How to measure the temperature of the newborn

Even in the maternity hospital, each newborn measured the body temperature several times a day. It is important to monitor this indicator and in the future. After all, the increase in temperature is a very important symptom, indicating the unhealthy kid. And in order to absolutely correctly determine the condition of the child, you need to know the rules of the thermometry of newborns.

To begin with, choosing a suitable thermometer. Classic glass is recognized as the most accurate meter. But it is the most dangerous because it contains mercury. In addition, such a device is not too damned: it will take from 5 to 10 minutes to get the result. In the case of a newborn, it is very uncomfortable.

Modern option is an electronic thermometer. It is completely safe, it works quickly, at the end of the measurement gives a beep. Some models are equipped with a soft tip, which will have to be like young parents. The disadvantage of this device is an error in several tenth of degrees.

If the child boldly give a pacifier, the temperature of the nipple is measured without problems. It is a prototype of an electronic thermometer, so harmless and convenient.

The newest technologies are embodied in contactless electronic thermometers. They determine the temperature in a matter of seconds and do not deliver concern to the child. Often, such meters are capable of performing several useful functions.

Deciding in the instrument, wipe it with a dry napkin. Next, you need to choose a part of the body in which we measure the temperature. If it is skin cover, we clean them from possible contaminants. If the mucous membranes are extremely careful. The most familiar to put a thermometer into the armpit depression. We put the newborn on the back or take on the hands in the half-sidet position. We set the thermometer into the fold, follow the tip completely lightened to the skin. Tightly press the child's handle. With this measurement, the normal temperature for infants - from 36.5 to 37.5ºС.

Another way to find out the temperature of the baby is to measure it rectally, then you mean in the rectum. For such a procedure, it is better to use both parents to minimize the fines of the newborn. Toddler put on side with pressed to the body with legs, or on his back with raised legs, or knees to her mother, down the stomach and swelling legs. The tip of the thermometer is lubricated with baby oil, cream or vaseline. Carefully enter it into anal hole about 2 cm. Do not allow sharp movements of the child to avoid injury to the intestine. Since we measure the temperature inside the body, the norm will be the indicator up to 38 degrees.

Less common methods for measuring temperature - in the mouth and in the ear of the kid. If the maintenance unit is orally relatively safe, then enter the thermometer in the auditory pass is risky and not so simple. This requires a special thermometer and some skills. Without relevant experience, it is better not to put experiments on the baby.

Noticing deviations from the temperature norm, do not rush to beat the alarm. The kid has no thermoregulation yet, because of which it depends largely on the environment. Check the room temperature in the room, it should be kept at 20-22 degrees. Make sure that the child was not too looked or the opposite was warm enough. And if all external factors are normal and you really feel the unusual state of the newborn, please contact the doctor.