Temperature Regime

Temperature regime: how to correctly measure the baby’s temperature and how to reduce it when it rises.

When the baby's temperature rises, many parents begin to worry and think about what to do next. In this article we will look at how to correctly measure your baby’s temperature and what actions will help reduce it if it rises.

The normal temperature for children of any age is:

• 36-37 °C, if measured under the armpit;
• 37-38 °C - in the rectum;
• 36.5-37.5 °C - in the mouth.

The baby will need help when the thermometer reaches 38 °C (under the armpit), until then it is not worth lowering it so as not to interfere with the work of his body’s defense mechanisms.

What could be causing the temperature to rise?

The protective reaction of the baby's immune system in response to any disease. Although it also happens the other way around: in babies during the first 3-4 months of life, the temperature sometimes does not rise at all during illness. This is explained by the fact that their body does not yet know how to retain heat. The situation will change when the child turns 5 months old.

Overheating, when, despite the body’s attempts to maintain a normal temperature, it rises. Physiological, that is, normal temperature fluctuations: during meals and in the evening it increases in children by 0.5 ° C.

How to measure temperature correctly?

This should be done in the morning and evening at the same time. It is also very important that the little one is calm and lightly dressed. For example, in the morning, put a thermometer on him only after you have unswaddled and washed your baby. By the way, mercury thermometers give more accurate results than various electronic devices. You need to hold the thermometer under your arm or in your butt for at least 10 minutes.

Parents also need to know that:

• daily temperature fluctuations in children should not go beyond normal limits (for example, the morning reading under the armpit is 36.2 °C, and the evening reading is 37 °C; in the rectum - 37.2 738 °C; in the mouth - 36, 5,737.5 °C);
• if within one or even several days the baby’s temperature either rises (for example, up to 37.5 °C) or becomes normal (36.6 °C), you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible;
• to make a correct conclusion about the baby’s well-being, you need to take into account not only the temperature, but also other symptoms, such as the presence of a cough, runny nose, etc.

How to lower your baby's temperature?

If the baby’s temperature rises above 38 °C, then it must be lowered. To do this, you can use several methods:

• Drinking regime. As the temperature rises, the baby needs to be given more fluids to avoid dehydration. It is recommended to give breast milk or infant formula more often than usual, and to offer the baby water or infant electrolytes.

• Lightening clothes. Dress your baby in light, loose clothing to reduce his heat balance. At the same time, do not forget to leave a cap on his head to keep him warm.

• Use of warm compresses. Place a damp, warm compress on your baby's forehead to reduce the temperature. To do this, you can use gauze soaked in warm water or ready-made children's compresses.

• Use of antipyretics. If your baby's temperature exceeds 38.5 °C, you can give him an antipyretic drug such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, you should consult your doctor before using any medicine.

It is important to remember that when the baby’s temperature rises, it is necessary to monitor his condition and, if necessary, seek medical help.