Causes of elevated temperature in newborns
The condition can be caused not only by infectious and inflammatory processes in the baby’s body, but also by external factors:
- Prolonged crying. If a newborn screams and strains for a long time, his body may react with an increase in temperature;
- Overheat. This is one of the most common reasons. Many parents, fearing that the baby will freeze, dress and wrap him too warmly;
- Feeding. Sometimes while eating, the newborn’s body reacts with an increase in temperature - this is due to increased blood circulation and energy spent on digesting food;
- Vaccinations. After some vaccines, the thermometer can show up to 38 or even 39 degrees. The pediatrician warns about this and prescribes preventive measures;
- Teething. In this case, increased salivation, capriciousness and irritability of the baby, and swelling of the gums are observed.
Sometimes it is enough to calm the child down, remove excess clothes, blankets or diapers so that the thermometer readings return to normal. 15–20 minutes after eliminating the possible cause, it is necessary to measure the newborn’s temperature again.
What temperature is normal for a child?
Everyone knows that the normal temperature of an adult when measured in the armpit is up to 37°C. Any increase in it is usually associated with diseases and pathological processes in the body. When it comes to children, readings above 37°C are not always a sign of illness and require immediate action. It is worth considering that:
- Immediately after the baby is born, its temperature drops by 1-2°C;
- During the first day of a newborn’s life, the indicator increases by 1-2°C;
- On days 3-4, the temperature may rise to 38°C and even 39°C - this is how the imperfect thermoregulation system seeks the optimal balance, reacting to the new environment;
- Only by 3 months does the temperature stabilize and the surges practically stop.
But many factors influence temperature readings in children. This includes the indoor microclimate, food intake, and time of day. For example, after feeding, the temperature may rise, in the morning it is usually lower, and in the evening it rises again. Typically fluctuations occur within 0.6°C. The average for childhood, which is considered normal, is 37°C, but 37.7 when measured rectally or with an ear thermometer is not a cause for concern if the baby does not show other signs of discomfort.
How to measure the temperature of a newborn: methods
There are 3 main ways:
- Axillary. This is a classic option when you place a thermometer under your arm and wait for the maximum reading. Newborns usually do not like this process, and they cry and resist, especially if a mercury thermometer is used - with it, measurements take up to 5 minutes;
- Oral. To measure the temperature, it is enough to insert the tip of the thermometer into the baby’s mouth, supporting it with your hand during the process and trying not to change position to obtain reliable results. Not all children respond normally to this method of measurement;
- Rectal. The thermometer is inserted into the butt, after placing the child on the lap of an adult. It is better for the legs to hang slightly. The method is more preferable due to its speed and convenience for the baby;
- Other methods. There are devices for measuring temperature on the forehead, groin, ear, and also using a non-contact method.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages, the main thing is to measure the temperature correctly and safely.
Value norms and rules
With different measurement methods, temperature norms in newborns up to 1 year of life also differ. Approximate temperature values for the traditional axillary method are 36.6 - 37.2, in the mouth - 36.8 - 37.4, rectally - up to 37.5 - 37.6.
If the child cries, the indicators may be biased. It is important that the baby is calm, so choose the method that suits best and does not cause much anxiety. Remember that measurements are best taken during the day when the baby is awake and not wearing a diaper.
If you are going to take a newborn's temperature through the mouth, make sure that the baby does not spin, spit out the thermometer, or clamp it with his teeth (if he already has them). When taking rectal measurements, it is better to lubricate the tip of the device with oil, Vaseline or baby cream. Involuntary bowel movements are possible, so it is advisable to measure after bowel movements. Keep your baby in one position to avoid damaging the rectum.
Measurements in different parts of the body
You can measure temperature in different parts of the body:
- In the armpit - the most familiar, but not the easiest way, especially when it comes to babies;
- In the rectum - you need to choose a thermometer with a soft, disinfectable tip;
- In the ear - using an infrared thermometer;
- On the forehead - in a non-contact way.
There is also the option of measuring in the oral cavity (behind the cheek or under the tongue), but this is suitable for children over 5 years old. An alternative for infants is to place the thermometer in the groin fold, but in this case you will have to hold the baby in one position for several minutes.
Types of thermometers
The most common types of thermometers for newborns: mercury infrared, electronic, thermal strip, device in the form of a pacifier. Let's talk about each in more detail.
Mercury thermometer
This is the most common thermometer in the form of a glass tube with a reservoir. The main advantages are the most accurate measurements, low price and long service life with careful handling. There are also disadvantages: a mercury thermometer is easy to break, and the measurement process is quite long - about 5 minutes. If you take out the thermometer earlier, you can get biased readings.
Using such a thermometer, you can measure the temperature of a newborn in any way - rectally, through the mouth and armpit. However, this is not the most convenient option for newborns.
Infrared
A relatively new device in the world of medicine, but one that has become a favorite among many. With it, you can measure your temperature in a few seconds by simply applying it to your forehead. The device reads infrared radiation from the human body, and particularly sensitive thermometers can even be used without contact.
Unlike a mercury thermometer, an infrared thermometer is absolutely safe for newborns, since it does not contain glass, mercury, and does not require disinfection. The child does not need to be undressed to take measurements. Using the device you can measure the temperature of the environment and water. This thermometer cannot be used rectally. But there are devices with attachments for the auricle, which is important, for example, for otitis media.
Electronic
This is the most popular type of thermometer today. They are more comfortable and safer when measuring temperature in newborns. There are different colors and shapes - colored, with images of animals. You can use an electronic thermometer to take measurements in the groin, under the arms, in the mouth and rectum.
Main advantages: speed of measurements (about 1 minute), reliability (result based on an audio signal), convenience for parents and children. Many models are equipped with internal memory - they record the latest measurements and make it easier to keep a temperature diary. Disadvantages: possible error of up to 0.3 degrees, need to periodically change batteries. Such devices, unlike mercury thermometers, cannot be treated with alcohol and other disinfection solutions.
Pacifier-shaped
Outwardly it looks like a regular pacifier for a newborn. Only a special thermal sensor is built into the nipple, and the temperature is displayed on a small display. The thermometer is equipped with an on/off button; some models have a backlight for conveniently measuring the temperature of a newborn at night.
Taking the temperature is easy: just give the baby the pacifier as usual, after turning on the thermometer. After the sound signal, you need to remove the thermometer - you should not use it for other purposes. Measurement time is 1 – 3 minutes. The error is no more than 0.2 degrees.
Thermal strips
They are small devices in the form of strips with temperature sensors. Thermometers of this type are not suitable for regular use in infants due to large errors and rapid wear. The thermometer is convenient to use to measure the temperature of a newborn on the road, at a party, or in a clinic. It is convenient to carry it with you in a bag or mini first aid kit. The result is produced quite quickly - in 15 - 20 seconds.
Thermometer-pacifier
At first glance, this is a brilliant invention, but in reality it is often useless. A nipple thermometer is a type of digital thermometer. The device is made of child-safe silicone and latex in the form of a baby pacifier, with a sensor inside. It is believed that if you replace a baby’s usual pacifier with such a thermometer, he will not notice the change. The creators promise accurate results, but only if the baby’s lips fit tightly to the device, and he does not breathe through his mouth, move, spin or be capricious. As you understand, this is something of a fantasy, so nipple thermometers have not gained much popularity, at least in our country. But it’s still worth a try, what if your baby loves pacifiers and is able to lie quietly for five minutes? It is better to choose a model that can be sterilized. Not all devices can boast of this.
Precautionary measures
An increase in temperature in a newborn above 38 degrees always requires special attention, especially if symptoms such as severe crying, lack of appetite, changes in skin color, problems with sleep, bowel movements, urination, vomiting, and difficulty breathing are added. It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible, since any pathologies or inflammatory processes in newborns develop much faster than in adults.
You cannot self-medicate, since only a pediatrician can determine whether the thermometer readings are normal or not, whether it is worth giving antipyretic drugs or taking other measures. Before the doctor arrives, it is permissible to undress the baby, give him water or breast milk, and lightly moisten his hands and feet with warm water. Make sure that the room is not too stuffy and dry. Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.
Types of baby thermometers
Nowadays, you can find several types of thermometers in pharmacies; they may differ in the material from which the device is made, size, time and accuracy of temperature measurement.
- Mercury thermometer;
One of the proven, traditional and accurate instruments for measuring temperature. The possible error is only 0.1 degrees. Almost every young mother knows how to measure temperature with a mercury thermometer. But there are important disadvantages that should be considered before purchasing and using a mercury thermometer:
- Not every newborn will survive the measurement time. If the baby has a hot forehead, 7 minutes is enough, but for accurate data, the child needs to measure the temperature for 10 minutes;
- The second disadvantage is the material that was used in the manufacture of the thermometer: glass, as well as poisonous mercury.
If you opt for the traditional measurement method, consider the fragility of the mercury thermometer and never leave it near your baby.
- Electronic thermometer for a newborn;
A modern type of thermometer that quickly measures body temperature anywhere (armpit, mouth, anus). The average measurement duration is 2-3 minutes (the device gives a signal for the start and end of the process). Easy to use, but has one important drawback:
You can often come across instruments with a large measurement error (from 0.2 to 0.7-0.8 degrees);
When purchasing this thermometer, it is important not to buy cheap copies and check its accuracy in advance. Basically, if you purchased a thermometer with a minimum error during testing, it will last a long time and will not increase the error value in the future
You can read more about one of the types of such thermometers in the article Nipple thermometer for babies>>>
- Thermal strip;
It is a rectangular, flexible plate with a heat-sensitive strip with digital divisions applied to it. By applying it to the child’s forehead, you can see how the digital divisions change color. The accuracy of this method is not very good; it is best used to quickly understand the presence or absence of a fever in a child.
The convenience of the temperature indicator is that it is compact; you can carry it with you in your purse or stroller pocket. Disadvantages of this type of thermometer:
- Measurement inaccuracy;
- Short life.
If you want to purchase a thermal strip to measure body temperature, remember that it is better to take the packaging, since one strip does not last very long
It is also important to know that it does not replace a normal thermometer, but only shows when the newborn’s temperature is too high
- Disposable thermometer;
This is a single-use thermometer, thanks to the individual packaging of each temperature strip, sterility is maintained. The big advantage of disposable strips is their compactness and ease of use:
- It is enough to remove one strip and place it under the tongue for 1 minute;
- After removing it, you need to leave it for 10 seconds, after this time the temperature readings can be interpreted;
- If it is elevated, the indicator will turn blue. The disadvantages of this thermometer are the same as those of thermal strips, the only difference is that this is a disposable type of thermometer, and the thermal strip is designed for longer use.
- Non-contact infrared thermometer for children (infrared);
The design of this device is strong and does not contain dangerous components, like a mercury thermometer. A non-contact thermometer will detect the level of radiated energy from the body and convert the data into temperature values. For a calm baby, a non-contact ear thermometer is suitable; for a restless baby, a forehead thermometer is suitable. There are still some disadvantages:
High price; Limited use. If it is an ear problem, then if there is inflammation of the ear, the device will not show the correct data on the child’s body. And this can mislead the mother; Skill to use
Before measuring the body temperature of a newborn for the first time, you need to study the precautions and rules of use so as not to harm your baby.
Despite the existing disadvantages, this type of thermometer shows fairly accurate data and lasts a long time. And most importantly: the measurement time ranges from 5 seconds to one minute, which is very convenient when using it with a newborn.
Important! Until the newborn is one year old, its normal temperature ranges from 36 to 37.5. After a year, a healthy child’s body parameters should be within 36.6. It is important to remember that 36.6 is the normal body temperature in the armpit
If it is more convenient for the mother to measure it in the mouth, then it should correspond to 37, and in the baby’s bottom - up to 38.
Read about how a baby develops up to one year in the article Child development by month up to one year>>>
