Do not use an ear thermometer on newborn babies as it can give an incorrect reading due to the ear canals being wet. You can use an ear thermometer when the baby is about six months old. Normal axillary under the arm temperature ranges from Taking a Rectal Temperature. Normal rectal temperature is It is suggested that you discuss this with your baby's healthcare provider.
We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences. Error was Detected. Your browser doesn't support JavaScript code, or you have disabled JavaScript.
Choose location Choose Location. Sign in or Enroll Enter a search term:. Do not alternate between using acetaminophen and ibuprofen as this can lead to dosing errors.
A child or teenager with a fever should not be given aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid ASA ]. This is a very serious condition that can damage the liver and brain. Last updated: October Home Health conditions and treatments Current: Fever and temperature taking. Fever and temperature taking When your child is sick with an infection bacterial or viral , it is common to also have a fever.
Use this chart to help you decide which method to use: Age Recommended method Birth to 2 years 1st choice : Rectum for an accurate reading 2nd choice : Armpit Between 2 and 5 years 1st choice : Rectum for an accurate reading 2nd choice : Ear, armpit Older than 5 years 1st choice : Mouth for an accurate reading 2nd choice : Ear, armpit Temperature-taking tips Do not use a mercury thermometer.
If it breaks, you might be exposed to the toxic substance. Do not use an oral thermometer to take a rectal temperature, or a rectal thermometer for oral temperature taking. A digital thermometer can be used for both rectal and oral temperature taking. Fever strips are not recommended because they do not give accurate readings.
Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse. Cover the silver tip with petroleum jelly such as Vaseline. Place your baby on their back with their knees bent. It may also pass on germs from the stool. Oral and rectal thermometers have different shapes and one should not be substituted for the other.
Do not use oral thermometers rectally as these can cause injury. Rectal thermometers have a security bulb designed specifically for safely taking rectal temperatures. Place the baby across your lap or changing table, on his or her belly, facing down. Place your hand nearest the baby's head on his or her lower back and separate the baby's buttocks with your thumb and forefinger.
Using your other hand, gently insert the lubricated bulb end of the thermometer one-half to one inch, or just past the anal sphincter muscle. Hold the thermometer with one hand on the baby's buttocks so the thermometer will move with the baby.
Use the other hand to comfort the baby and prevent moving. Slowly move the thermometer across the forehead toward the top of the baby's ear. Don't use aspirin to treat a fever in anyone age 18 years or younger. Keep in mind that an armpit temperature might not be accurate. If you're in doubt about an armpit temperature reading, use another method to confirm the results.
There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions.
0コメント