Normal temperature of an infant? This varies more than it does in adults.
In the rectum it varies from 98 degrees F. to 99.5 degrees F., and a
temperature in the rectum of 98 degrees F. or of 100 degrees F. is not of
much importance unless it continues.
Where should I take the temperature of infants and young children? First
the rectum, next the groin, the first is from one-half a degree to a
degree higher than that of the groin.
How long should the thermometer be left in place? Two minutes in the
rectum and five minutes in the groin.
[ALL ABOUT BABY 607]
What meaning has the different temperature in a young child? 100 degrees
F. to 102 degrees F. means a mild illness.
One hundred four degrees F. or over means a serious illness. The duration
of the fever is more important. Slight causes often produce a high
temperature in all young children which lasts for a few hours. There is
then not much cause for alarm unless the temperature continues high or is
accompanied by important symptoms of illness.
Is high temperature a more serious symptom in a young child than in an
adult? No, for young children are very sensitive to conditions which
produce fever and the thermometer often gives an unduly high idea of the
severity of the symptoms. The same cause which would produce a temperature
in an adult of 102 degrees F. or 103 degrees F. would likely produce a
temperature of 104 degrees or 105 degrees F. in a child.