Taking Your Child’s Temperature

When your little one isn’t feeling well, it’s natural to worry. One of the simplest ways to check what’s going on is by taking their temperature. But with so many thermometers on the market, you may wonder: Am I using the right one for my child? The answer depends on your child’s age and the method you use. Here’s a guide to help you choose and use a thermometer with confidence. 

Things to Keep in Mind

• Age: The best thermometer (and the safest way to use it) changes as your child grows
• Placement: Where and how you take your child’s temperature matters for accuracy
• Type of thermometer: Not all thermometers work well for young children

Types of Thermometers for Children 

• Digital ear thermometers: These use infrared scanners to measure inside the ear canal. They’re quick, but accuracy can be affected by earwax or by the small shape of a child’s ear canal.
• Digital thermometers: These electronic thermometers use heat sensors and can be placed rectally, orally or under the arm (axillary). For babies, the armpit is usually the best spot.
• Temporal artery thermometers: These scan the temporal artery across the forehead and are easy to use when your child is sleeping. 

Best Thermometers by Age 

• Newborn to 3 months: Use a digital thermometer rectally for the most accurate reading. Avoid ear thermometers — newborn ear canals are too small and readings aren’t reliable.
• 3 months to 4 years: You can use a digital thermometer rectally or under the arm, or a forehead (temporal artery) thermometer. Ear thermometers may be used after 6 months.
• 4 years and older: Kids this age can usually hold a digital thermometer under the tongue. Ear and forehead thermometers are also reliable choices, along with underarm checks. 

How to Take a Child’s Temperature 

Armpit (axillary)

• Make sure your baby’s armpit is dry
• Place the thermometer tip under the arm, against skin
• Hold the arm snugly in place until it beeps (or 5 minutes for non-digital)
• Normal axillary temperature: 97.5°F to 99.3°F

Ear

• Turn on the thermometer and gently insert it as directed
• Hold in place until it beeps
• Normal ear temperature: 96.4°F to 99.5°F

Forehead (temporal artery)

• For best results, take the temperature while your child is still (or asleep)
• Slowly sweep the thermometer across the forehead
• Normal temporal artery temperature: 97.5°F to 99.3°F

Oral (4 years and up)

• Wait 15 minutes after eating or drinking
• Place the thermometer tip under the tongue, toward the back
• Have your child keep lips closed until it beeps
• Normal oral temperature: 97.5°F to 99.3°F

Rectal (most accurate for babies)

• Turn on the thermometer and coat the blunt tip with petroleum jelly
• Lay your baby on their back or tummy across your lap
• Gently insert the thermometer no more than ½ inch. Hold it until it beeps
• Normal rectal temperature: 97.7°F to 99.7°F
• Never force a thermometer past any resistance

All ranges above are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Always let your child’s doctor know which method you used when sharing a temperature reading.

When to Take Your Baby’s Temperature 

You don’t need to check your baby’s temperature all the time — only when they seem unwell. A hot room, bundled clothes or time in the car can raise a baby’s temperature. If that happens, remove a layer of clothing, wait 30 minutes then check again.

Take your baby’s temperature right away if you notice:

• Baby rubs their ears, rolls head or screams sharply
• Increased irritability, including increased head rubbing, head rolling or sharp screaming
• Poor appetite or has refused more than one feeding
• Profuse sweating
• Rashes
• Runny nose, sneezing or coughing
• Unusual color or odor of stool
• Unusually fast, slow or noisy breathing
• Very pale or flushed complexion
• Vomiting or diarrhea (take axillary temperature instead of rectal)

Keeping an accurate thermometer handy — and knowing how to use it — helps you feel more confident when your child isn’t feeling well. If you ever have doubts about your child’s temperature or symptoms, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.