A non-mercury thermometer is safer because it can’t leak mercury. However, as long as you inspect the thermometer to ensure there are no cracks or leaks, a mercury thermometer should also be safe. Non-mercury thermometers typically contain colored alcohol as an alternative to mercury.
They’re often color-coded on the other end, red for anal and green for oral. You can also read the packaging to find out what kind you have.
Don’t use hot water, as you could rupture the thermometer. You can also cleanse the thermometer by wiping it down thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and then rinsing it off.
Be very careful not to hit the thermometer against anything when you’re shaking it, since this could shatter the glass.
Hold the baby or child still so that the thermometer doesn’t break. Children may bite down on a thermometer if it’s in their mouth, which could break the thermometer. This is why you shouldn’t place a glass thermometer in their mouth. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Plus, a rectal temperature is the most accurate for children. [8] X Research source Some recent research shows that temporal artery readings (taken at the forehead) are a safe, comfortable, and accurate alternative to taking a rectal temperature in newborns and young children. If you have access to a temporal thermometer, use this instead. [9] X Research source Unfortunately, you can’t take a temporal reading with a glass thermometer.
If the thermometer indicates the person has a fever, check it again with a rectal or oral reading, depending on the age of the person. The armpit won’t give you an accurate reading of their exact temperature. This method is useful for quickly and easily determining whether a baby or young child has a fever.
This method is accurate, but it can be difficult for some kids to hold it in place properly. There’s also a risk of younger kids biting down and breaking the thermometer. To get the most accurate reading, wait 15 minutes before taking the person’s temperature if they’ve been eating or drinking.
Try not to shake the thermometer as you pull it out, as this could affect the reading.
For instance, if the end of the liquid goes past the larger 100 °F (38 °C) mark by 2 smaller lines, then the temperature is 100. 4 °F (38. 0 °C).
Call the doctor if your child is under 3 months and running a fever based on a rectal reading. If your child is 3-6 months old and is running a temperature of 102 °F (39 °C), talk to your doctor, particularly if your child is showing other symptoms like lethargy or crankiness. If it goes above 102 °F (39 °C), contact your doctor no matter what. If your child has a temperature of 102 °F (39 °C) and is 6 to 24 months old, call your doctor if it lasts more than a day. Also, call if your child is showing other signs of sickness, such as coughing or diarrhea. If you have an older child or an adult, go to the doctor for a temperature of 103 °F (39 °C) or higher.
If you don’t clean it, you could introduce germs to the next person who uses it.
