In infants, body temperature may differ slightly from the accepted standard of 36.6 ° C. This is especially true for newborns, for which 37.0 ° C is the normal temperature in the first days of life. However, if the body temperature of the baby exceeds its individual values by more than 1 ° C. For his condition should be monitored more carefully, because the increase in temperature - a symptom of the disease in the child.
What is the normal temperature of babies?
The norm for babies in the first days of life is a temperature of 37.0 ° C. In the future, it is slightly reduced, but usually exceeds the standard of 36.6 ° C, installed on it only after the end of the first year of life. All this is the norm when measuring body temperature in the armpit or inguinal fold.
If the temperature is measured rectally or orally, the rates are 37.4 ° C and 37.1 ° C, respectively.
It should also be borne in mind that after a meal or long crying, the baby's temperature rises slightly, but again, the difference should not be more than 1 ° C.
How to measure the temperature of the baby?
To measure temperature in the armpit or inguinal fold, it is better to take a mercury thermometer, it is more accurate than the electronic one. The tip of the thermometer should be placed under the armpit or in the fold area, the handle or leg of the child, respectively, should be gently clamped by your hand and keep them in this position for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rectal temperature in the baby is measured by an electronic thermometer. Mercury analogue is dangerous for such manipulations. To measure the temperature of the anus, the baby should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or baby oil. After that, the tip of the thermometer should be inserted in the ass and wait exactly 1 minute.
To measure temperature through the baby's mouth, an electronic thermometer is also taken. Its tip is inserted into the mouth and held there for a minute. The child's mouth must be closed at the same time.
The causes of temperature changes in infants
Infant fever
Most often, fever is a symptom of a viral or infectious disease. The change in the temperature of the body is due to the increased work of the body, which produces interferon and antibodies. The temperature in infants can also increase with teething .
Also affect the temperature fluctuations of the body of stress, damage to the nervous system and the usual overheating of the baby, for example, if it is dressed warmer than necessary.
Low temperature in infants
Children may also have a low fever. The child becomes lethargic, apathetic, cold sweat can come out. It is also necessary to observe this state.
The reasons for lowering body temperature may be as follows:
- reception of pediatric anaferon ;
- decreased immunity.
Low fever in the infants without symptoms is a characteristic phenomenon for premature infants.
When it is necessary to bring down the temperature of the baby?
In infants, the temperature should be brought down at 38.5 ° C, but provided that the child feels relatively normal. If the temperature is slightly lower than 38.5 ° C, but the child at the same time is crying and behaving very restlessly, the temperature should be knocked down.
Than knock down the temperature of the baby?
To reduce the fever in a nursing baby, use paracetamol and children's preparations based on it. Give aspirin to babies is forbidden, in view of strong side effects for the child's body.
From the temperature for babies, candles are best suited. Time for their impact on the body requires a little more than when using syrup or tablets, but they last longer knock down the temperature.
Do not forget to give your child a warm drink. Temperature, especially when combined with vomiting or diarrhea, can quickly lead to dehydration. Give water at a temperature necessary for children under 6 months,
How to dress a baby at a temperature?
With increased body temperature, the baby does not need to be wrapped. This can lead to overheating of the body and worsening of the baby's condition. Clothing on it should be made from natural fabrics, not interfering with the escape of excess heat. It is worthwhile to arrange baby air baths, which will also contribute to the escape of excess heat. For this, the baby is completely undressed, the diaper is removed and left naked for 15 to 20 minutes.
With a low body temperature in the baby, on the contrary, it is worth putting one ball warmer and preferably pressed against the body of the mother. Particular attention is paid to the legs. They wear warm socks.