How to measure a newborn's fever: Tips.

A child's fever always arouses particular concern in parents. However, fever is the first physiological defense weapon that the body puts in place against viruses and bacteria. flu or colds.

But how is a newborn's fever correctly measured? Which devices to use and how to use them best?

The measuring instrument: the thermometer

Discarded empirical methods, which are decidedly unreliable, the thermometer remains the instrument for measuring fever par excellence.

On the market, it is possible to find different types, suitable to meet every need, to measure the fever of a newborn:

- Glass thermometer: if you prefer to focus on a traditional method, you can use the classic glass thermometer, which today, by law, no longer contains mercury, replaced by less toxic metals. This is an extremely precise solution, but it requires a waiting time of 2/3 minutes.

- Liquid crystal electronic digital thermometer: it is the electronic variant, more convenient because the measurement time is faster and an acoustic signal is emitted as soon as the baby's temperature is reached.

- Ear thermometer: it is a really quick tool to measure your baby's fever, it is an infrared thermometer, to be used inside the ear cavity. It is very comfortable and fast but it is not very accurate in newborns (recommended from 2 years upwards) and it cannot be used in case of otitis.

- Forehead thermometer: this is also an infrared thermometer, but it is used by putting it in contact with the baby's forehead. Very fast and also accurate as long as the little one can sit still. The infrared thermometers are however very sensitive and are affected by the temperature present in the surrounding environment.

How to measure fever in the newborn

In addition to those already mentioned, ie via the ear or with particular strips, the main methods of measurement consist in the rectal and cutaneous way (in the axillary cavity or in the inguinal level).

With the rectal measurement it must be borne in mind that at least half a degree must always be subtracted from the indicated temperature, higher than the actual one, since it is internal.

To measure the fever in the newborn rectally it is advisable, after having disinfected the thermometer with a little alcohol, to put a little vaseline on the tip of the thermometer and insert it into the bottom for about 2 cm. When it is very small you can raise the legs (as if you were cleaning) and insert the thermometer, holding the child firmly in one hand and the thermometer between two fingers with the other.

When it is a little bigger it can be turned on its stomach instead. The measurement time is 2 minutes.Axillary measurement is also very convenient and accurate. Just make sure that the tip of the thermometer is firmly in contact with the skin and inserted into the armpit.

The oral route, on the other hand, is only recommended for children aged 4 and up, when you are able to ensure that they cannot bite the thermometer.

When to measure a newborn's fever

There are recommended times during which to measure the fever, in order to obtain more accurate results. Indicatively, it is good practice to always measure the temperature at the same times and in particular in the early morning, around 7.00, then around 12.00 and 19.00. It is important to measure the fever before meals, to avoid that a higher blood flow in the various districts can distort the measurement. Better to avoid measuring it in the evening, because it is usually one degree higher.

Likewise, it is preferable to wait even if the baby has just woken up or has sweated heavily.