KidieZone – Kids Modelling Agency

What Kind of Thermometer Should I Use?

Whichever type of thermometer you choose, be sure you know how to use it correctly to get an accurate reading. Keep and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for any thermometer.

Digital thermometers usually provide the quickest, most accurate readings. They come in many sizes and shapes, are available at most supermarkets and pharmacies, and are available in a range of prices. Although you should read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine what method or methods the thermometer is designed for, many digital thermometers can be used for the following temperature-taking methods:

* oral (in the mouth)
* rectal (in the bottom)
* axillary (under the arm)

Digital thermometers usually have a plastic, flexible probe with a temperature sensor at the tip and an easy-to-read digital display on the opposite end.

Electronic ear thermometers measure the tympanic temperature – the temperature inside the ear canal. Although they’re quick, accurate, and easy to use in older children, electronic ear thermometers aren’t as accurate for very young children as digital thermometers and are more expensive. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using electronic ear thermometers for infants younger than 3 months.

Plastic strip thermometers (small plastic strips that you press against your child’s forehead) may be able to tell you whether your child has a fever, but they aren’t reliable for taking an exact measurement, especially in infants and children. If you need to know your child’s exact temperature, plastic strip thermometers are not the way to go.

Forehead thermometers may be a reasonable alternative to ear thermometers, if your infant is younger than a year old. But they are not as accurate as oral or rectal digital thermometers.

Pacifier thermometers may seem convenient, but again, they’re unreliable and shouldn’t be used in infants younger than 3 months. They also require the child to keep the pacifier in the mouth for several minutes without moving, which is a nearly impossible task for most babies and toddlers.

Glass mercury thermometers were once commonly used, but the AAP now advises against using them because of concerns about possible exposure to mercury, which is an environmental toxin. (If you still have a mercury thermometer, do not simply throw it in the trash where the mercury can leak out. Talk to your child’s doctor or your local health department about how and where to dispose of your mercury thermometer.)

As any parent knows, taking a squirming child’s temperature can be challenging. But it’s one of the most important tools doctors have to figure out if your child has an illness or infection. The method you choose to take your child’s temperature will depend on his or her age and how cooperative your child is.

If your child is younger than 3 months, you’ll get the most reliable reading by using a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature. Electronic ear thermometers aren’t recommended for infants younger than 3 months because their ear canals are usually too small.

If your child is between 3 months to 4 years old, you can use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature or an electronic ear thermometer to take the temperature inside the ear canal. You could also use a digital thermometer to take an axillary temperature, although this is a less accurate method.

If your child is 4 years or older, you can usually use a digital thermometer to take an oral temperature if your child will cooperate. However, children who have frequent coughs or are breathing through their mouths because of stuffy noses might not be able to keep their mouths closed long enough for an accurate oral reading. In these cases, you can use the tympanic method (with an electronic ear thermometer) or axillary method (with a digital thermometer).

How Do I Use a Digital Thermometer?

A digital thermometer offers the quickest, most accurate way to take your child’s temperature and can be used in the mouth, armpit, or rectum.

To take a rectal temperature: Before becoming parents, most people cringe at the thought of taking a rectal temperature. But don’t worry – it’s a simple process:

1. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a water-soluble lubricating jelly (talk with your pharmacist or child’s doctor).
2. Place your child face down across your lap while supporting the head, or lay the child down on a firm, flat surface, such as a changing table.
3. Place one hand firmly on your child’s lower back to hold him or her still.
4. With your other hand, insert the lubricated thermometer through the anal opening, about half an inch to 1 inch (about 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) into the rectum. Stop if you feel any resistance.
5. Steady the thermometer between your second and third fingers as you cup your hand against your baby’s bottom. Soothe your child and speak quietly as you hold the thermometer in place.
6. Wait until you hear the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready to be read. If you’d like to keep a record, write down the temperature, noting the time of day.

To take an oral temperature: This process is easy in an older, cooperative child.

1. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after your child finishes eating or drinking to take an oral temperature, and make sure there’s no gum or candy in your child’s mouth.
2. Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and ask your child to close his or her lips around it. Remind your child not to bite down or talk and ask him or her to relax and breathe normally through the nose.
3. Wait until you hear the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready to be read. Read and write down the number on the screen, noting the time of day that you took the reading.

To take an axillary temperature: This is a convenient way to take your child’s temperature. Although not as accurate as a rectal or oral temperature in a cooperative child, some parents may prefer to take an axillary temperature, especially if your child can’t hold a thermometer in his or her mouth.

1. Remove your child’s shirt and undershirt, and place the thermometer under your child’s armpit (it must be touching skin only, not clothing).
2. Fold your child’s arm across his or her chest to hold the thermometer in place.
3. Wait until you hear the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready to be read. Read and write down the number on the screen, noting the time of day that you took the reading.

Related posts:

1. FEVER
2. Is your child sleeping enough?
3. Protect Your Baby From Tooth Decay
4. Calcium Requirements
5. Why is Hand Washing so Important ?