Your baby: Taking your baby's temperature
There is no need to take your baby's temperature unless you think she has a fever or is ill.
A normal temperature ranges from 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
To get an accurate temperature reading for newborns to 1 year olds, use only a rectal thermometer.
Getting ready
Before you take your baby's temperature:
- Wash the thermometer in clean, warm, soapy water. Wipe it with rubbing alcohol.
- Shake the thermometer below 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not give your child hot or cold liquids 30 minutes before taking her temperature by mouth.
- Be with your child to make sure he or she stays still.
Four ways to take a temperature
There are four ways you can take a temperature. It is important the health care provider knows which way you used.
1. Rectum
A normal rectal temperature is 99.6 Fahrenheit or 37.6 degrees Celsius.
- Coat the tip of the rectal thermometer with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline).
- Gently insert the thermometer into your child's rectum. Do not go farther than 1 inch.
- Hold the thermometer in place for 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Axillary (under the armpit)
A normal axillary temperature is 97.6 Fahrenheit or 36.4 degrees Celsius.
- You may use a digital thermometer.
- Make sure your child's armpit is dry.
- Put the bulb under your child's arm, which should be snug against her body.
- Make sure the thermometer stays in place for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Oral (mouth)
A normal oral temperature is 98.6 Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius.
- Do not use the oral method unless your child understands that she must not bite the thermometer.
- You may use a glass or digital thermometer.
- Put the bulb end of the thermometer under your child's tongue.
- Tell your child to close her mouth but not to bite the thermometer.
- Keep it in place for 2 minutes.
4. Ear
This is not to be used on an infant.
- Follow the ear probe package directions carefully.
- Clean the thermometer after each use.
- Always keep the thermometer in its original container.
Related Links
How to treat your child's fever
Signs to call your baby's health care provider
Pediatric specialists
Family medicine specialists
Source: Allina Patient Education, Allina Medical Guide for the Care of Children, third edition, ISBN 1-931876-18-5
First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 11/30/2006
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts
How to treat your child's fever Signs to call your baby's health care provider Pediatric specialists Family medicine specialists
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