How To Take The Newborns Temperature?

[WinterPrego]

Which method is best to take a newborns temperature, and how often should it be taken after birth? 

[Illiana]

I never once took his temp, but maybe that was just me. I wasn't aware of any reason to take it. I do have a temporal thermometer that i use for him and for my 4 year old.

[WinterPrego]

Okay, thanks. I wasn't even sure if it was necessary, but I know it's routine for most hospitals and some midwives. Though, I'm sure it would be obvious if the baby wasn't warm enough?

[mamagranola28]

The best way to keep a brand new baby warm is skin to skin contact.  Take off your top and just diaper baby then cover both of you with a nice cozy blanket.  Easy as pie!  If you'd like, you can have for partner put towels and blankets in the dryer while your pushing out your little one or plug in a heating pad and put it inside a pillow case with receiving blankets and towels to use after birth.

[WinterPrego]

Originally Posted by mamagranola28 

The best way to keep a brand new baby warm is skin to skin contact.  Take off your top and just diaper baby then cover both of you with a nice cozy blanket.  Easy as pie!  If you'd like, you can have for partner put towels and blankets in the dryer while your pushing out your little one or plug in a heating pad and put it inside a pillow case with receiving blankets and towels to use after birth.

I've never thought about the dryer or heating pad before! Great ideas, and so simple.   Thanks!

[CallMeMommy]

When my 1st was in the NICU they always took his temperature underarm.  I figure if it's good enough for Mayo Clinic, it's good enough for me.  I never did take my other kids' temperatures after birth, though.

[labortrials]

Rectal is supposed to be the most accurate.  It doesn't seem to bother my babies.  If you do a rectal temp, remember it's always a degree higher.

I also recommend monitoring baby's temp with your own skin.  =)  It's my favorite way!

[weliveintheforest]

I didn't take any temps with my last baby and probably only would if I thought there was a risk for infection or something.  If I was going to, I'd use the underarm.

[Pirogi]

I didn't take temps either.  If you do take temps and use the underarm, remember to add a degree.

[Mamatoabunch]

7 UC's, never took my babies temp.

[greenmama66]

5 babies born at home- never took a temp either.

[MamatobabyA]

Postpartum nurse here :)  You can take your baby's temp under his/her arm.  You want it between 97.5-99.5.  We do it every 8 hours in the hospital for several reasons.  1. Increased risk for infection just by being in a hospital (which, in a newborn can be low or high).  2. Most mom's aren't interested in skin to skin and therefore we need to be sure baby is tolerating being "out".  3.  A cold baby uses calories to warm up rather than calories to grow.  If you do skin to skin you should be just fine!  Under the arm if you are curious/concerned.