Measuring fever in babes in the butt

Body temperature of babies is best measured in the butt

02/13/2015

When measuring the body temperature, depending on where the clinical thermometer is placed, more or less pronounced deviations of the result may occur. In order to determine the temperature of babies as accurately as possible, the measurement should therefore be done in the butt, reports midwife Juliane Martinet. For measurements on the ear or forehead, there could be deviations between 0.2 and 0.6 degrees.

The Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) confirms that the most accurate results can be achieved with rectal measurement. „This is especially true for infants and toddlers“, so the BVKJ on. In contrast, both the measurements in the oral cavity and the measurement on the ear or forehead are more uncertain. Placing the fever thermometer in the armpit of the babies is completely discouraged.

Rectal measurement with digital thermometer
The midwife Juliane Martinet recommends a classic digital thermometer for rectal measurement. The Federal Press Spokesman of the Professional Association of Pediatricians, Dr. med. Ulrich Fegeler, explains that for insertion, the tip of the thermometer should be smeared with white vaseline. Furthermore, the expert advises the parents to put their child on their lap on their stomach or with their legs up, so that they do not contract during fever measurements. „Do not leave small children alone with the thermometer, but hold the thermometer until the signal sounds“, Fegeler continues. The midwife Martinet also advises to put a cloth or a diaper, as the introduction of the thermometer in the little ones often trigger a bowel movement.

With fever from 40 degrees Celsius necessarily to the doctor
Fever, according to Dr. Fegeler by definition rectally measured temperatures above 38.5 degrees Celsius. The range between 38 and 38.5 degrees is rated as elevated temperature. „A simple cold can cause temperatures above 39 ° C in children“, Fegeler explains further. At the latest when the fever reaches 40 degrees Celsius, according to the expert, parents should immediately consult a pediatrician. If the child is listless, vomits uninterruptedly, complains of abdominal pain and / or headaches, a visit to the doctor is essential even at lower body temperatures. (Fp)

Picture: Alexandra H.