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Measuring Your Baby's Temperature

16 January 2025

When an infant has signs that may indicate fever, we must measure their body temperature. There are 3 types of thermometers you can choose, but in any case it is important to choose one that has a standard seal.

Digital thermometer: out of the 3 types, this is the most accurate thermometer and it takes a few seconds to measure temperature. The digital thermometer should be disinfected with water and soap or using cotton wool soaked in 70% alcohol (then wait for the alcohol to evaporate) and body temperature may be measured from the underarm or the anus.

Infrared thermometers for measuring from the ear or forehead: measuring using them is relatively simple. The thermometer is tightened to the forehead or put into an ear, and the measurement takes a second or two. These thermometers are slightly less exact than digital ones. In any case, if there is fever, they will identify it.

Important:

A pacifier thermometer and a patch for measuring body temperature that is applied to the forehead are considered inaccurate, so it is advised not to use them. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has ceased the use of mercury thermometers as they are unsafe, so it is recommended not to use them.

Illnesses is part of everyone’s life, and are likely to occur from time to time. It may be obvious and natural, but at the moment of truth, when your child feels bad, it may be stressful. So what is the right thing to do? We begin by measuring their body temperature. It is important to note that fever may indicate illness, but it is a symptom rather than the illness itself. In fact, it is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against viruses and bacteria.

More about body temperature and what is considered a fever

When should we measure the body temperature

It is a good idea to measure the body temperature when you see that your baby shows signs of illness: hot skin, flushed cheeks, restlessness, drowsiness, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea.

Types of thermometers

If you are in the pharmacy and do not know which thermometer to choose, you are not alone. Like every infant care item you buy, this is an important decision, especially when it has an effect on assessing signs of illness. Even if you buy online from stores around the world, it is important to choose a product of a known company that has an official, approved standard seal.

Anal measurement is the most exact, but may be slightly painful. From the age of 5, you can try to measure temperature from under the tongue, but it depends on the child’s cooperation and readiness for it.

How to measure: first, the digital thermometer must be disinfected with soap and water or with cotton wool soaked in 70% alcohol (wait for the alcohol to evaporate). The measurement time is from the moment the button is pressed until the thermometer beeps.

  • Underarm measurement: place the thermometer in the armpit and hold your infant’s hand tight to the body so that the thermometer is held in the armpit. After making sure that the thermometer is in the correct place, turn it on and wait for the beep.
  • Anal measurement: to avoid causing the infant pain, the end of the thermometer is lubricated (with Vaseline or a water based lubricant). The lubricant may be purchased at a pharmacy. Note that it is not recommended to use body lotion or diaper cream, because these are intended for external use only. Lay the infant on the tummy or side, legs bent. Insert the thermometer gently into the anus to a depth of 1-2 centimeters, and no more. Turn on the thermometer and wait for the beep. Disinfect the thermometer again after use.

Measurement using this thermometer is noninvasive and is considered a little less exact than with a digital thermometer, but it has relatively high sensitivity. When measuring using a thermometer of this type, there is a chance of missing a case of fever, but if the result shows that there is fever - then there is a fever.

  • Measurement by touching the forehead: tighten the thermometer to the forehead. The measurement takes a second.
  • Measurement by insertion into the ear: the measurement is considered less accurate than with a digital thermometer, but if you hold the thermometer correctly, the result will be relatively reliable. Here too, there is a chance of missing a case of fever, but if the result shows that there is a fever - then there is fever.

    How to measure    : the thermometer must be positioned correctly in the ear canal, which may be challenging in the first 3 months of life. Measurement with an ear thermometer takes 1-2 seconds.

    Note    : ear thermometers come with plastic caps that you can fit onto the end that is inserted into the ear. It is important to remove the cap after the measurement and replace it with a new one.

Thermometers that are not recommended

  • Pacifier thermometer: temperature is taken orally, while the pacifier is in the mouth, and takes around 30 seconds. This thermometer is considered very inaccurate, so it is not recommendable.
  • Forehead patch for measuring temperature: these patches contain substances that change color in 30-60 seconds if there is a fever. They are considered inaccurate, so they are not recommended.
  • Mercury thermometer: it is important to know that a few years ago the Ministry of Health ceased the use of mercury thermometers, as they are unsafe.

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