What is the best method to take a temperature?
The preferred method and thermometer will depend upon the age of you child. Current thermometer types include the standard mercury glass thermometer, probe style digital thermometers, ear (aural) digital thermometers, and pacifier oral thermometers. For infants less than 3 months of age. In this age group an accurate temperature is essential, and the gold standard for accuracy is taking a rectal temperature. The standard mercury glass thermometer should be used. While some sources only recommend an axillary temperature (taken in the armpit), if the following technique is used, taking a rectal temperature is safe and certainly the most accurate. • Place the infant on her back • Secure her feet with your left hand • Draw her knees to her chest and attempt to keep her still • With your right hand gently insert the lubricated tip of a glass thermometer ½ inch into the rectum, while resting your right hand on her bottom • remove the thermometer after 2 minutes Some references also recommend
The preferred method and thermometer will depend upon the age of you child. Current thermometer types include the standard mercury glass thermometer, probe style digital thermometers, ear (aural) digital thermometers, and pacifier oral thermometers. For infants less than 3 months of age. In this age group an accurate temperature is essential, and the gold standard for accuracy is taking a rectal temperature. The standard mercury glass thermometer should be used. While some sources only recommend an axillary temperature (taken in the armpit), if the following technique is used, taking a rectal temperature is safe and certainly the most accurate. • Place the infant on her back • Secure her feet with your left hand • Draw her knees to her chest and attempt to keep her still • With your right hand gently insert the lubricated tip of a glass thermometer ½ inch into the rectum, while resting your right hand on her bottom • remove the thermometer after 2 minutes Some references also recommend
