How to check a child's temperature accurately? The correct way to check a child's temperature through the rectum (Rectal Temperature)

Does your baby's urine feel like it has a fever? It's normal to feel a little scared at times like this. But don't worry. The best way to accurately measure the temperature of young children, especially babies who are a few months old, is to take a rectal temperature. "Won't that be hard? Will it hurt the baby?" you may think. But it's a very simple and safe thing to do. Today, we'll talk about how to do it exactly.

Why is a rectal temperature the best way to take a temperature for young children?

You might be wondering why you need to take a temperature this way instead of taking it in the armpit or mouth, right? The most accurate and reliable way to measure the core body temperature of very young children, that is, children under three years of age, is to take a temperature rectally. Even doctors prefer this method because it gives a very accurate reading. Here are some other methods:

• Axillary Temperature: This is easy, but can sometimes show a slightly lower temperature than the actual temperature inside the body. When a small baby is squirming, the thermometer doesn't stay in the armpit properly.
• Taking a temperature through the mouth (Oral Temperature): This is very difficult for young babies. They can't hold the thermometer properly under their tongue and keep their mouth closed.
• Forehead Thermometers and Ear Thermometers: While these are easy to use, they may not always give the most accurate temperature readings for young babies. They are not recommended for babies under 3 months of age.

So, if you want to be sure about your baby 's temperature, it's best to take a `(Rectal Temperature)`. Don't worry, let's see how to do this very carefully.

Let's do these things right before checking the temperature! (Preparation)

Okay, now we're ready to check the temperature. Don't worry, just follow these steps exactly.

Choosing and cleaning the bamboo skewer

• Use a Digital Thermometer: The most important thing is that you should only use a digital thermometer. Those old glass thermometers, which contain mercury , should never be used anymore. If they break, the mercury can leak out and be dangerous for both you and your baby. Digital thermometers are very safe, easy to use, and display the value clearly.
• Wash the tip of the pacifier thoroughly: Before and after using the pacifier, the tip (the part that goes inside the baby's body) should be washed thoroughly with soap, rinsed with clean water, and dried. This is very important, otherwise germs can spread.

Is the baby hot? Wait a minute!

• Wait 20-30 minutes: If your baby has just finished a bath, or is well-wrapped, has a lot of clothes on, or is a small baby, you should not take the temperature right away. At that time, the body temperature may have risen slightly. Therefore, wait about 20-30 minutes and take the temperature when the baby is acting normally.

Let's use a lubricant.

• Apply a little `` Petroleum Jelly`` to the tip of the douche: This is also very important. Apply a little ``Lubricant`` like ``Petroleum Jelly`` to the tip of the douche. Even a ``water-based lubricant`` is fine. This will make it easier to insert the douche into the baby's anus without any difficulty or pain. Do not forget this.

How to hold a baby to check for fever? (Correct posture)

Holding your baby properly can also help make this task easier. It can be a little difficult if he's a little squirmy, but it's easy if you hold him in the right position. Here are two ways: 1. On your lap, with his belly facing down:

• Sit in a chair and hold your baby across your lap, belly down, as if you were going to crawl.
• Place one of your hands on the baby's lower back and gently control him. This will help the baby struggle less.

2. On a hard surface like a bed, face down:

• Or, place the baby on his or her stomach on a hard, flat surface, such as a bed or table (with safety guards around it).
• Gently hold the baby's lower back with one hand.

3. Turn over and fold both legs towards the stomach:

• Another method is to place the baby on his back (back side down), bend his legs at the knees, and pull them towards his stomach, just like when changing a nappy.
• Hold the baby's thighs behind with one of your hands.

Important: No matter how you hold your baby, do it slowly, without any fuss, in a way that feels safe for your baby. If your baby cries, soothe him a little and try again.

Now comes the most important part: how to insert the needle.

Okay, now everything is ready. The baby is in the right position. I have a lubricated penis in my hand. Here's how to do it: 1. Carefully insert the penis:

• With your other hand, take the lubricated penis and very slowly and carefully insert it into the baby's anal opening.
• How far do you need to insert?
• For a baby under 6 months: About ½ inch (about 1.25 centimeters).
• For a baby over 6 months: About ½ to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters).
• Simply put, the silver tip of the needle should be fully inserted. Do not insert it any deeper than that.

2. Stop if you feel any blockage or obstruction:

• If you feel any tightness, obstruction, or blockage while inserting the needle, do not push it any further. Stop right there. Wait a while, move the baby to a different position, and try again slowly. Never force the needle in.

3. Hold the torch steady:

• Once the needle is inserted properly, hold the needle firmly between your index and middle fingers. Keep your hand against the baby's buttocks. This will ensure that the needle doesn't move around or go too deep even if the baby squirms.

4. Soothe the baby:

• While the baby is in the crib, gently comfort the baby. Talk, sing a song. That way, the baby won't feel scared.
• Digital thermometers often emit a ``beep`` sound every few seconds to indicate the temperature. Be patient until you hear that beep.

After checking the temperature?

When the thermometer beeps, slowly take it out and check the temperature.

• Record your temperature: Write down the reading on a piece of paper. It's very useful if you can show it to a doctor if you write it down over time.
• Clean the bamboo skewer again: As mentioned earlier, wash it well with soap, rinse with water, and dry it.
• What is a fever? Generally, a rectal temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (38°C) or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (100.4°F) or higher is considered a fever. However, this is just general knowledge. If you think your baby has a fever , you should definitely see a doctor for advice. Especially if your baby is under 3 months old, it can be very serious, so see a doctor right away.

Let's learn a little more about fever in children?

A fever is not a disease, it is a symptom of a disease. When a germ (such as a virus or bacteria) enters the body, our immune system fights against it. As a result of that fight, the body temperature increases. This means that a fever shows that the body is fighting the disease. However, you should definitely see a doctor in these cases:

• If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher).
• If you have a very high fever (e.g., over 40°C / 104°F).
• If the fever does not go down for several days.
• If the baby is very lethargic , not drinking milk, not playing.
• If the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing .
• If you have a rash on your body.
• If the baby is vomiting or has diarrhea .
• If something like a seizure occurs.

Remember, if you have any doubts or fears about your baby, it's never too late to talk to a doctor. That's the best thing to do.

Don't worry, it's very simple! (Take-Home Message)

Now you probably understand that taking a baby's rectal temperature is not that difficult. This is the most accurate and safest method.

• Use a digital thermometer.
• Be sure to apply a lubricant.
• Insert the needle only as far as it will go.
• Do this slowly, carefully, and without panic, while soothing the baby.

It may feel a little strange the first few times. But after a while, you'll get used to it. This is just one step in taking care of your baby's health. You can do it!