Thermometer

[Bingethinker13]

Hey ladies!

I’m a first time mum, to my beautiful 9 week old DS and I’m sure you all know the feelings of serious newborn anxiety!

As you’re probably all aware it’s super hot in the UK at the moment (31 degrees where I am). We have a GroEgg in our room and with the fan on (facing away from baby) the room was still 27 degrees so super hot considering.

I’ve woken up this morning and checked my DS temperature with an underarm thermometer and his temp was 35 degrees!

I some what panicked but mothers instinct did come into effect as DS chest doesn’t feel too cold, back of the neck is still warm etc. I put the blanket up over his chest as he had kicked his legs out of it (I have the blanket tucked under the mattress and it is cellular but he still manages to get his legs out) and checked his temp again, it was 36.1. I then waited 5 ish minutes and checked again and it was back down to 35!

Im not sure if my thermometer is faulty, as I have checked with 2 different ones but I have heard under arms aren’t too reliable, I checked my own temp (& fwiw I woke up boiling, was wearing a T-shirt and was pretty sweaty) and my temp was quite low- 36 exactly.

I guess what I’m trying to ask is should I narrow this down to faulty/unreliable thermometers, or should I give 111 a call? Because other than the weird temp he seems fine in himself!

Sorry for the long post but TIA ladies!!! & to everyone in the UK I hope you’re all coping well in this heat! 😚

Underarm thermometers are rubbish. I'd just assume its that tbh.

Is there any reason you checked his temperature though? If he felt warm and doesn't appear ill?

Normal temperature for a child is 36.4. Underarm thermometers are not entirely accurate, but I’ve gone along with them. I used to use the forehead strips, basically they lit green if ok and red if child had a temperature. It’s good to keep a record of baby’s temperature, because you will know what’s normal for your child in the future.

Thank you for your reply!

I quite regularly check his temperature just to keep and eye on it, I know that probably makes me sounds crazy haha, but it just gives me a little piece of mind!

He also has his jabs on Wednesday so I have been doing his temp the last couple days just to see what his usual/base temp is so I can compare it once he’s had the jabs to see if he has a fever etc!

The underarm is the coolest part of the body from which you can take the temperature. It is often a full degree lower than mouth temperature. Consider also the position in which many babies sleep: on their backs with their arms in the 'hands up' position. This exposes the armpit and may make it even cooler.

So, firstly, don't worry. Your thermometer is not defective.

Secondly, you took the right action by feeling your baby's torso and recognising that he is OK.

It is scary, having a tiny baby in a heatwave. But you seem to be making good choices in cooling the room and judging by how your baby feels to you.

@Dilbertian Thank you so much!

I normally go to my mum and sister for advice but they’re both currently out of the country so I think I’m feeling a little vulnerable!

He’s awake now and seems like himself, he has got a little bit of a cold coming I think, he’s a little snotty and sneezing but being his usual smiley happy self!

Thank you again for replying to my post, ir means the world to get advice from other people/Mumma’s!

If he is fine and happy as nornal, I'd say there's nothing to worry about. Underarm therms are notoriously inaccurate