As parents we are concerned about our baby’s health and will react almost immediately to any changes in our baby’s condition. Before we rush our baby to the clinic perhaps its best to understand these few facts about our baby’s physical condition:
1. A healthy baby’s normal range of temperature is slightly higher
than an adult between 36.5’C to 37.8’C.
2. Temperatures rise during late afternoons and early evenings.
3. They fall between midnight and early morning.
Fever with illness indicates that baby’s defence system is responding to infection and is fighting it naturally. What’s important is to monitor your baby's appearance and behaviour. Listed are some guidelines that you can follow to determine whether your baby is having a bad fever or not:
| No. |
Signs & Symptoms |
Baby’s Age |
Suggested Diagnostic Method |
Indicator |
| 1. |
Loss of appetite |
Less than 3 months old |
Start with armpit (auxiliary) temperature. |
If higher than 99°F (37.2°C) move to rectal reading |
| 2. |
Has little energy |
Followed by rectal reading. |
If higher than 100.4°F (38°C) |
| 3. |
Noticeably pale or flushed |
Seek medical attention. |
| 4. |
Extremely irritable |
3 months –
4 years |
Use rectal reading or electronic pacifier thermometer or an ear thermometer. |
If higher than 102°F (38.9°C) |
| 5. |
Can’t be consoled |
Seek medical attention. |
| 6. |
Irregular behaviour, changes in appearance |
|
Types of Thermometer and Utilisation Methods
| Type of Thermometer |
Application |
Method |
| Digital Thermometer |
Most recommended for taking baby's temperature. |
Under Arm (easiest)
- Place under baby's arm until there is a beeping sound.
Rectal
- Lie baby on his back, lift his feet up and gently hold them or
- Place baby on tummy and separate the buttocks.
- Insert thermometer gently into rectum (use lubricant if needed).
- Hold thermometer until beeping sound.
|
| Glass Thermometer |
Last resort for taking temperature. |
As above but not recommended for babies. |
| Ear Thermometer |
Applicable for older babies and toddlers. |
- Insert into ear and take reading when thermometer beeps.
- Most accurate and easy but is a little expensive .
|
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