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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Illustration
How to Measure a Temperature - Brief Version
Where should I put the thermometer?
You can take your child's temperature 3 ways: by rectum,
armpit, or mouth. Taking the temperature in the rectum is
the most accurate. Using the armpit is the least accurate.
Which you use may depend on your child's age:
- With a baby less than 3 months old, use the armpit. It's
easier and safer.
- With a child less than 4 or 5 years old, using the rectum
is the best. You can get an idea of how your child is
doing with the armpit, if you have to.
- For a child over 4 or 5 years old, take the temperature
by mouth.
How do I take a rectal temperature?
- Have your child lie stomach down on your lap.
- Put some petroleum jelly on the end of the thermometer
and on the rectum (the opening of the anus.)
- Put the thermometer gently into the rectum about 1 inch.
(If the child is less than 6 months old, put it in only
about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.)
- Hold your child still and leave the thermometer in 2
minutes.
Your child has a fever if the rectal temperature is over
100.4ƒF (38ƒC).
How do I take an armpit temperature?
- Put the tip of the thermometer in an armpit. Make sure
the armpit is dry.
- Close the armpit by holding the elbow against the chest
for 4 or 5 minutes.
Your child has a fever if the armpit temperature is over
99.0ƒF (37.2ƒC). If you have any doubt, take your child's
temperature by the rectum.
How do I take a temperature by mouth?
- Be sure your child has not had a cold or hot drink in the
last 30 minutes.
- Put the tip of the thermometer under one side of the
tongue and toward the back. It's important to put it in
the right way.
- Have your child hold the thermometer in place with his
lips and fingers (not teeth) for 3 minutes.
Your child has a fever if the temperature is over 99.5ƒF
(37.5ƒC) when taken by mouth.
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