How to accurately check a baby's temperature? (Rectal Temperature) Let's talk!

Does your baby's urine feel like it's a fever ? It's normal to feel a little scared at times like this, isn't it? It may seem a little difficult to accurately measure the body temperature of young children, but it's not. The best and most accurate way to check the temperature, especially in newborns and young children, is to take a rectal temperature. Did you get a little scared when you heard the name? Don't be afraid of anything. This is a very simple and safe method. Let's talk about this in detail today, okay?

Why do you ask a little baby to check his temperature like this?

Now you may be thinking, 'Why do doctors tell us to check the temperature this way? Can't we check it through the mouth or armpit?' Actually, the most accurate way to measure the temperature of babies under three years old, especially those a few months old, is by taking the temperature through the rectum (Rectal Temperature). Young babies don't hold the thermometer in their mouths, and the value obtained through the armpit is not always accurate. This method allows us to get a value that is as close as possible to the baby's core body temperature (`Core Body Temperature`). It is very important to know the baby's actual temperature exactly , because that is how doctors decide on treatment. Even if it is a minor illness, once the temperature is known accurately, treatment can be started quickly. Other methods, for example, taking the temperature through the armpit (`Axillary Temperature`), usually show a value about half a degree lower than taking it through the rectum. Therefore, if there is any doubt about a fever in a small baby, doctors always recommend a rectal examination.

Should we prepare these things before checking the fever?

Okay, so now let's see what we need for this job. Not a big list, just some very simple things.

• Digital Thermometer : This is the most important thing. Do not use mercury thermometers in the market for babies . They are very dangerous if they break due to mercury poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to use a digital thermometer. These thermometers display the temperature in numbers, making them easier to read and safer. Some digital thermometers have a flexible tip, which is more comfortable for babies.
• Lubricant: You need something to slightly moisten the tip of the penis. Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) is the best for this. If you don't have petroleum jelly, a water-soluble lubricant jelly (like KY Jelly) will work just fine. It's best to avoid using things like olive oil, as it can damage the penis. This will help to make the insertion process easier and less painful for your baby.

This is how to prepare baby and feverfew.

There are a few things to be aware of before checking the temperature.

1. If the baby is not bathed, wait a while:If you have just bathed your baby, or if your baby is well-dressed, heavily dressed, or swaddled, wait 20 to 30 minutes before taking the temperature. This is because the body temperature may have changed slightly from the outside at that time. Then we cannot get an accurate temperature reading.

2. Clean the pacifier: Before using the pacifier, wash the tip (the part that goes inside the baby's body) thoroughly with soap and water, then rinse again with clean water . Or you can wipe it with an alcohol swab and leave it to dry. This is very important, because otherwise germs can spread.

3. Apply lubricant: Now apply a thin layer of the petroleum jelly or other lubricant we prepared on the tip (silver part) of the condom. This will make inserting the condom easier for both you and the baby, and will also reduce pain for the baby.

How should you hold the baby?

Now is the most important time. Holding the baby properly will help make this task much easier. Don't worry, I'll tell you two easy ways. Choose the one that's easiest for you.

• On your lap, belly down: Hold your baby across your lap, belly down. As if your baby is sleeping on your lap. You can then place one of your hands under your baby's back to hold him or her in place. Remove your baby's diaper.
• On a bed, belly down: Alternatively, place the baby on his/her belly down on a flat, somewhat sturdy surface like a bed (e.g., a `changing table`). Even when placed this way, place one of your hands under the baby's back to support him/her.
• Face up, legs bent: Another way is to place the baby face up (back side down) and bring the baby's legs up to the chest, bending them at the knees. This is similar to the `frog position'. Hold the baby's thighs behind with one of your hands. This way, the anus is clearly visible.

No matter how you hold your baby, the most important thing is that your baby is secure and doesn't move around, and that it's easy for you to insert the needle properly. If your baby is struggling, it's best to get someone else to help.

How do you check your temperature now?

Okay, now we're all set. We've positioned the baby correctly. Now let's see how to insert the needle .

1. Inserting the penis: Hold the baby still with one hand (e.g., you can hold the buttocks slightly apart). With the other hand , slowly insert the lubricated penis into the baby's anal opening . How far?About half an inch (1/2 inch), maximum about 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters). Simply put, the silver tip of the douche is almost fully inserted. Never push too hard . If you feel any tightness or resistance, stop there. Pushing too hard can hurt the baby and damage the anus.

2. How to hold the dowel: After inserting the dowel, you need to hold it firmly without moving it here and there. Hold the dowel between your index and middle fingers (`second and third fingers`), and rest your hand on the baby's buttocks. This way, the dowel will neither pop out nor go too deep.

3. Comfort the baby: At this time, the baby may cry and struggle a little. This is normal. You can talk to the baby softly, sing a song, and stroke his head . The baby can also feel that you are calm. Hold the thermometer in this position until the thermometer beeps or the digital screen shows the temperature. This usually takes about 10 seconds to a minute, depending on the type of thermometer.

What do you do after checking your temperature?

Okay, when the bamboo skewer `beeps`, or when the value is displayed, slowly remove the bamboo skewer.

1. Read the temperature: The value on the screen of the `digital thermometer` is the baby's temperature. Write it down somewhere. If you write it down over time, it will be easier to show to a doctor.

• We generally consider a rectal temperature between 36.4°C and 38°C (97.5°F and 100.4°F) to be normal.
• If the rectal temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, we consider it a `Fever`.

2. Clean the bamboo skewer again: Wash the used bamboo skewer again with soap and water, rinse it well, and dry it . Or you can wipe it with alcohol . You should clean it in the same way before using it next time.

3. Treat your baby with love: Once the fever is gone, put your baby's diaper away, cuddle him again, and give him love. If he's feeling a little uncomfortable, it will go away.

When should I see a doctor?

A fever is not a disease, but rather a response to an infection or other problem in the body. Therefore, it is best to see a doctor if you have a fever, especially in young children.

• If a baby under 3 months old has a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher , see a doctor or take him to the hospital immediately, no matter what time of day or night . A fever in a baby this age can often be a sign of a serious infection.
• A baby between 3 and 6 months old has a fever of 38.9°C (102°F) or higherIf so, call a doctor. Or, if the fever is over 38°C but the baby is otherwise healthy and active, you can wait a few hours and then call the doctor . But if the baby is lethargic and not eating or drinking, take him to the doctor immediately.
• If a baby over 6 months old has a fever of 39.4°C (103°F) or higher , call a doctor.
• If a baby of any age has a fever above 38°C (100.4°F) for more than two or three days.
• If your baby has a fever, is not eating or drinking, has difficulty breathing, has fits /seizures, is vomiting, is excessively sleepy (too much to wean), is crying uncontrollably, is vomiting, or has diarrhea, take him to a doctor immediately.
• If you feel like your baby isn't feeling well, something is wrong , don't hesitate to see a doctor. What a mother or father feels (`parental instinct`) is often right.

Think about this a little too.

When checking the temperature, we can sometimes make small mistakes, or we can be unnecessarily scared.

• Don't force the needle in: As I said before, stop if you feel it getting stuck. This can damage the baby's anus.
• It's hard to check a baby's temperature when they're struggling: Be patient at that time. If possible, get someone else to hold the baby for help. If you go to check the temperature when the baby is crying, the body may overheat and the temperature may show a slightly higher value.
• Don't be afraid of breaking the thermometer (if it's digital): A digital thermometer doesn't break easily. But use it with caution.
• You don't need to check your baby's temperature every time you sneeze or see a little runny nose: You don't need to check your baby's temperature every time your baby has a cold. But if your baby feels hot, or if they are acting different than usual (poor appetite, lethargy), it's a good idea to check their temperature.

So, here are the most important things to remember! (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked about a lot now. I think you now have a good understanding of rectal temperature in babies. There's nothing to be afraid of.

Simply put, this is the most accurate and safest way to check a baby's fever . If you use the right equipment and do it correctly, you can tell your baby's true temperature.

Remember:

• Always use a `Digital Thermometer`. Never use the ones that contain mercury!
• Clean the bamboo skewer thoroughly before and after use.
• Apply something like `Petroleum Jelly' to the end of the bamboo stick.
• Keep the baby safe and comfortable .
• The bamboo skewer should only be inserted about 1/2 to 1 inch . Do not press down too hard.
• The baby has a fever.If it is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, especially in a baby under 3 months old, see a doctor immediately.
• If you have any doubts, never hesitate to ask a doctor.

If you do these things correctly, you will be in a great position to take care of your kitten when he gets sick. If you have any further questions, ask your family doctor or a pediatrician.

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