7.4.1  How to take the newborn’s temperature

Place the thermometer in the newborn's armpit (or rectum if you have a rectal thermometer) for two to three minutes, then read the temperature according to the type of thermometer you have. (You learned how to use different types of thermometer in Study Session 9 of the Antenatal Care Module.) Thermometers should be stored dry when not in use. Before and after you take anyone’s temperature, the thermometer should be cleaned with antiseptic to prevent carrying infection from one person to another. It is important to notice when the temperature is even a little bit lower than normal, before it reaches as low as 35.5^oC.