Got Hollie?

Throughout my experience in the health care profession I have always recorded a temperature reading according to what it said on the thermometer but indicate if it was an oral reading, axillary (armpit) reading, rectal (ouch!) reading, temporal (forehead), tympanic (ear), etc. There is an order for the methods according to accuracy and which method is closest to core body temperature.

As a Mother I have been told rectal temperatures are not regularly done anymore on infants as of quite the years now. Temporal temps are typically done in hospital and medical office settings now although the axillary temp is used to be ”double check” a reading of a less accurate method. As a Mom you are told to “add a full degree” to an axillary temp done at home.

For example:

97.8 F axillary = 98.8 F

You do not need to add a degree to any other method though. Only when taking a temp under the arm in the armpit. Here is an example of proper placement when doing an axillary temp:

Here is an example of the type if thermometer used for this method:

These are very, very inexpensive. They start at less than $2.00 and work great! Hospitals and medical offices use them, trust me.

As I touched on at the start of all this, you do not add a degree to an axillary temp in the health care setting. Instead, you record the reading as taken but include what method you took the temp with.

For example:

98.2 temporal

It brings us to the question…what is the right way to record and report a temperature? Do you ADD the degree or NOT?

I have now asked a few Pediatrician’s and they have all responded with the same general answer:

–When a parent is reporting a temp to the Pedi, let them know which method you used and what it said on the thermometer. Let them know if what you are telling them is with you ADDING a degree or NOT.–

Treating a temp:

If you are worried about your baby and their temp is over 100.5 F then call your Pedi. I have been told by many Pedi’s that you don’t need to worry about a temp until it reaches 105 F- 107 F and if you choose to medicate your child, under the guidence of your Pedi, for the fever then do so only if your child is miserable. Fevers are the body’s natural defense to illness. It is benificial to the body to have a slight fever to assist in the war against bugs! Just be sure it is not too high where it can cause brain/organ damage and seizures.

If you baby has a temp of 102.3 F but is laughing and playing, eating and drinking well, and sleep and activity isn’t affected by the temp…then you don’t need to medicate. If your baby is crabby and fussy and crying, chewing on everything to relieve those teething-kinda-feelings, or not eating and sleeping well because of the temp but their temp is only 100.6 F then ask the Pedi if they think you should give your baby something to help the temp and discomfort.

Medicine free ways to help comfort a baby with a small temp:

• Warm bath – not a cold bath which can shock the body and feel miserable and not hot so it won’t raise the already slightly elevated temp.
• Wear light clothes – do not completely undress the baby without having something light covering the baby’s exposed skin to the open cool air. If you have ever had a temp you know what it feels like to be naked…the chills and goosebumps you get hurt your skin and you just want to cover it with at least a light sheet so you don’t feel that chill. Same for your peanut. Either have the baby in a diaper and cover them with a light blanket while holding them or have them in a light outfit if sleeping.
• Keep up the fluids – it is a lot of work to have a fever. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of re-hospitalization of newborns and infants. Fluids are so important to encourage whenever anyone isn’t feeling well. BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOUR BABY ISN’T DRINKING OR EATING ENOUGH!
• Keep your Pedi informed! – Ask questions if you are worried or unsure.
• Give lots of love – Your peanut will need extra understanding, cuddles, patience and TLC. Make sure they feel cared for and safe in your arms and help them to learn that they can depend on you when they need you. It is a great opportunity to make a bond that will never be broken. We all remember how our caregivers took care of us in sickness. (Hopefully those are all fond memories!)

I hope this helps to keep you calm and confident with your “nursing” abilities when your little one is under the weather