Is your little one running a fever? Today we'll talk about the correct way to take a child's temperature!

Is your little one feeling a little hot? Or maybe they're fussing less than usual, or maybe they're not drinking at all? If they're feeling a little strange, it's important to check for a fever, right? Because a fever can sometimes be a small sign of illness. But don't worry! Not all fevers are a fever. Today, we're going to talk about how to check your child's fever accurately and safely.

What kind of thermometer should we use?

Remember when there were glass thermometers filled with mercury? But now doctors say they are not safe . Because if they break, the mercury can come out and cause problems. So now we only need to use digital thermometers . These are the ones that can take the temperature quickly and accurately.

There are several types of digital needles. Let's take a look at what they are:

1. Regular digital thermometers

These are the ones you see most often. They look like a small straight stick, with a `sensor` on one end that measures the temperature, and a small screen (`digital display`) on the other end that shows the temperature. With this type of thermometer, we can check our temperature in three ways:

• Rectal : Most suitable for small babies.
• Oral : A little bigger, for children who can hold it in their mouths.
• Axillary : For people of any age, but the value obtained from this method is not as accurate as other methods.

2. Ear digital thermometers

These thermometers have a small plastic tip (a `probe`) that is inserted into the child's ear to check the temperature. This measures the heat waves emitted by the eardrum. These are only recommended for use in children over 6 months of age . This is because the ear canals of babies younger than that are smaller, making it difficult to accurately measure the temperature.

3. Temporal artery digital thermometers

This type of thermometer measures the temperature of a blood vessel that runs under the skin of the forehead (called the `Temporal artery`). This is taken by passing a needle through the forehead to check the temperature. It can be used by children of any age as well as adults . However, the way to use this type of thermometer from different companies may vary slightly. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions that come with the thermometer you buy carefully .

Important: When buying a thermometer, check the instruction manual to find out exactly what method it is designed to measure temperature, and how it signals when the temperature is finished (some make a beep sound).

Don't use bamboo skewers like this!

There are some types of thermometers that don't give very accurate temperature readings, so doctors don't recommend them.

• Plastic strip thermometers: These are placed on the forehead and measure only the temperature of the skin, not the actual temperature inside the body.
• Pacifier thermometers: Pacifier thermometers are designed for babies to suck on. They will not give an accurate reading unless the baby is holding the thermometer in their mouth properly.
• Smartphone temperature apps: These are not yet reliable.

Also, shouldn't you use those old glass mercury vapor needles at all? They're not safe.

What is the best way to check a child's fever based on their age?

Checking the temperature of a struggling child can sometimes be a challenge, right? But there's nothing to worry about. The best method depends on the child's age and how cooperative they are.

Here's what doctors usually recommend:

• For babies under 3 months: A rectal temperature is the most accurate and best way to take a temperature. Other methods are not as suitable for babies this age.
• For babies between 3 and 6 months: It is still best to take a rectal temperature. However, if this is not possible, you can take a temperature through the temporal artery or the armpit.
• For children between 6 months and 3 years: It is best to take the temperature rectally. However, if the child does not want to, you can take the temperature in the forehead (Temporal artery), ear (Ear), or armpit (Axillary).
• For children over 4 years old: If the child is willing to hold the thermometer under the tongue, it is best to take the temperature orally. If that is not possible, other methods (rectal, forehead, ear, armpit) can be used.

How do you check for fever using each method?

Okay, now let's see how to properly check for fever using each of these methods. It's very important to know this properly.

1. How to take a rectal temperature

This is the method that gives the most accurate results for the smallest babies . It may seem a little difficult, but if done correctly, there is no problem.

• First, wash the tip of the bamboo skewer thoroughly with soap, rinse with clean water, and wipe dry .
• Then, apply a little petroleum jelly to the silver tip of the cotton swab. This will make it easier to insert the cotton swab and won't hurt the baby.
• Turn your baby on his side, with his knees bent towards his stomach. Alternatively, place him face down on your lap or on the bed, and hold his back with one hand.
• Now, very carefully, insert the tip of the cotton swab about half an inch (about 1.5 centimeters) into the anus. Do not force it .
• Hold the needle in place until it beeps or the instructions on the needle indicate that the reading is complete.
• Then the monk takes out the bamboo skewer and reads the amount of bamboo.
• When you're done, wash the bamboo skewer well with soap and dry it.

2. How to take a temperature through the mouth (`Oral temperature`)

For this method to be successful, the child must hold the feverfew needle firmly under the tongue and keep their mouth closed.

• First, don't check your child's temperature until at least 15-20 minutes after drinking something hot or cold , as this can change the temperature reading.
• Wash and clean the bamboo skewers thoroughly.
• Place the silver tip of the bamboo skewer under the child's tongue, to one side of the mouth .
• Tell the child to close his mouth, hold the bamboo skewer with his lips, and not chew it with his teeth . Tell him to breathe through his nose.
• Wait until the thermometer beeps or gives a signal that the reading is complete.
• Then take a fever thermometer and check your temperature.
• Wash the bamboo skewers well again.

3. How to check your temperature from the armpit (`Axillary temperature`)

This is the easiest method, but keep in mind that it is not as accurate as other methods. Typically, an armpit temperature is about 0.5°C (1°F) lower than an oral temperature.

• If your child's armpits are sweaty and wet, wipe them well and dry them .
• Place the tip of the thermometer exactly in the middle of the child's armpit , and hold the child's arm close to the body. The tip of the thermometer should be firmly pressed against the skin.
• Hold the thermometer until it beeps or until you hear a signal that the reading is complete.
• Take a fever thermometer and check your temperature.
• Wash the bamboo skewers.

4. How to take a fever with your ear (`Ear temperature`)

This is a quick method, but it is not suitable for babies under 6 months . It takes some practice to do it correctly.

• Read the instruction leaflet carefully. You may need to put on a new, clean tip (`disposable probe cover`).
• Turn the child's head to one side.
• For a baby under one year old, pull the earlobe back . For a child over one year old, pull the earlobe up and back . This straightens the ear canal, allowing the eardrum to point properly towards the eardrum.
• Insert the tip of the earbud into your ear and press the button as instructed.
• The temperature value is obtained in a few seconds.
• Remove the used tip and clean the bamboo skewer.

5. How to take a temperature from the forehead (Temporal artery temperature)

This is also a quick and easy method.

• Read the instruction leaflet on the bamboo mat carefully, as there may be slight differences between different types.
• Typically, the sensor of the thermometer is placed in the middle of the child's forehead and the doctor moves the thermometer along the forehead towards the earlobe . Some thermometers may also need to touch the skin behind the ear.
• Wait until the reading of the fever needle is shown.
• Keep the bamboo skewer clean.

Be careful of these things when you have a fever.

No matter how you treat a fever, it's good to remember these little things:

• Don't take your baby's temperature right after they've been bathed. Otherwise, if you take your baby's temperature right after they've gotten up, even though they're well-wrapped and wearing lots of clothes, it could show a slightly higher temperature. So wait about 20 minutes before taking your baby's temperature.
• Stay close to your child while you check their temperature. Never leave a thermometer near your child (especially in their mouth or rectum) and walk away.
• If you use the same bamboo skewer for both anal and oral use, keep the one used for anal use separately and clean it very well before using it for oral use. Or, if possible, keep two separate bamboo skewers for each.

Final Take-Home Message

So, if your little one feels like they have a fever, don't panic, just check their temperature first.

You should use a digital thermometer. No glass mercury thermometers!

Choose a method that is appropriate for your child's age and is comfortable for you .

It is very important to clean the bamboo skewer properly .

Regardless of the severity of the fever and how your child is behaving, it's never too late to call a doctor if necessary .

Especially if a baby under 3 months old has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher , it should be considered an emergency and a doctor should be consulted immediately . For children of other ages, if they have other symptoms (such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness) along with a fever, it is best to see a doctor.

I hope you find this information useful. Wishing your child a speedy recovery!

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