Home medicine: using a thermometer
Never use a mercury thermometer in your child's mouth; as he may bite it and swallow mercury, which is a poison; opt for a digital one.
© DK
Your child's temperature will probably fluctuate between 36°C and 37.5°C (97.5°F and 99.5°F). It will be at its lowest at night when your child is asleep and highest in the afternoon; it'll also be high if your child has been running around.
Although you'll probably be able to tell your child is feverish just by looking at him and laying your hand on his brow, there may be occasions when you need to take his temperature. Don't, however, rely on the temperature reading as an accurate reflection of your baby's health. Children can be very ill with no fever, or well with a high temperature, so always take account of any other symptoms.
Types of thermometer available
Never use a mercury thermometer in your child's mouth; he may bite it and swallow mercury, which is a poison. Digital thermometers are harder to break and are safe and easy to use with children of all ages. They can be used to take a child's temperature in the mouth or under the arm.
To take the mouth temperature, ask your child to open his mouth and raise his tongue. Place the thermometer under his tongue and ask him to place the tip of his tongue behind his lower front teeth to hold the thermometer in place. Ask him to close his lips, but not his teeth, over it. Leave until the thermometer bleeps and read the number in the window. Ear thermometers are also accurate and give a reading in seconds. Strip thermometers are less accurate than the others, but simple and safe to use. Always wash a thermometer after use in soap and cold water and store in its own case.
Using a digital thermometer
With a young child you may find it easier to take his temperature under his arm than in the mouth. Put the thermometer into his armpit and lower his arm over it. Hold his arm down until the thermometer bleeps, then remove and read it.
Using an ear thermometer
Digital ear thermometers are a quick, safe method of taking a child's temperature. Gently insert the tip into your child's ear and read the temperature from the display. The ear thermometer has a hygienic disposable tip.
Using a strip thermometer
Carefully position the heat-sensitive side on your child's forehead and hold it there for a minute or so, keeping your fingers clear of the panels. One of the panels lights up on the side of the strip facing you indicating the temperature.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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