How to correctly measure the temperature

Measurements should be made at the same location with the same thermometer. We risk committing a systematic error (constant increase or decrease of the temperature), but we measure the difference precisely.

After buying a new thermometer, check its operation on the baby and determine the correct temperature measured in this way. The most reliable are liquid thermometers that do not require calibration, but unfortunately have been discontinued due to their mercury content. Tactile electronic thermometers are necessarily used, for example in the form of a nipple.

The place of temperature measurement depends on the age of the child. Internal body temperature, especially in children, is the weakest reflected in the measurement in the armpit, characterized by poor repeatability and low sensitivity in detecting fever.

When interpreting the result of the child’s body temperature measurement, one should also take into account its daily fluctuations – an increase in the afternoon (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.) and decrease around 6 a.m. and dependence on the child’s activity – crying, anger and physical exertion may be the reason for its increase. Higher temperature is also observed in people who follow a high-protein diet and during ovulation in teenagers who are menstruating.