Top 3 Mistakes Parents Make When Taking Baby's Temperature

 

Fever is a common malady that is really common in infants. Fever is symptom of many types of diseases but the correct treatment can only begin once the body temperature is recorded accurately over a period of time. However, many parents make serious mistakes in taking temperature which prolongs the disease unnecessarily. The inaccurate measurement of temperature is a mistake which is avoidable and in this blog we will take a look at some common mistakes in temperature measurement which leads to inaccurate recording of the baby’s temperature so that these mistakes can be avoided.

Incorrectly Choosing the Wrong Body Part

Parents have a wrong misconception that temperature reading is most reliable with armpit measurement or oral measurement in the case of babies, but that is not true. Let us look deeper as to which body part gives the best temperature measurement

Rectal measurement

The temperature measurement taken by inserting thermometer in the rectum results in the most precise reading and this temperature reading also provides consistent results. So the risk of recording wrong are very low with this measuring method. 36.6-38.0 degrees Celsius is the normal temperature range.

Oral Measurement

In this temperature measurement the measurement is taken through inserting thermometer under the tongue or between the cheek and the teeth. In oral temperature the temperature is always below the rectal measurement by about 1.1 degrees Celsius. Within the oral temperature taking, it is better to keep the thermometer under the tongue since hat provides better accuracy.

Axillary Measurement

This involves placing the thermometer in the armpit or groin. Although this method is very popular the results are quite inaccurate In this temperature measurement, the arm or leg should be pressed tightly against the body to prevent the atmosphere's surrounding temperature from influencing the reading. The temperature recorded through this body part is always lower by almost 2 degrees compared to rectal measurement, so we can see that it is inaccurate by a significant margin. Moreover, it takes longer for the thermometer to record the reading with this method.

Selecting the Wrong Thermometer Type

There is a wide range of thermometer types and each have a different accuracy range. Choosing a thermometer type that has the correct accuracy is crucial in recording temperature and many parents make the wrong choice here. Let us look at some common thermometer types to see which is more precise and convenient for an infant.

Ear Thermometer

When it comes to precision, an ear thermometer is the best and least risky option in the case of babies. Ear thermometers are inserted in the ear to take the temperature of the eardrum. The thermometer features a tip that is inserted in the ear canal, and the reading takes just one second to record since the ear thermometer is digital. Moreover, the reading is also reliable as well. So, for parents who need to treat fever effectively, this thermometer type is the best option. The normal ear temperature lies within 35.5-37.7 degrees Celsius. Since ear thermometers do not need to be inserted in the mouth, the risk of the thermometer getting displaced or the baby choking on the thermometer is the lowest as well.

Forehead Infrared Thermometer

Infants tend to be restless, and hence, conventional mercury thermometers are out of the question as the thermometer can break in the mouth. A forehead thermometer is another correct choice to opt for, but it is not as accurate as an ear thermometer. Taking a forehead reading is effortless, and these days, forehead digital thermometers can provide an accurate result. Taking the temperature involves placing the thermometer on the forehead. A second sensor measures the highest measured value for the infrared sensor and ambient temperature. The clinical equalization calculations will be taken into consideration to determine the actual body temperature, which is demonstrated on the LCD display.

The normal range on the forehead is around 35.4 °C and 37.4 °C.

Vague Idea about Temperature Measurement Accuracy

Many parents fail to differentiate between the reliability of the temperature reading and the accuracy of the temperature reading. They are both different and parents almost always neglect either or both in taking the body temperature of the child and thus end up with an inaccurate reading.

The condition of ideal measurements is given according to the norms regarding technical requirements. It is done to ensure the highest quality of the measuring device. Thermometers of modern high quality have a measuring accuracy of +/-0.1 °C. Utilizing a thermometer of a substandard brand or using the wrong thermometer type affects accuracy.

Technical correctness, rather than clinical validity, cannot be assumed in the use of a thermometer. Mean normal human body temperature varies with the body region from which the reading is obtained and with the time of day for the reading. This variation does not suggest that the thermometer is faulty and must therefore be maintained separate from it. The two most important factors on which accuracy of measurement depend are that the thermometer was in fact used correctly.

 

Conclusion

While it may not be that hard to take your baby's temperature, getting it right makes all the difference in ensuring an accurate reading. Among the three common mistakes;using a thermometer that is of wrong type, placing it wrongly, and incorrect understanding about accuracy and reliability-can be avoided using the right knowledge. With an appropriate age-specific thermometer, correctly placed, and accounting for environmental influences, parents will easily achieve accurate monitoring of their baby's health.