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Age: Newborn and babies
Area of Development: parenting/health
When taking your baby's temperature the most accurate reading is accomplished rectally. Fun, right? I read a few years ago that the best way to do this is to lay the baby on his/her back, lift the legs as if wiping their butt, dip the thermometer in petroleum jelly, and insert into the rectum. This is so much easier than laying the baby on his/her stomache. A newborn will most likely scream in this position and any baby able to roll over from stomache to back will try and try to roll over while you're taking his/her temperature. I would also suggest a quick read thermometer - the quicker the better, right?
Did you already know this? Did you find this tip helpful? Do you have a tip you'd like to share? Leave it in the comments or email me at mccathy at comcast dot net.
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5 comments:
Did you see my post about this the other day? I've obviously hit the point where it is no longer okay to take rectal temps. But, the digital I have is designed not to go in more than about 1/2 inch.
The tip is a good one but we still chose the armpit method when checking H's temp the other night. On top of the vaccination shots and fever, we just didn't think it kind to enter this realm of violation. Poor kids.
Anglophile - I did see your post! Gave me some inspiration!
Christie - Liam actually lays still better for the rectal temps. He always tries to grab when I'm trying it under his arm.
I have always done rectal temps this way. I picked up a nice Vicks Quick Read at CVS with BIG NUMBERS. It is also lit up which is great. I hate squinting at the small numbers of my others. I think I stopped doing rectals on my Liam when he was about 2? I've never felt like it bothered either boys. They know it's there obviously...but have never claimed discomfort in any way.
I love this new feature! Love the sippy cup article, too!
Once LM left the NICU, we started doing rectal temps since the Ped. said it was okay. I guess they don't do it on preemies for whatever reason.
I second the Vicks thermometer suggestion -- it's super fast, but also I think not quite as accurate. BUT I can get in two or three quick reads in the time it took me to barely get one on my last thermometer.
I always lube it up before hand, poor babies. LOL
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