It is important for parents to know the normal temperature of the baby, so that they quickly realize when their body temperature rises or has a fever. This can also help parents deal quickly.
In addition to knowing the baby's normal temperature, parents also need to understand how to measure it properly. The goal, so parents do not misinterpret the condition of the baby's body. For example, when the baby's body is felt hot, this does not necessarily indicate he has a fever. Need to measure the temperature with a thermometer to confirm it.
Understanding the Normal Range of Baby's Body Temperature
The baby's normal temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37 degrees Celsius. Babies can be considered to have a fever when their body temperature rises to more than 38 degrees Celsius if measured from the rectum (rectal temperature), 37.5 degrees Celsius if the temperature is measured from the mouth (oral temperature), or 37.2 degrees Celsius if measured from the armpit ( axillary temperature).
Increased baby's body temperature or fever, is actually a symptom arising from immune system resistance reactions to a disease or cause of infection, such as viruses or bacteria.
Increasing the baby's body temperature can also occur due to teething, clothing that is too thick, and the surrounding environment with a hot temperature can also make the baby's body temperature increase.
Besides increasing, the baby's body temperature can also go down. Decreasing the baby's body temperature needs to be watched out if the temperature is less than 35 degrees Celsius. This condition, known as hypothermia, can occur due to exposure to cold temperatures, submerged in cold water, using wet or exhausted clothing.
How to Measure Body Temperature in Babies
The baby's body temperature is usually known by touching the cheeks, forehead, back and stomach of the baby. However, to determine the baby's temperature for sure, a thermometer is needed as a measuring device for body temperature. Usually the recommended thermometer for babies and children is a digital thermometer, because mercury thermometers have packaging made of glass and are vulnerable to rupture.
There are several types of thermometers that can be used including those placed in the armpits, ears, mouth, or attached to the forehead. However, rectal thermometers in the rectum are considered the most accurate and easy to use in infants.
Before and after measuring the temperature, make sure the thermometer is clean. Wash in soapy water or wipe with alcohol. The goal is to make the thermometer clean of germs and dirt that are at risk of spreading the disease.
Measuring oral temperature
If you want to measure the baby's temperature from the mouth, make sure the temperature measurement is not done immediately after he eats or drinks. Give a distance of at least 15 minutes after he drinks milk or consumes complementary foods.
After the digital thermometer is turned on, place the tip of the thermometer under the baby's tongue, in a closed lip state. Keep the thermometer position until the temperature signal is measured. Then pull the thermometer and read the results.
Measuring axillary temperature (armpit)
When measuring the temperature of the baby's armpit, make sure the tip of the thermometer touches the armpit's skin and is not blocked by clothing. Position the baby as comfortably as possible in the arms. Maintain the position of the thermometer in the baby's armpit, until the measurement mark has finished ringing, then read the results.
Measuring rectal temperature (rectum)
When you want to measure rectal temperature, position the baby on his stomach. Then apply a little petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer and insert the thermometer about 2 cm in the rectum. Allow some time until the thermometer reads as the measurement mark is complete. Pull the thermometer to find out the results.
Take the baby to the doctor if:
The body temperature of a baby less than 3 months old reaches more than 38 degrees Celsius
The body temperature of infants and children aged 3-36 months reaches more than 39 degrees Celsius
Fever occurs more than 3 days in infants and children aged 3-36 months
Fever arises or recurs in 7 days or more
Emerging fever is accompanied by a skin rash, shortness of breath, decreased consciousness, stiffness in the neck, vomiting and the baby's crown is prominent or concave.
You are also advised to take him to the doctor if the baby's body temperature drops to 35 degrees Celsius or less, while making efforts to warm his body.
The baby's normal temperature is important for parents to know, so that they respond quickly when changes in body temperature need to be watched out. If you are worried about changes in the baby's body temperature, do not hesitate to immediately consult with a pediatrician about the condition of the baby.
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