Patient's question:
Why is the body temperature of the 8-month-old baby always around 35 degrees Celsius? The day before yesterday, they had a fever of 39 degrees Celsius and were given intravenous fluids, after which their temperature came down. They were also given Paracetamol drops.Doctor's answer:
An 8-month-old baby has a low body temperature, 35 degrees. The normal basal body temperature for children is 36.9°C~37.5°C. Parents should pay attention to the method of measuring body temperature. It could be due to an incorrect measurement method. The above basal body temperature refers to rectal temperature, which is measured from the anus. Generally, oral temperature is lower by 0.3°C~0.5°C, and axillary temperature is lower by 0.3°C~0.5°C compared to oral temperature. However, most parents use the axillary or submental method to measure temperature. When measuring a baby's body temperature, hospitals typically use rectal temperature. The steps for measuring rectal temperature are as follows:1. Position the baby on their stomach with legs lifted or lying face down.
2. Before use, shake the thermometer to a temperature below 35°C. Apply lubricant (petrolatum or mineral oil) to the bulb end of the rectal thermometer.
3. Gently open the anus and insert the thermometer in a smooth, slow motion. Hold the thermometer hand against the buttocks to prevent it from falling or being inserted too deeply.
4. Insertion depth: 1.25 cm for infants.
5. Measure for 2-5 minutes.
6. Remove the thermometer, record the temperature, and wipe it clean with toilet paper. Then sterilize it with an alcohol swab (wiping from the tip to the mercury end in an upward motion).
Precautions: Avoid measuring rectal temperature for those with nausea, vomiting, or rectal disorders. Wait for 30 minutes after drinking hot drinks, intense exercise, emotional excitement, or bathing before measuring. How is your current method of measuring temperature? The above advice is for the question "Why does my 8-month-old baby's temperature always read around 35 degrees?" and is hoped to be helpful. Wishing you good health!