Illness
When a baby becomes ill, he or she may or may not have a temperature above normal. A reading from a thermometer is an inaccurate guide to a baby’s state of health. Other warning signs also must be considered.
The most common noticeable signs that a baby has an infection or illness are a sudden loss of appetite; irritability or lethargy; and vomiting or diarrhea. These signs are a more accurate indication than a temperature reading.
However, during an illness the physician may ask the parent to monitor the baby’s temperature. It is dangerous to place a thermometer in a baby’s mouth and difficult to keep one underneath a baby’s arm for a sufficient length of time. The safest way to take the baby’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer.
A rectal thermometer has a rounded, stub end. This type of thermometer can be used for taking oral temperatures as well, so when buying a thermometer, buy a rectal one.
Finally, do not keep a baby’s room too hot if he or she is ill. If the baby has a high temperature, keep him or her covered with light clothes and a sheet. The physician may recommend sponging with tepid water to keep the baby’s temperature down.
Rectal Temperature
Make sure that the mercury ribbon is first shaken below the thermometer’s normal mark. Then take the baby’s rectal temperature using the method described below.
It usually takes three to five minutes for a rectal thermometer to register the body temperature. Although the normal body temperature varies from person to person, the average is 98.6ºF (37ºC) for an oral temperature, and 99.6ºF (37.6ºC) for a rectal temperature.
Wash the thermometer carefully after use with cool water and soap. An alcohol pad, available at drugstores, is also acceptable for cleaning thermometers. Never use hot water because this will break the bulb.
