take temperature
Release time : 03/17/2025 09:30:01
Parents with a newborn baby can't help but be overwhelmed by the challenges they face. The baby is too young to understand cooperation, and when they express their displeasure or discomfort through crying out loud, it can be quite overwhelming. When you see the baby's cheeks flushed red and warm, it's important for new parents to check the baby's temperature—but how do you actually measure it? That's where this text comes in, providing guidance on how to properly measure your baby's temperature.
Today, let's talk to new parents about how to measure a newborn's temperature.
How to measure a newborn's temperature: As newborns have very weak self-regulation capabilities and their body temperatures are not as stable as ours, often fluctuating between high and low levels, they cannot express these changes. Therefore, parents must rely on observation and temperature measurement to determine whether their baby's temperature is normal.
When you see your baby's cheeks flushed and their body temperature high, it's important for new parents to take their baby's temperature. Measuring a newborn's temperature isn't as simple as measuring your own—let's explore some clever methods used by experienced parents! 1. Thermometer Headband: This method involves placing the thermometer headband on the baby's forehead flat on a bed. It's quick and accurate, making it an ideal choice for first-time parents. 2. Ear Thermometer: An ear thermometer is a common tool for measuring temperature. It measures temperature by inserting a probe into the outer ear canal of the baby. While this method requires some skill, once mastered, it can be very fast at taking a baby's temperature. 3. Mercury Thermometer: For some parents with more experience, using a traditional mercury thermometer is also a good option. They usually place the mercury thermometer under the baby's armpit or in the mouth, then wait for a few minutes before reading the temperature on the thermometer. Although it takes more time, this method provides higher accuracy. 4. Infrared Thermometer: Infrared thermometers use infrared technology to measure temperature. By emitting and receiving infrared waves, they avoid direct contact with the baby's body, reducing the risk of infection. This method is suitable for home use and is convenient and quick. In summary, regardless of which method is chosen, it's crucial for parents to read the instructions carefully before use to ensure proper use. Additionally, maintaining hand hygiene to avoid cross-infection is essential.
For babies who don't cooperate, a regular thermometer might not work well, but a forehead thermometer only requires you to stick it on their head and is very convenient to use. However, if the baby doesn't like having someone pressing their head, this method also won't work.
2. 腋下测温法.
This is the same as taking our temperature, first, loosen your baby's clothes, then place the mercury end of the thermometer in between the baby's armpits. Make sure not to move the baby's arms around and have someone help hold the thermometer securely.
After 5 minutes, take the reading. During this time, make sure not to let the baby catch a cold.
Additionally, if there is sweat on the baby's armpits, please ensure to dry them before taking measurements.
3. Skin Temperature Method.
This method is somewhat difficult to use on babies, and it is recommended that measurements be taken while the baby is sleeping.
Place the thermometer in the baby's neck crease, help the baby to hold it tightly, and then check the temperature after 5 minutes. This method is somewhat less accurate than the previous two methods.
4. Infrared ear thermometer.
This method is quite accurate, but it's important to ensure that the earwax in the baby's ears is cleared first.
Regarding the method of measuring a newborn's temperature, including rectal thermometer and infrared thermometer, here we will not explain them one by one. As long as new parents take various protective measures when measuring their baby's temperature.
It should also be noted that a baby's illness may not always manifest as an abnormal temperature. Therefore, if the baby shows unexplained crying, parents must pay attention.
What is the best place to measure a newborn's temperature? The most common sites used for adults to measure their body temperature are the oral cavity, groin, and anus.
Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to measure the temperature in the mouth or anus for newborns. Therefore, measuring the axillary temperature is considered the best option as it is convenient and safe.
Of course, Barbies should use a thermometer that is appropriate for their baby's condition.
For example, when measuring a baby's body temperature with a thermometer, the best time to do so is after they have gone to sleep and are at their most relaxed.
If a baby is severely crying and uncooperative, yet you must measure their body temperature, it's advisable to use an electronic thermometer, which will be quicker.
Tympanic membrane and oral thermometers are generally not recommended for use in babies, as they are too young and prone to accidents during the measurement process.
The thermometers for the anus have problems of cleanliness and safety.
However, it is important to note that there are different standards for different parts of the body. Therefore, new parents should read the instructions before measuring to ensure accuracy.
When measuring the temperature of a newborn, it is generally recommended to wait for 3-5 minutes with each thermometer used. This ensures that the data obtained is more accurate.
Regarding the frequency of temperature measurement, it can be once a day, around half an hour before eating or waking up. This is relatively accurate.
Your body temperature may rise during the afternoon, so don't be too concerned.
When the baby's temperature exceeds 38°C, it is best to seek medical attention.
If you notice that your baby has a fever, it's best to measure his or her temperature every 4 hours and keep a record of the time, temperature change, and any symptoms.
If you continue to have a fever, it is advisable to seek medical attention. It is best to provide the doctor with any records that you have prepared in advance, which will facilitate the diagnosis by the physician.
The standard temperature for newborns is 36℃-37℃. The skin temperature of a newborn is generally maintained between 36℃ and 37℃, which is the lowest oxygen consumption level and can maintain normal metabolism.
Neonates, whose central nervous system development is not yet fully matured, have relatively low thermoregulatory capabilities. Therefore, slight changes in the environment can cause significant fluctuations in their body temperature.
Generally speaking, a normal temperature for newborns is not more than 38℃. If the baby has a fever, new parents may consider whether it's due to over-dressing or poor ventilation indoors, as these factors are often responsible for causing the baby's fever.
Of course, if the baby continues to have a fever that has not subsided at all, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner.
If the baby does not have a fever and is still crying, it is also necessary to seek medical attention to see whether the baby has other discomforts.
When measuring a newborn's temperature, it is important for new parents to pay attention to the following points to avoid errors during the measurement process and delaying treatment due to missed consultations.
1. Try to keep the newborn quiet during measurements, and avoid measuring when they are crying.
2. Newborns' body temperature tends to be higher after they have just been fed, so it is advisable to avoid measuring their body temperature during this time period.
Do not measure the temperature of a newborn after bathing them, as the temperature is lower after they have been bathed.
If the newborn's temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius, parents should first observe whether they are wearing too much. If the newborn is not wearing enough but has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, it may be feverish.
4. Generally speaking, the body temperature in the afternoon is slightly higher than in the morning. To accurately record a baby's temperature, one should choose fixed time periods such as upon waking up in the morning, before bathing, or in the evening to measure the temperature. Measurements should be made approximately three times a day, and if necessary, additional measurements can be taken.
5. If your baby has a fever, when you go to the hospital with your baby for a check-up, make sure to inform the doctor about the date and time of the fever, the temperature fluctuations, frequency of fever, number of days, and any associated symptoms. This will help the doctor make a more informed diagnosis.
6. Newborns, due to their poor thermoregulation, may not always present with fever when ill; instead, they may exhibit symptoms such as crying uncontrollably, refusal of food or drink, vomiting and diarrhea, pale or blue complexion, etc. In these instances, it is also necessary to seek hospital treatment.
7. Since newborns are too young to cooperate with adults and their mouths are small, it is not advisable to use oral thermometers as they are used by adults.
The medical content mentioned in this text is for reference only.
In the event of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on the examination conducted by a healthcare professional in person.