How to correctly measure a child's normal armpit temperature

Parents often worry about their baby's body temperature, which is directly related to their own physical health. Normally, the normal body temperature of a newborn is 37 to 37.4 degrees, the body temperature of an infant is 36.8 to 37.3 degrees, and the body temperature of a toddler is 36.2 to 37 degrees. Here's how to properly take your child's temperature.

1. For the underarm measurement method, wipe the armpits dry with a dry towel before measuring the temperature, then place the mercury end of the thermometer deep in the armpit without exposing it. Parents should hold the thermometer with their hands, let the child bend the arm over the chest, clamp it tightly (infants and young children need to be held tightly), and take out the thermometer after 7 to 10 minutes of measuring the temperature. It is necessary to wait 30 minutes after bathing before measuring, and be careful not to get any underwear or sheets between the thermometer and the skin of the armpit to ensure its accuracy. The normal axillary temperature is generally 36-37℃ on average.

2. Intrarectal measurement method: When measuring intrarectally, use a rectal thermometer. First, lubricate the mercury end of the thermometer with liquid paraffin or grease (soapy water can also be used). Then slowly insert the mercury end of the thermometer into the anus 3 to 4.5 cm (1.5 cm is enough for infants). Parents should pinch the upper end of the thermometer with their hands to prevent it from slipping or breaking. Take it out after 3 to 5 minutes, wipe the thermometer with gauze or soft toilet paper, and read the degree. The normal range of rectal body temperature is generally 36.8~37.8℃.

3. Intraoral measurement method: Place the mercury tip of the oral surface obliquely under the child's tongue, ask the child to close the mouth (do not bite with teeth), breathe through the nose, take out after 3 minutes, wipe it clean and read the degree. The normal oral temperature of adults is between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, while that of children can be 0.5 degrees Celsius higher.

4. It takes about ten minutes to measure in the armpit. Be sure to wipe off the sweat in the armpit in time to avoid the possibility of lymph node infection caused by viruses. If your body temperature is higher than normal during a checkup, it is a symptom of fever caused by a cold. Afterwards, you must pay attention to avoid the possibility of cross infection, and then cooperate with anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment, use some things with fewer side effects on the body, drink more water, and pay more attention to rest.

The above is how to measure a child’s normal armpit temperature. The most critical step is to check whether the thermometer is damaged before measuring the temperature to avoid inaccurate temperature measurement. A child's body temperature is related to his or her physical health. I hope that parents will not take it lightly and learn how to correctly measure their child's armpit temperature.