What are the methods for measuring the temperature of newborns?

Because newborns are born not long ago, they are not very adapted to the external environment, and their own development is incomplete, so their physical fitness is slightly worse than that of children at other stages. Therefore, new mothers will find that their baby's body temperature is sometimes high and sometimes low if they are not careful. At this time, many parents will take the temperature of their newborns. On the one hand, they can understand the baby's condition, and on the other hand, they can take effective measures. But because of the special stage of newborns, what are the methods to measure the baby's body temperature?

1. Armpit temperature measurement method

Take off the baby's shirt to expose the armpit, place the mercury terminal of the thermometer in the center of the baby's armpit, and clamp the baby's arm and body to ensure that the thermometer is in the armpit. Maintain this position for 5 minutes and check the thermometer to obtain your baby's armpit temperature. It is worth noting that the temperature measured is slightly lower than the temperature measured in the mouth and higher than the temperature under the armpit.

2. Neck temperature measurement method

Hold the thermometer horizontally and place it in the fold of your baby's neck so that your baby's head is in the right position to keep the thermometer in the correct position. The temperature measurement time should be ≥5 minutes, 10 minutes is the best choice. However, this method has a disadvantage. The thermometer is difficult to fix on the baby's neck and is greatly affected by the temperature, so it is often impossible to measure the baby's real body temperature.

3. Anal temperature measurement method

First, wipe the mercury port of the rectal thermometer thoroughly with alcohol to ensure that the thermometer is clean and hygienic. Then apply some cooking oil (boil it and cool it to room temperature) to lubricate it. This will make it easier to insert the thermometer into the baby's anus. After completing these preparations, gently insert the thermometer into the baby's anus about 20 mm away and leave it there for 3 minutes. Take out the thermometer and check the value. If the thermometer shows that the baby's temperature is around 37.5 degrees Celsius, it means the temperature is normal. The weather is cold in winter, and the baby's rectal temperature is generally around 36 degrees Celsius.

4. Use infrared probe to measure ear temperature

The temperature measurement time is as short as 1 second, but the measured temperature is relatively accurate and is very suitable for newborns.

The above is the method of measuring the body temperature of newborns. Among the above methods, the most convenient for children is to use an infrared probe to measure ear temperature, so parents can configure one at home if it is convenient. The normal body temperature of a newborn is between 36 and 37 degrees, so when the baby's body temperature is abnormal, you can first help the baby cool down physically, and then send the baby to the hospital for treatment in time.