What should a newborn rectal temperature be

When choosing a thermometer, consider these options:. Carefully read the instructions that come with the thermometer. Before and after each use, clean the tip of the thermometer following the instructions for your particular thermometer. If you plan to use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature, get another digital thermometer for oral use. Label each thermometer, and don't use the same thermometer in both places.

For safety — and to make sure the thermometer stays in place — never leave your child unattended while you're taking his or her temperature. The best type of thermometer — or the best place to insert the thermometer, in some cases — depends on your child's age. Rectal temperature. Turn on the digital thermometer and lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Alternatively, you can place your child on his or her belly on your lap or other firm surface.

If you put your child belly down, put your hand against his or her lower back to hold the child in place. Never try to force a rectal thermometer past any resistance. Hold the thermometer in place until the thermometer signals that it's done. Remove the thermometer and read the number. When reporting a temperature to your child's doctor, give the reading and explain how the temperature was taken. A fever is a common sign of illness, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

In fact, fevers seem to play a key role in fighting infections. If your child is older than age 6 months and is drinking plenty of fluids, sleeping well and continuing to play, there's usually no need to treat the fever. If you want to give your child medication to treat a fever, stick to acetaminophen Tylenol, others until age 6 months. However, for children younger than age 3 months, don't give acetaminophen until your baby has been seen by a doctor.

Never give more acetaminophen than recommended on the label for your child. Be aware that some combination over-the-counter medications might contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Read the label carefully for proper dosage.

Don't use aspirin to treat a fever in anyone age 18 years or younger. Keep in mind that an armpit temperature might not be accurate. If you're in doubt about an armpit temperature reading, use another method to confirm the results. Meningitis Very Serious. A bacterial infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain. The main symptoms are a stiff neck, headache and confusion.

Younger children are lethargic or so irritable that they can't be consoled. If not treated early, can suffer brain damage. The fever is usually low grade. Can occur during heat waves or from being overdressed. The temp becomes normal in a few hours after moving to a cooler place. Fever goes away quickly with rest and drinking extra fluids. Not Due to Teething. Research shows that "getting teeth" does not cause fevers.

Fever and Crying Fever on its own shouldn't cause much crying. Frequent crying in a child with fever is caused by pain until proven otherwise. Hidden causes can be ear infections, kidney infections, sore throats and meningitis. Normal Temperature Range Rectal. A reading of A normal low can be It can change to a high of This is a normal range. When to Call for Fever Months Call Now Not moving Can't wake up Severe trouble breathing struggling for each breath; can barely speak or cry Purple or blood-colored spots or dots on skin You think your child has a life-threatening emergency Call Doctor or Seek Care Now Trouble breathing, but not severe Great trouble swallowing fluids or spit Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old.

Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen. No urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth and no tears. Weak immune system.

The AAP suggests you replace any glass thermometer in the house with one of these products. Another way is on the back with the legs pulled up to the chest. Put some petroleum jelly on the end of the thermometer and the anus. Slide the thermometer gently into the anus no more than 1 inch. That means until you can no longer see the silver tip. Be gentle. There should not be any resistance. If there is, stop. Hold your child still.

Leave a digital thermometer in until it beeps about 10 seconds. Your child has a fever if the rectal temp is above Warning: do not take rectal temperatures in young children with leukemia or other cancers. Also avoid in other children with weak immune systems such as organ transplant, HIV or sickle cell disease. Make sure the armpit is dry. Close the armpit by holding the elbow against the chest. Do this until it beeps about 10 seconds. The tip of the thermometer must stay covered by skin.

Your child has a fever if the armpit temp is above If you have any doubt, take your child's temp by rectum or forehead. Only good for screening. Requires the baby to suck on it, which is not always possible.

Have your child suck on the pacifier until it beeps about 10 seconds. Ear Temperature: How to Take Age: 6 months and older not accurate before 6 months This thermometer reads the heat waves coming off the eardrum.

A correct temp depends on pulling the ear backward.