Does your little one have a fever? Let's see how to accurately check a fever with a thermometer!

Does your baby feel hot? Or is he acting a little sickly, lethargic, or lethargic? Maybe he's not eating or playing. It's normal to wonder, "Does my baby have a fever?" So, it's important to know for sure if he has a fever. If so, we can take action quickly. Today, we'll talk about how to check your baby's temperature accurately and safely, what kind of thermometers are good for it, and how to check fevers according to age.

What kind of thermometer should we use?

Remember when there were glass thermometers? But now doctors only recommend digital thermometers . Because they can take your temperature quickly and accurately. They're also safer. There are three main types of digital thermometers. Let's take a look at what they are.

1. Regular Digital Thermometers

These are the ones we 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 allows us to see the temperature. With this type of thermometer, we can check the temperature in several ways.

• Take your temperature by mouth (`Oral temperature`)
• Check your temperature in the armpit (`Axillary temperature`)
• Check the temperature through the rectum (`Rectal temperature`)

When you're done using this thermometer, it gives us a signal, some of which make a beep sound, that it's finished measuring the temperature. So it's a good idea to read the instruction sheet that comes with it.

2. Ear Digital Thermometers

This type of ear thermometer measures the heat waves emitted by the eardrum , which is located inside the ear. The thermometer measures the temperature by inserting a small plastic probe into the ear.

Importantly, this ear thermometer can only be used on babies over 6 months old . The ear canals of babies younger than that are very small, so it can be difficult to accurately measure the temperature, and it is possible to get an incorrect reading.

3. Temporal Artery Digital Thermometers

This is a relatively new technology. This thermometer measures heat waves coming from the Temporal Artery , a blood vessel that runs through the forehead, specifically under the skin. Think of it like a `scan` of the forehead to check for fever. The best thing about this is that it can be used by children and adults of all ages. It is very easy to check the temperature of a small baby, even when he is sleeping, without waking him up. But one thing to remember is that the way to use this type of thermometer made by different companies (`manufacturers`) may vary slightly. Therefore, it is essential to read the `package insert` that comes with it carefully.

It's better not to use these bamboo skewers!

There are now many different types of fever measuring devices on the market. However, there are some types of fever prickers that doctors do not recommend because they are not very accurate. Therefore, avoid using these to check your fever.

• Plastic strip thermometers: These are placed on the forehead, but they do not accurately measure the temperature inside the body.
• Pacifier thermometers: Although they say you can take a temperature while your baby is sucking on the pacifier, you have to hold the pacifier in your baby's mouth to get an accurate reading. That's a bit tricky.
• Smartphone temperature apps: These are still not very reliable.
• Glass thermometers: These should never be used anymore. Although they used to be available, they are made of mercury . If they break accidentally, the mercury can leak out and be very dangerous for the baby and others in the household. Therefore, these are no longer recommended.

What are the best ways to check a baby's fever depending on their age?

You know how difficult it is to check a fever in a fussy baby. Sometimes they won't even let you take a fever thermometer. So, the best way to check is to consider the baby's age and how cooperative they are. Here's what doctors usually recommend:

• For babies under 3 months:

For very young children at this age , taking a rectal temperature is the best and most accurate method, because fever is something to be very concerned about at this age.

• For babies between 3 and 6 months:

For these people, it is best to take a rectal temperature . However, if this is not possible, you can use the temporal artery method or the axillary method.

• For children between 6 months and 3 years:

Even at this age, it is best to take a rectal temperature . In addition, you can use the temporal artery method, the ear method (if over 6 months), or the axillary method.

• For children over 4 years old:

If a child this age can hold the thermometer under the tongue properly, it is best to take the temperature orally . If this is difficult, the temperature can be taken rectally, through the forehead, ear, or armpit as mentioned earlier.

A brief explanation of fever detection methods

No matter which method you choose, the most important thing is to follow the instructions that come with the bamboo skewer exactly.

How to take a rectal temperature

This is the most accurate method that doctors often recommend for very young babies. You can use a regular digital thermometer for this. Apply a little lubricant (preferably water-based) to the tip of the thermometer, hold the baby comfortably, and do this very carefully. The thermometer should be inserted about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters.

How to take a temperature through the mouth (Oral Temperature)

In this, you need to hold the thermometer under your tongue, to one side of your mouth, or to the back, close your mouth, and hold the thermometer with your lips until the temperature is taken. It is not a good idea to drink anything hot or cold for about 15 minutes before taking the temperature. This is easier for a slightly older child who listens to what you say.

How to take a fever from the armpit (Axillary Temperature)

In this case, the tip of the thermometer should be placed in the middle of the armpit, on dry skin, and the baby's arm should be held close to the body, keeping the armpit well covered. When taking a temperature with this method, the temperature may be slightly lower than other methods (especially rectally). Therefore, it is good to have a little understanding about it.

Keep these things in mind when checking for fever:

Even though checking your temperature may seem like a small thing, be sure to take care of these things to make sure you get it right.

• Do not take your baby's temperature immediately after bathing . Also, do not take the temperature immediately after the baby is well-wrapped or has a lot of clothes on (or a small baby is well-swadled). This can temporarily change the body temperature and cause the thermometer to read incorrectly. Wait a while and check the temperature when the baby is in a normal position.
• Stay close to your baby when checking for fever. Don't leave him alone, especially when checking for fever through the mouth or rectum.
• Clean the bamboo skewer thoroughly before and after use. You can do this by wiping it with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol , rinsing it with water, and drying it. It is best to clean it according to the instructions on the packaging.

Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, if your little one feels like they have a fever, don't panic, just get the fever checked first.

The most important thing is to use an accurate digital thermometer and take the temperature in a way that is appropriate for the baby's age.

Consider the severity of the fever, your baby's age, and any other symptoms, and see a doctor as soon as possible. Especially if your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever (usually 38 Celsius / 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher), it can be very serious and should be taken to a doctor immediately. I hope this information is helpful. I wish your baby a speedy recovery!