Fever is a defense mechanism of the body against various situations. Most of the time it is a sign that a virus or a bacterium is attacking the organism, so it is very important to determine if the baby has a fever or not and for that you have to know how to measure fever.
The first gesture that parents make when we notice that our baby is warm is to rest the palm of his hand on his forehead or gently approach our lips to check if the temperature is high.
If we suspect that the baby could have a fever, what we should do is measure the body temperature with a thermometer. There are several types of thermometer on the market (digital, headphones, plastic strips, thermometer soothers, etc)
Whichever one is used, before doing so we have to make sure that the thermometer is in a position for reliable measurement. It does not have to have been previously exposed to the sun or high temperatures and we have to verify that it is ready for use. If it is a digital thermometer, the last measurement on the screen must have been deleted.
Also, it is not necessary to take the temperature after having bathed the baby or if it has been very warm because the fever measurement can be affected. In newborns, overcoating can raise the temperature.
In which part of the body to measure fever
In babies, it is not advisable to place the thermometer in the mouth, it could be dangerous. While there are pacifier thermometers for young children, the measurement is not as reliable, so we discard the oral measurement.
As for measuring the temperature in the baby's rectum, many parents are impressed and it really is not necessary under normal conditions. We could hurt you if we don't do it right or the baby moves. In any case, if so, the end of the thermometer must be lubricated with a water-soluble lubricating gel.
Ear thermometers are electronic thermometers that measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Its measurement is not as accurate when used in very young children, and they are more expensive. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of electronic ear thermometers in babies younger than 3 months.
We opt for the most reliable: take the axillary temperature with a digital thermometer. Mercury products are also reliable in terms of measurement but their use has been banned as a potential danger to children because of the mercury it contains.
How to measure baby's armpit fever
It is the most practical and widespread way to measure the child's temperature. Unlike the rectal or oral temperature that is measured in body cavities, the axillary is measured on the surface of the skin. If we do it when the baby is calm we can achieve an accurate measurement.
Before placing the thermometer we have to remove the baby's inner shirt and clean the armpit with a dry towel. Keep the armpit glued for a few minutes and then open it (not too much) to place the thermometer.
The part of the thermometer that measures the temperature should be completely covered under the armpit touching only the skin, not the clothes.
We press the baby's arm against his body for a moment to hold the thermometer. If we measure with a digital thermometer (the most reliable) we have to wait for the sound that indicates that the temperature can already be read.
They usually paint once or several times or the temperature appears intermittently on the screen.
Once we have obtained the temperature we have to identify if it is fever, between 37.5º and 37.9º taken in the armpit, or from fever if they exceed 38º. Below 37.5º it is considered a normal temperature.
If we find that the baby has a fever we should try to lower the fever. We have already talked on occasion about what to do when the baby has a fever and when to use the anti-thermal agents.
In any case, it is very necessary to know how to measure baby fever correctly and in case it gave a positive result we have to consult with the pediatrician to determine the reason.
