Thermometer basics — taking your child’s TEMPERATURE
IF your child feels warm or seems under the weather, it’s probably time to take his or her temperature. Sounds simple enough but if you’re new to it, you might have questions. Which type of thermometer is best? Are thermometer guidelines different for babies and older children? Here’s what you need to know to take your child’s temperature, courtesy of The Mayo Clinic.
Thermometer options
A glass mercury thermometer was once a staple in most medicine cabinets. Today, mercury thermometers aren’t recommended because they can break and allow mercury to vaporise and be inhaled. When choosing a thermometer, consider these options:
1. Digital thermometers. These thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. They can be used in the rectum (rectal), mouth (oral) or armpit (axillary). Armpit temperatures are typically the least accurate of the three.
2. Digital ear thermometers (tympanic membrane). These thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Keep in mind that earwax or a small, curved ear canal can interfere with the accuracy of an ear thermometer temperature reading.
3. Temporal artery thermometers. These thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. This type of thermometer can be used even while a child is asleep.
Age guidelines
The best type of thermometer — or the best place to insert the thermometer, in some cases — depends on your child’s age.
