How to Properly Take Your Child's Temperature

A digital thermometer is an essential item in every home with children. Fever is often one of the first signs of illness, and it is important to monitor and treat even a mild temperature. What most parents don't know is that in order to obtain an accurate reading, it is important to use the proper technique to take your child's temperature. Based on your child's age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has given the following guidelines for checking your child's temperature:

Newborn to 3 months: rectal
3 months to 3 years: rectal
4 to 5 years: rectal or oral
5 years and older: oral

How to Take a Rectal Temperature
* Clean the end of the thermometer with soap and water.
* Put a small amount of vaseline on the tip to act as a lubricant.
* You can either 1) place your child tummy down across your lap with one hand on his/her lower back or 2) place your child face up across your lap and with one hand bring his/her knees to the chest.
* With the other hand, turn the thermometer on and insert it 1/2 inch to 1 inch into the anal opening. Be sure not to push the thermometer in too far. Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps (about one minute).
* Check the reading. Anything greater than 100.4 is considered a fever.

Note: Be sure to label the thermometer as rectal so it is not later used in someone’s mouth.

How to Take an Oral Temperature
* Clean the end of the thermometer with soap and water.
* Place the tip of the thermometer under the child's tongue and toward the back of the mouth.
* Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps (about one minute).

Note: To ensure accuracy, be sure the child has not anything hot or cold to drink for at least 15 minutes before taking the temperature.

Another Alternative
Although not as accurate, after your child is 3 months old, you can use the digital thermometer to check the axillary temperature (under the armpit). This may be a good option when you just need a ballpark idea of whether or not your child is getting sick. To check the axillary temperature, place the thermometer directly in the child's armpit and then hug his/her arm tightly against the thermometer. Hold in place for until it beeps (about one minute). Again, if your child has a fever, it is important to use either the rectal or oral method so you can accurately monitor his/her condition.

Even though there are other options available for checking your child's temperature (including ear thermometers), the AAP still recommends using a digital thermometer—it is the safest and most accurate method for home use.