Having a newborn is a wonderful and sometimes frightening experience. New parents may be terrified when their little one shows symptoms of being ill.
For babies three months and younger, parents are urged to take their child to an emergency room if their body temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher as the fever may indicate infection.
Children ages four months to three years should be taken to the physician if their fever is 102.2 degrees or higher. These temperatures are based on a rectal reading.
Parents desiring an accurate reading should use a thermometer designed for babies. Digital thermometers can be used in the bottom, mouth or under the arm and are recommended instead of ear or forehead thermometers which may produce inaccurate readings.
The Five Second Thermometer from Graco is a flexible thermometer designed for infants and toddlers. It can produce a reading within five seconds when administered in the mouth or bottom, or 20 seconds when placed under the arm.
The thermometer is digital and measures in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It has a large LCD screen and automatic shut-off.
The tip is flexible and wipes clean with alcohol. $9.99 at Amazon.com.