How to take a baby's temperature

You'll learn how to get an accurate internal temperature of a child less than 2 years old. This is the most accurate way of assessing the temperature of a child under 2 years of age.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• rectal thermometer
• ky jelly or desitin (optional)

1. Place the baby on a flat surface (changing table, floor) lying on back.

2. Remove baby's diaper and pull baby's knees to his chest, keeping one hand under baby's knees to keep his legs still.

3. With free hand, place rectal thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch into baby's rectum. (You may use the KY Jelly or desitin as a lubricant for baby's comfort.) Be sure to keep baby's legs still so thermometer doesn't move in rectum.

4. When thermometer has finished it's reading, remove from baby's rectum.