Using thermometers in infants as well as in children can be tricky as these age groups are more sensitive and hard to deal with. Unlike adults, babies tend to get injured more easily while using thermometers if the safety instructions are not properly followed. These include physical trauma, bleeding, inflammation, as well as infections. Fortunately, with the right tips for using thermometers, these problems are easily avoidable if the thermometer is used in the right way.
Therefore, the following section provides a guide on the things you need to keep in mind before using thermometer on your child:
Safety Tips for Using Thermometers in Infants and Children
For using thermometer in the right way, the following safety tips should be followed:
· First Things First, Go through the Manufacturer’s Instructions
It is important to go through the instructions given with the device carefully before using thermometer for taking accurate temperature readings. Set the temperature unit in Celsius or Fahrenheit scale.
· Not All Thermometers are Suitable
For infants, the use of digital thermometers for taking oral temperature is not recommended. Similarly, the readings of the axillary temperature in newborns and infants are not considered accurate.
In addition, glass mercury thermometers pose the risk of mercury ingestion if broken so their employment is discouraged. Therefore, avoid using thermometers with such issues. Go for either a non-contact infrared thermometer (i.e. forehead thermometer) or a rectal temperature measuring option.
You can use the tables given in the article as a guide to check to which age group your child belongs as well as to learn which thermometer is suitable for them.
According to the Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the following are the stages of a child’s development along with the relevant age intervals:
| Stages | Age Intervals |
| Newborn/Neonate | 0 to 27 days |
| Infant | 28 days to 12 months |
| Toddler | 13 months to 2 years |
| Early Childhood | 2 to 5 years |
| Middle Childhood | 6 to 11 years |
| Early Adolescence | 12 to 18 years |
| Late Adolescence | 19 to 21 years |
· Clean the Thermometer Tip
The tip of your thermometer should be cleaned properly before usage. This practice minimizes the risk of infections in infants and children while using thermometer. For this purpose, cool soapy water can be employed. Other options include the use of 70% rubbing alcohol, iodine, and glutaraldehyde as per the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
· Different Thermometers for Different Routes
Separate thermometers should be used for oral and rectal routes. Employing the same thermometer in multiple routes is not recommended as it tremendously elevates the risk of infections.
· Know When to Seek Medical Help
In the case of infants who are below 3 months of age, low-grade fever can be managed at home. However, in case of other concerning symptoms, it is best to seek medical help immediately. As for kids older than this, if the fever persists after giving primary care at home including the use of Acetaminophen, visiting a healthcare provider is advised.
Using Thermometer According to Suitability
Many different thermometers are available for both children and adults. But when it comes to children, it is essential to use a thermometer which not only gives the most accurate reading but is also safe for them. The following are some of the types of thermometers with reference to use in infants and children:
· Rectal Thermometers
While using rectal thermometers for taking a child’s temperature, it is essential to lubricate the silver tip of the thermometer. For this purpose, petroleum jelly can be applied to ease insertion.
A rectal thermometer should be inserted up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) inside the rectal opening. During the process, hold the thermometer steady and do not insert any further as it can cause harm to the intestinal walls. Also, remove the thermometer carefully after use followed by proper cleaning.
· Axillary and Temporal Thermometers
Avoid using thermometer in the oral cavity if the child has a sore throat as in this case, children usually breathe through their mouth. Thus, they tend to open their mouth frequently subsequently making it difficult to take temperature orally. Therefore, employing temporal artery thermometers or axillary thermometers is recommended.
· Pacifier Thermometers
For infants, pacifier thermometers are also available which, despite taking nearly 6 minutes to estimate body temperature, are convenient to use.
· Tympanic Thermometers
Ear thermometers, also called tympanic thermometers, can be used in infants once they have passed the age of 6 months. This is because ear thermometers are bulky and are not suitable for the ear canal in infants.
Summarizing the above discussion, the following table enlists using thermometers in infants and children according to their age as per the recommendations of Johns Hopkins Medicine:
| Age Group | Suitable Thermometers |
| Birth to 3 months | Digital thermometer for taking rectal temperature Pacifier thermometer Forehead thermometer |
| 4 months to 6 months | Rectal thermometer Axillary thermometer Pacifier thermometer Forehead thermometer |
| 7 months to 4 years | Rectal thermometer Axillary thermometer Pacifier thermometer Ear thermometer Forehead thermometer |
| 4 years and older | Oral thermometer Armpit thermometer Temporal thermometer Tympanic thermometer Forehead thermometer |
Conclusion
Thermometers are necessary medical devices used for taking accurate readings of your body temperature. However, using thermometer with safety becomes extremely important when the patient is an infant or a child.
Not every thermometer is for every age group. One has to look for the right device based on your child’s age and preferences. While choosing a good thermometer, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/measuring-a-babys-temperature
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
