How can a parent tell when an infant or toddler has a fever without using a thermometer?
The only sure way to diagnose a fever is using a thermometer. However, most experienced parents have a good idea by the way the child is acting and how warm they feel. Q: Does the type of thermometer matter? Is it best to use a rectal thermometer? Is there an age limit? A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the discontinuation of use of mercury containing thermometers. The most accurate reading can be obtained by using a digital thermometer either orally or rectally. Most pediatricians will suggest that a rectal temperature be used for children under three. For older children, a digital thermometer used orally is best, followed by using it under the arm. Digital ear thermometers and forehead strips are not very accurate and have significant limitations. Dr. DeGraw is one of the pediatricians at St. John Children’s Center, which is attached to St. John Medical Center – Macomb Township, and medical director of Pediatric Subspecialty Services at St. John Hospital and Medical Ce
