Your newborn: Taking your baby's temperature

A normal temperature for your baby ranges from 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. You only need to take your baby's temperature when you think she has a fever or is ill.

You can take your baby's temperature by placing a thermometer in your baby's armpit. This gives you the axillary temperature.

If your baby has a fever, you can get a more accurate reading by taking your baby's temperature rectally. This is done by slightly inserting a thermometer into your baby's rectum.

How to take an axillary temperature:

• Sit with your baby on your lap.
• Lift your baby's arm and place the silver end of the thermometer well into the armpit.
• Lower his arm and hold it close to his body.
• Press the start button.
• Keep your baby's arm down and the thermometer in place until it beeps.

Tip

Mercury thermometers are no longer used because of health issues. If you have one and want to dispose of it, do not throw it in the garbage.

Take your mercury thermometer, and any other products that contain mercury, to a household hazardous waste collection facility.

• Remove the thermometer and read it.

How to take a rectal temperature:

• Calm your baby.
• Place a small amount of water-based lubricant on the silver tip of the thermometer. Avoid using petroleum jelly, like Vaseline®, because you may not get an accurate reading.
• Lay your baby over your lap, lying him on his stomach. Support his head with your thigh.
• Undo his diaper and leave it under him.
• Spread his buttocks with one hand. With the other hand,insert the tip of the thermometer about one-quarter to one-half an inch into the rectum, just until you can no longer see the silver tip.
• Hold the thermometer between your thumb and index finger.
• Press the start button.
• Wait until the thermometer beeps.
• Remove the thermometer and read it.

Related Links

How to treat your child's fever

Signs to call your baby's health care provider

Pediatric specialists

Family medicine specialists

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 08/01/2008

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts