dumb ? - how do you know when to check for a fever?

i know we're supposed to check their fevers rectally - so, its not something u do at random...how do you know when u should check your child? i dont want to poke n prod when its not necessary

Re: dumb ? - how do you know when to check for a fever?

I would do it if they felt like they had a fever. Holding your hands on the side of their head (for some reason the front of their head wasn't as hot as the sides).

They also have thermometer stickers (which aren't as accurate, but are easy to use & will still register a temp).

Re: dumb ? - how do you know when to check for a fever?

if they feel excessively hot, I'll just do it while changing a diaper

Re: dumb ? - how do you know when to check for a fever?

I always check by feeling her belly. Because babies can have poor circulation, they don't always feel warm to the touch on their extremeties, so if Ava's stomach ever feels excessively warm, I check her temp. It actually helps to check that way because whenever I check her diaper, I can feel if her belly is warm. HTH!