Juicy!

It seems as if many parents automatically think that their baby has a fever when his temperature runs at 99 Degrees. Although it is a good indicator that your baby is warm, it does not necessarily mean he has a fever. Furthermore, 98.6 Degrees is not necessarily the “normal” temperature either.

There are many things that can affect the body temperature. For instance, if your baby just had some water, his temperature may be a bit cooler. Or if he is wearing too much clothing, his temperature may be a few degrees higher as well.

The level of activity can also affect the body temperature. If your baby has been active, his body temperature will most likely be a bit higher than “normal.”

Another factor could be the type of thermometer you are using to measure your baby’s temperature.  There are three types of thermometers: rectal, oral/tympanic (ear), or under the arm.  Different parts of the body can exhibit different temperatures.  If you use a rectal thermometer, expect to see a higher temperature than if you were to use an under the arm kind.

So if there are many things that can affect the body temperature, then exactly what is considered a “normal” temperature?  And how can you tell if your baby has a fever?

Before you take the baby’s temperature, make sure your baby has not had anything to drink, eat, bathed, and limit his physical activity 15 minutes prior to taking his temperature.  Your child has a fever if his temperature exceeds:

• 100.4 Degrees if  using a rectal thermometer,
• 99.8 Degrees if using an oral or tympanic thermometer, or
• 99.0 Degrees if using an under the arm thermometer.

If your child’s temperature exceeds the above temperatures, take note of the time and day you measured the temperature and contact your pediatrician.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm and is filed under Health & Safety. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.