There are several ways to take your child's temperature: axillary (armpit), oral, rectal, tympanic (ear), and skin. Also, there are different types of thermometers used for each: digital and chemical dot (such as NextTemp).
We do not recommend a glass mercury thermometer due to safety issues with mercury and broken glass.
Show AllAn axillary temperature is taken in the armpit (axilla). This is the safest way to take a temperature for anyone. We recommend that you take your infant's or young child's temperature this way. You can use a digital or chemical-dot thermometer.
- Place the tip of the thermometer in the armpit and hold the arm snuggly against the body.
- Hold this position until the digital thermometer beeps, or according to the manufacturer directions for chemical-dot thermometers.
- Take the thermometer out and read it.
An oral temperature is taken with the thermometer in the mouth. This is for children who can hold the thermometer under the tongue with the lips closed and not bite the thermometer. You can use a digital or chemical-dot thermometer.
The oral temperature will not be as accurate if your child has had something hot or cold to eat or drink in the last 15 minutes.
- Place the thermometer under the tongue.
- Have your child gently close his / her mouth and leave it closed until the digital thermometer beeps, or according to the manufacturer directions for chemical-dot thermometers.
- Take the thermometer out and read it
A rectal temperature is taken in the bottom (rectum). We recommend that you do not take a temperature this way unless instructed to do so by your child's doctor. Use a rectal digital thermometer or a chemical-dot thermometer with a rectal shield.
- Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly (Vaseline").
- Gently insert the tip of the thermometer into the rectum 1/2 - 1 inch. Never force the thermometer.
- Hold the thermometer and your child to prevent injury if the child wiggles.
- Stay with you child the entire time and hold the thermometer in place until the digital thermometer beeps, or according to the manufacturer directions for chemical-dot thermometers.
- Remove the thermometer and wipe it with a tissue or discard the rectal shield.
- Read the thermometer.
A tympanic temperature is taken in the ear with a special thermometer. We do not recommend that this method is used for infants. Carefully read the instructions that come with the tympanic thermometer before you use it for an older child.
A skin temperature is taken with special temperature tabs. Read the instructions that come with the skin tabs.
- Never leave your child unattended while taking his/her temperature.
- Glass thermometers are not recommended. If one breaks, do not touch the mercury with your hands. You may dispose of a glass mercury thermometer by taking it to a household hazardous waste collection site.
- Clean the digital thermometer in cool soapy water and rinse well.
- Store all thermometers in a safe place out of the reach of children.
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
