby on a flat, firm surface, such as a bed, with their stomach facing down.
• Gently press one of your hands on the baby's lower back, just above the buttocks. This can help reduce the baby's squirming.

2. Turn upside down and bend your legs:

• Place the baby on his or her back (standing side up), bend the baby's legs at the knees, and bring them close to the stomach, as if the baby is curled up.
• Hold the baby's thighs behind with one of your hands.

The most important thing is that no matter how you hold your baby, make sure that your baby is safe and comfortable. Also, you should do this very calmly, without getting nervous. If you get nervous, your baby may be even more scared.

Now how do I insert the thermometer?

Okay, now comes the important part. The baby is positioned properly, and the needle is ready. Now let's see how to insert it.

• With your other hand, take the lubricated thermometer and gently insert it into the baby's anal opening.
• How far should you insert it? Usually, you should insert it about ½ inch to 1 inch. To be precise, about 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters. The silver tip of the thermometer should be fully inserted. Do not insert it any deeper than that.

Important: If you feel any resistance when inserting the thermometer, do not push any further. Stop there.

• After inserting the thermometer, to prevent it from moving around, hold it between your index and middle fingers and rest your hand on your baby's bottom. This will help keep the thermometer in place without it popping out.
• It's very important to comfort your baby at this time. Talk softly to your baby, hum a song, and talk to him/her lovingly. When you are calm, your baby will often be less upset.
• If it's a digital thermometer, it will beep after the temperature is measured. You need to hold the thermometer until you hear that beep. It usually takes a few seconds to a minute.

When you're done taking the temperature, slowly remove the thermometer and read the reading. After that, don't forget to wash the thermometer again with soap and water and keep it clean.

What is a fever? When should I see a doctor?

Now you've checked your temperature and got a reading. So what does this reading mean?

A normal rectal temperature for a small baby is between 36.4°C and 38°C (97.5°F - 100.4°F).

However, if the temperature is higher than 38°C (100.4°F), we consider it a fever.

This is very important:

• If a baby under 3 months old has a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, you should see a doctor immediately. Don't delay. Fever can be serious for babies this age.
• If a baby between 3 and 6 months old has a fever of over 38.9°C (102°F), or if the fever has subsided but there is a change in the baby's behavior (not eating, not playing, crying a lot, being sleepy), it is best to see a doctor.
• If a baby over 6 months old has a fever higher than 38.9°C (102°F), has had a fever for more than two or three days, or has other symptoms (cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches) along with the fever, see a doctor.

Remember, a fever is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease. Therefore, it is important to find the cause of the fever. Pay attention not only to the temperature reading, but also to the baby's general behavior and activity.

Take care of these things too.

There are a few other little things you need to remember.

• Never leave your baby alone to check their temperature. Your baby may squirm and roll over while you are holding the thermometer. So give your full attention to your baby.
• Do not try to force the thermometer in. Stop if you feel any resistance. The baby may have some stool stuck in it.
• If you use the same thermometer for everyone in the family, it's safest to keep a separate one for rectal temperature readings. Otherwise, you should clean it thoroughly with a disinfectant after use.
• It is not advisable to take a rectal temperature when your baby has diarrhea. In such cases, seek advice from a doctor.
• If you're still worried or unsure about this, ask your family doctor or midwife for more information on how to do it. There's nothing wrong with that.

Finally, what to remember

So, taking a rectal temperature on a baby may seem a little strange at first, but this is the best way to accurately measure their body temperature. If you don't panic, stay calm, and do it exactly as instructed, you can do it very easily.

The most important thing is your baby's safety and comfort. Think about that and do this with love.

A fever can be a sign that your baby's body is fighting an infection. So, pay attention not only to the temperature, but also to your baby's other behaviors. If the fever is high, or if you have any doubts, it is wise to seek medical advice immediately.

Wishing your baby a speedy recovery!

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