Taking Your Baby’s Temperature
They say the most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature is rectally. I could never get up the nerve to do it with my twins and the one time I did, I did it wrong. I didn’t put it in far enough or for enough time. From then on, I always used a temperal thermometer. Now I know how to do it and have instructions for the new parents who are as lost as I was.
-Clean the end of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
-Put a small amount of lubricant like vaseline on the end of the thermometer
-Place your baby on his stomach on a hard surface like a changing table and hold her steady by placing your hand on her lower back.
-With your other hand, gently slide the thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch into his bottom. Never force it in!
-Hold it in place for one minute or until the thermometer beeps.
-Clean the thermometer
(Normal rectal temperature is 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit or less)
You should take your baby’s temperature if:
-baby is especially irritable
-baby’s skin is hot
-baby’s complexion is either very pale or flushed
-baby’s breathing is unusually fast, slow or especially noisy
-baby has a runny nose, is sneezing or coughing
-baby rubs his/her ear or rolls head and screams sharply
Also, remember that overdressing, or too hot of an environment can cause a high temperature. If the baby is overdressed, remove some clothing and retake the temperature in 30 minutes.
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