TAKING YOUR CHILD'S TEMPERATURE

08/06/2020

If your child feels warm, it's probably time to take his or her temperature. Sounds simple enough — but if you're new to it, you might have questions. Which type of thermometer is best? Are thermometer guidelines different for babies and older children? Here's what you need to know to take your child's temperature.

The best type of thermometer — or the best place to insert the thermometer, in some cases — depends on your child's age.

Birth to 3 months: Use a regular digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature. A temporal artery thermometer might also provide accurate readings in newborns.
3 months to 4 years: In this age range you can use a digital thermometer to take a rectal or an armpit temperature or you can use a temporal artery thermometer. However, wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to use a digital ear thermometer. If you use another type of thermometer to take a young child's temperature and you're in doubt about the results, take a rectal temperature.
4 years and older: By age 4, most kids can hold a digital thermometer under the tongue for the short time it takes to get an oral temperature reading. You can also use a digital thermometer to take an armpit temperature, or use a temporal artery thermometer or a digital ear thermometer.

How it's done

Oral temperature.

Place the tip of the thermometer under your child's tongue and ask your child to keep his or her lips closed.
Remove the thermometer when it signals that it's done and read the number. If your child has been eating or drinking, wait 15 minutes to take his or her temperature by mouth.

Armpit temperature.

Place the thermometer under your child's armpit, make sure it touches skin — not clothing.
Hug your child, keeping the side holding the thermometer against your chest. Keep the thermometer tightly in place until the thermometer signals that it's done.
Remove the thermometer and read the number.

Ear temperature.

Place the thermometer in your child's ear.
Follow the directions that come with the thermometer to ensure you insert the thermometer the proper distance into the ear canal.
Hold the thermometer tightly in place until the thermometer signals that it's done.
Remove the thermometer and read the number.

Temporal artery temperature.