Newborn Care: How to Take Your Newborn’s Temperature
Newborn Care: How to Take Your Newborn’s TemperatureKeeping your baby happy and healthy is every parent’s job. If you think your baby may have a fever, yourhealthcare provider may ask you to take your baby’s temperature. Knowing how to get an accuratetemperature reading is important to ensure the health of your baby.In the first weeks and months of your baby’s life, only take her temperature in the rectum or under the armpit.These methods give you the most accurate readings possible. Ask your healthcare provider which method theyrecommend.If a rectal temperature is suggested, clean the tip of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water,then lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a water-soluble lubricant. Hold your baby face down on your lap,or on a hard, flat surface like a changing table. Or, lift your baby’s legs to his chest. Insert the thermometerabout ¼ to ½ inch into the rectum. Stop if you feel any resistance. On most thermometers a beep will tell youthat the temperature is complete.If your baby’s temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taking the temperature rectally, shemay have a fever. Call your healthcare provider right away. If your healthcare provider recommends takingyour baby’s temperature under the armpit, hold your baby on your lap or on a changing table. Insert the tip ofthe thermometer in either armpit, making sure the bulb of the thermometer is touching the baby’s skin and waitfor the beep.If the armpit temperature reading is 99 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you may want to take a rectaltemperature for a more accurate result. Do not take your baby’s temperature if she has just had a bath. Wait atleast 20 minutes after the bath to ensure an accurate result. Never use a glass thermometer when taking yourbaby’s temperature. It can break and harm your baby. And taking your baby’s temperature orally is not safe.No matter what type of thermometer you choose, follow the instructions carefully to make sure you get anaccurate result. And be sure to call your healthcare provider whenever you suspect your newborn may befeeling ill.“The reason I’m calling today is my son’s temperature is a bit high.”Your baby’s healthcare provider can help make sure your baby gets the care he may need.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59165B EN NewbornCareHowtoTakeYourNewbornsTemperature.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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