Q: My 2 year old has a fever and we have a newborn in the house. I am trying to keep them separated as much as possible but I need to take both of their temperatures. Is it safe to share a rectal thermometer? I clean it with alcohol between each use, but should I have a new thermometer for the baby?
A: Yikes! It is hard enough to juggle a two year old with a newborn, but to have your older daughter get sick is really challenging. I have a couple of quick tips for you.
First, yes, you may absolutely use the same rectal thermometer for both children. Cleaning it between uses is wise. Second, depending on the maturity of your two year old, you should be able to take her temperature under her arm. The secret to this is holding the thermometer in her armpit until the “beep” and then adding one degree to whatever you get to equal a rectal reading. This is some what inaccurate, but it gives you a good ballpark and is easy to do. You can sit with your daughter while reading a story and quietly be taking her temperature at the same time. This trick certainly is better than pinning her down for a rectal temp! No two year old likes that at all!
To minimize the risk of spreading infection from one child to another , trying to keep the children apart –as you are already doing– is smart. Another point to remember is that, as you go from one child to the other, you take germs back and forth. To cut down on this, try wearing a bathrobe (or man’s shirt) while you are with the baby. Leave it in the baby’s room. This way, you can cuddle your older child but protect the baby from her germs. Finally, there is no substitute for washing your face and hands when you go from one child to the next.
All of this requires attention and a lot of extra work when you are already tired with a newborn. But these simple tricks should help keep your family healthy. Best of luck! Before long, your girls will be well –and enjoying each other!
Dr. Hippo
Reference:
http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Fever.htm