Taking Your Child's Temperature
Normal body temperatures vary slightly from person to person; the average "normal" body temperature is 98.6oF or 37.0oC. Body temperature plays an important role in determining whether a child is sick because it rises as a response to fighting off infection. A thermometer is used to take a temperature.
What are the different types of thermometers?
There are many different types of thermometers available including oral (by mouth), rectal (by bottom), tympanic (by ear), digital (automatic numerical readout) and temperature strips that are applied to the forehead to measure temperature.
How do I take my child's temperature?
Always shake the thermometer to get the end of the ribbon down below 94oF (34oC).
Choose the method that is best for your child's age. Rectal or oral temperatures are the most accurate.
Rectal
Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and are recommended for children under 15 months of age because of the importance of an accurate temperature at this age. To take a rectal temperature, put a little petroleum jelly on the tip of the rectal thermometer to help it slide in the rectum more easily. Put the thermometer into the rectal opening no more than one inch (never force it). Hold your child still, and press his buttocks together to help hold the thermometer in place. Hold the thermometer in the rectum for two to three minutes with a glass thermometer, or until you hear a beep with a digital thermometer.
Oral
Oral temperatures are recommended for children over 5 years of age. Do NOT give cold or hot liquids to your child for a half hour before taking an oral temperature. Place the tip of the thermometer under the child's tongue in the back of his mouth. Have your child hold the thermometer in place with his lips and fingers and make sure he does not bite on the thermometer.
Stay with your child while taking his temperature. Hold the thermometer in the mouth for three minutes with a glass thermometer or until you hear the beep with a digital thermometer. The glass thermometer should be cleaned between uses with soap and water or alcohol.
Axillary
Axillary temperatures are taken under the armpit. This method is sometimes used for older infants and small children who are difficult to hold for a rectal temperature. The armpit should be dry before taking the temperature. Place the tip of the thermometer high in your child's armpit. Hold it in place by holding your child's arm down by his side, for five minutes for a glass thermometer or until you hear a beep with a digital thermometer. Axillary temperatures are often inaccurate and should only be used if your child has a chronic illness or if recommended by your child's doctor.
Tympanic
Tympanic temperatures are taken by reading the temperature of the eardrum. The tip of a tympanic thermometer is placed in the ear canal and it measures the temperature in less than two seconds. It causes no discomfort and requires no cooperation from your child, but may be the least accurate way to take your child's temperature.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta provides information on taking a temperature as a guideline. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician. Always consult your child's doctor or other health care provider whenever your child may require diagnosis or treatment.
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