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7 Responses “How should I insert a rectal thermometer into my 6 month old baby?”

1. 31 weeks with baby #1(Noah) says:

   March 7, 2010 at 11:24 pm

   … Seriously. Why? I’d ask your doctor why you cannot use an oral thermometer or a temporal one. I’ve never heard of one demanding you take it rectally.

   Edit: Wait, is this a joke? How old are you? In a previous question you are asking how you would insert a tampon…. *sigh*
2. Kim B says:

   March 7, 2010 at 11:35 pm

   I would get one of those digital ones that goes in the ear. At 6 months your baby would be squirming all over the place.
3. Alyssa's mommy says:

   March 8, 2010 at 12:07 am

   Put some vaseline on the tip and insert it about 1 inch in. Hold her legs still till it beeps. She shouldn’t cry, and you won’t hurt her unless you stick it in way too far.
4. Dr. Phillis says:

   March 8, 2010 at 12:43 am

   A rectal temp is the most accurate because you are getting the temperature of the core of the body.

   Lay your baby on his back with his diaper off. Lift up his legs with one hand (just as if you are changing his diaper). If he’s wiggling around a lot, you might want to try laying him on his side and pushing the top leg up towards his belly. Insert the silver tip of the thermometer into his rectum. Hold it there for 2 minutes before getting your reading. It won’t be easy to keep your 6 month old still if he’s awake, so be ready to distract him with some silly songs and faces. And don’t worry…this won’t hurt him at all.

   Good luck!
5. jcox_teacher says:

   March 8, 2010 at 1:24 am

   She will cry as it is uncomfortable. It does not hurt though. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with Vaseline, or patroleum jelly. Lay the baby on a flat surface. Take the diaper off. Lay the baby on her belly facing down. Turn her face to the side. Open her but cheeks and insert the thermometer about half an inch. She might jump or try to move around because it is scary and uncomfortable. She will be alright. This does give the most accurate temperature on a baby. I used to use it as the last resort though. I used to take it axillary first…under the arm. If that read as a fever then I would take it rectally. Remember that a normal rectal temperature is a degree higher than an oral one. 99.6 is the normal rectal temperature and not a fever. She may cry, but she will be alright. If you are using a digital thermometer, hold it until it beeps. I would recommend using a digital with a disposable plastic liner on it so it does not get contaminated with feces. If you are using an older thermometer hold it there for three minutes. It is normal for a baby to move his or her bowels during or shortly after having the temperature taken this way. Good luck and I hope she feels better!
6. JustWannaKnow says:

   March 8, 2010 at 2:14 am

   I would also recommend getting one that will help you to avoid over insertion like the one on this link: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/05/06/idea2005/source/119.htm
7. got_3_4now says:

   March 8, 2010 at 2:52 am

   I couldn’t pass this up, for the sake of babies everywhere. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable taking a rectal temp, then I would say don’t. I know my name suggests I only have 3 kids, but that was from 4 years ago, I’m up to 5 children now. Have the doctor do it themself.

   I have always used three different other methods, one is a forehead strip that you simply hold on their forehead, second an ear thermometer, and third under the arm.

   Of course the baby will cry. Babies don’t like being restrained for anything and they certainly don’t like being poked and proded, least of all where it’s supposed to be “exit only.” Yes, the rectum is the most accurate way to get the temperature, but if the baby is ill enough that a rectal temperature is necessary, then the baby should be seen by a doctor anyway. That is my opinion anyway, (I apoligize to all those doctors that don’t want to do their job and I hugely appreciate the ones that do).

   Keep in mind that “Dr’s” aren’t all medical physicians, but Dr. Phillis suggests the appropriate technique, the thing that concerns me is the “if you baby’s awake” phrase. Please don’t wake your baby up to a poke in the rear. And if you are going to go through with it, calmly tell your baby what you are going to do and that it might be uncomfortable but you’ll keep is as short as you can. Then be as quiet as possible while you are doing it and get it done with ASAP. The distraction is more for your comfort, not theirs. You might be pleasantly surprised with cooperation if you explain it first, even if you think she won’t understand. (I know I have been surprised with my children’s apparent understanding of such uncomfortable things).

   Good luck and “feel better” to your baby girl.

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