Digital thermometer is used to take a babie temperature. Glass mercury thermometers are no longer recommended for use due to safety reasons. A babies' temperature can be taken at the mouth, armpit, rectum or ear. Different temperature locations are recommended for different age groups. Rectal temperature is measured on newborns up to 3 months, and the ear or armpit method can be used for babies aged 3 months to 4 years. After age 4, the child can probably hold an oral thermometer under his tongue.
Remove the thermometer slowly and read the temperature. If a newborn's temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, seek medical attention. For babies older than 3 months, consult your doctor if the temperature is 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Insert the thermometer into the selected area. Make sure that the tip of the thermometer has contact with skin. Hold the thermometer there until it beeps or alerts you that it is done. If your thermometer does not offer this function, hold it there for five minutes.
Ensure that the area where you have decided to take the temperature is clean. When taking the temperature through the rectum, coat the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly before inserting.
Regular digital thermometer can be used in the mouth, under the armpit or in the rectum. However, if you plan to use a thermometer to measure temperature in all three locations, it may be a good idea to purchase more than one and label which area they are used for. The temperature in the ear is only measured by a special ear thermometer, which is generally more expensive.
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