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Taking Your Baby's Temperature
There are many technical skills to learn with your new baby. But one of the most important is being able to take an accurate temperature, because a fever is one of the key indicators of a potentially serious infection in the first months of your baby's life.
Taking Baby's Temperature Rectally
The goal of taking a temperature is to assess how warm it is inside of the body. This means that the most accurate measurement will be one taken inside the body, which means rectally. This is a critical point. Since any infection in the newborn period is so serious, a rectal temperature must be taken in newborns to provide the most accurate measurement. (After the first few months, the risk of a serious infection lessens, and temperatures may be taken on the skin.)
How to Take a Rectal Temperature in Your Baby
- Buy a rectal thermometer that has a round bulb at the end.
- Place a thick slab of petroleum jelly on the base of the thermometer.
- Put your baby on his stomach or hold his legs up near his ears while he's on his back.
- Stabilize him so he doesn't wiggle too much -- with a hand on his back (if he's on his stomach) or holding his feet firmly (if he's on his back).
- Insert the thermometer slowly into his anus about 1/2 inch -- just so that the metal bulb is inside.
- Gently hold the thermometer steady between your index and forefinger.
- Wait about two minutes and pull the thermometer out.
Any temperature of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever and a reason to call your doctor immediately. You can always call your doctor for a sick baby, even if the baby doesn't have a fever.
WebMD Medical Reference
Children's Health Guide
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