Taking Your Child’s Temperature

If your child isn’t feeling well, taking their temperature is a good way to know if they’re on their way to a fever. But do you have the right type of thermometer? There are a few factors that you should consider when it comes to thermometers for children.

1. Type of thermometer – Some thermometers may not be accurate for younger children.
2. Age – The type and method of temperature-taking varies by age in children.
3. Ways of taking temperature – Where to safely and correctly place the thermometer for the best results.

Keep on reading below to find out more about each item.

Types of Thermometers for Children

1. Digital thermometer – Also known as an electronic thermometer, these use electronic heat sensors to measure body temperature. They can be used rectally, orally or axillary (armpit). A baby’s temperature should usually be taken under the armpit (axillary temperature).
2. Digital ear thermometers – These are thermometers that use infrared scanners to measure body temperature through the inside of the ear canal. Its accuracy can be affected by the presence of earwax, or the small size and curve of children’s ear canals.
3. Temporal artery thermometers – These also use infrared scanners, but measure body temperature through the temporal artery in the forehead.

Best Thermometers for Children by Age

• Newborn to 3 months – A regular digital thermometer is recommended to take rectal temperature. Don’t use an ear thermometer on newborn babies as it can give an incorrect reading due to the ear canals being wet. 
• 3 months to 4 years – A digital thermometer can be used rectally or in the armpit, or a temporal artery thermometer on the forehead. With a digital ear thermometer, wait until your child is at least 6 months old.
• 4 years and above – At this age, children should be able to steadily hold a digital thermometer under their tongue. A digital ear thermometer can also measure temperature more accurately, as well as a temporal artery thermometer and taking temperature through the armpit.

How To Take a Child’s Temperature

When taking your child’s temperature, make sure you read and follow the instructions that come with whichever device you use. Here are the general steps below.

Rectal Temperature

1. Turn the thermometer on and coat the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Remember to use only a blunt-tipped thermometer.
2. Lay your child on their back, or belly down across your lap or on a stable surface.
3. Gently insert the thermometer into the baby's rectum, no further than 1/2 inch. Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps. A normal rectal temperature is 2 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Note: Don’t try to force a rectal thermometer past any resistance.

Axillary Temperature (Armpit)

1. Before taking your baby's axillary temperature make sure the area under the arm is dry.
2. Insert the end of the thermometer under your baby's arm and hold the arm snugly against their body. Make sure the thermometer is touching skin and not clothing.
3. Wait five minutes or until the electronic thermometer "beeps" before removing. A normal axillary (under the arm) temperature ranges from 97.5 to 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oral Temperature

1. Make sure it’s been 15 minutes since your child last ate or drank.
2. Turn on the thermometer and place the tip under your child’s tongue toward the back of the mouth.
3. Ask your child to keep their lips sealed and to stay still until the signal beeps. A normal oral temperature ranges from 97.5 to 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ear Temperature

1. Turn on the thermometer and gently insert it into your child’s ear.
2. Make sure you insert the proper distance into the ear canal (there should be directions that came with the thermometer).
3. Hold the thermometer securely in place until it beeps. A normal ear temperature ranges from 96.4 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temporal Artery Temperature

1. Make sure your child is still. The best time to take their temperature is when they’re asleep.
2. Turn on the thermometer and slowly sweep it across your child’s forehead.
3. Remove the thermometer and read the number. A normal temporal artery temperature ranges from 97.5 to 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

These temperatures listed above are recommended ranges from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s recommended that you discuss normal temperature ranges with your child's healthcare provider. You should also inform your healthcare provider which way you took the temperature.

Know When To Take Your Baby’s Temperature

You don’t need to take your baby’s temperature on a regular basis. Do it only when you think your baby may be sick. Overdressing or too hot an environment (e.g., room, car, etc.) can cause your baby’s temperature to go up. If your baby is overdressed, remove some clothing and retake your baby’s temperature in 30 minutes.

Take your baby's temperature if you spot the following symptoms:

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