What is the most effective method for measuring temperature in infants?

Using a rectal thermometer is the most effective method for measuring temperature in infants due to its accuracy and reliability. Rectal temperature measurements closely reflect core body temperature, which is particularly important in infants who are more susceptible to variations in temperature. This method allows healthcare providers to obtain readings that provide a clear indication of a child's metabolic state and help assess for fever or hypothermia.

For infants, other methods such as oral or axillary thermometers may not provide accurate readings. Oral thermometers require the child to be able to hold the thermometer in their mouth, which is not feasible for infants. Axillary thermometers may under-represent core body temperature, especially in very young children. Forehead (temporal artery) thermometers offer a quick way to measure temperature, but they may also be less reliable in measuring core temperature compared to rectal measurements.

Therefore, rectal thermometers are often preferred for their precision, particularly when monitoring the health status of infants in a clinical setting.