Hey everybody, I'm Julia Claire. Welcome to baby basics. Taking a newborn’s temperature can be a stressful situation for new parents especially if you're doing it rectally. How do I hold the thermometer? How far should I insert it? Am I hurting my baby? These are all good questions that most moms and dads ask at some point and now here are some answers that are hopefully make this whole process easier for you and your little one.
When new mom Kate wants to know if six-week old Parker has a fever, she takes Parker’s temperature rectally because it's the most accurate way. But some parents we know shy away from the rectal thermometer altogether because they’re afraid they might hurt their newborn. It's important to learn though because it's the most reliable way to take your baby’s temperature especially for babies younger than three months old.
Here are some tips that may make you more comfortable taking your baby’s temperature next time. First, mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because of the danger of being exposed to the toxin. Second, you'll want to read the directions that come with your digital thermometer so you'll know which beeps mean what. Put the petroleum jelly on the bottom end of the thermometer. Hold your baby’s ankles together and push your knees back until they touch your belly.
Now, gently insert the thermometer about half an inch stopping if you feel any resistance at all. Continue holding your baby’s legs while loosely holding the thermometer so they can move with your baby.
Remove the thermometer when it beeps to check the reading. So when should you call the pediatrician? Well for newborn younger than two months, always call if baby has a fever and that's defined as a rectal temperature of 100.4 or higher.
Need more advice on how to care for you newborn? Well, check out our other informative baby basics videos. Also, if you like more information on any of the fabulous furniture that you saw in our nursery, go to egiggle.com.
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