Hate it as much as you want to, babies fall ill too.
The very sight of an otherwise active baby, all quiet and curled up on
the bed is enough to send a mother into depression. Though it is an
illness, raised body temperature known as fever, is the body's way of
fighting an infection. Most doctors consider a temperature reading above
100.4o F to be a sign of fever. In case you feel that your child's body
temperature is warmer than usual, immediately check with a baby
thermometer. Thermometers for babies come in many different types these
days that include digital thermometer, ear thermometer and rectal
thermometer. If you can, stay away from the mercury thermometers that
can be fatal for the baby if the glass accidentally cracks or breaks.
Digital Thermometer
The most popular thermometer these days is the digital thermometer.
This stick thermometer is made of plastic and is considered safe,
accurate and is very easy to read. This thermometer can be used either
orally or under the arm of the baby. The thermometer shows an accurate
reading of the body temperature within 30 seconds and is widely
recommended by doctors worldwide.
Ear Thermometer
The ear thermometer is also another popular type of thermometer that is
used to check the temperature of a baby. The ear thermometer is placed
carefully in the ear canal and it gives a digital reading within a few
seconds. Ask your physician how to use it and then only purchase the ear
thermometer.
Plastic Strip Thermometer
The plastic strip thermometer is kept against your baby's forehead for
around 15 seconds after which it changes its color, thus indicating
change in temperature. The strips are very safe, quick inexpensive and
easy to use. However there are chances that one might misread the
temperature if the instructions are lost. Also, they may not be as
accurate as the digital thermometers.
Rectal Thermometer
Rectal thermometers are by far considered to be the most accurate when
it comes to recording a child's temperature. However, rectal
thermometers must be used with much caution and should not be used on
very young babies as it may cause damage to the rectum. Follow the
instructions carefully and ask your child to be still as much as
possible.
