Taking your child’s temperature using a thermometer

If your child is under the weather and feels warm to the touch, it’s usually time to take their temperature. It appears simple enough, but you may have questions if you’re new to it. What is the best type of thermometer for children? Are there any differences in thermometer recommendations for babies and older children?

Here’s all you need to know about taking your child’s temperature.

Options for thermometers

Glass mercury thermometers: Glass mercury thermometers were previously a common sight in most medical cabinets. Mercury thermometers are no longer advised because they can break, causing the mercury to evaporate and be breathed. Consider the following options when selecting a thermometer:

Digital thermometers: Body temperature is recorded using electronic heat sensors in these thermometers. They can be applied to the rectum (rectal), the mouth (oral), or the armpit (axillary). Armpit temperatures are the least accurate of the three.

Digital ear thermometers (tympanic membrane): These thermometers monitor the temperature inside the ear canal using an infrared scanner. Remember that earwax or a tiny, bent ear canal can impair the accuracy of an ear thermometer’s temperature reading.

Thermometers for the temporal arteries: An infrared scanner is used in these thermometers to monitor the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. This type of thermometer can be used even if the youngster is sleeping.

Good to know: Fever strips and digital pacifier thermometers are not suggested.

Advice on thermometer safety

• Read the directions that come with the thermometer carefully.
• Clean the tip of the thermometer before and after each use, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you intend to take a rectal temperature using a digital thermometer, obtain another digital thermometer for oral usage.
• Label each thermometer and avoid using the same thermometer in both locations.
• Never leave your child unattended while taking their temperature for safety reasons — and to ensure the thermometer stays in place.

Age restrictions

The right sort of thermometer — or, in certain situations, the ideal site to insert the thermometer — is determined by your child’s age.

From birth through three months: To take a rectal temperature, use a standard digital thermometer. According to current research, a temporal artery thermometer may also deliver precise readings in infants.

From three months to four years: In this age group, a digital thermometer or a temporal artery thermometer can be used to take a rectal or armpit temperature. However, you should not use a digital ear thermometer on your kid until they are at least six months old. If you take a small child’s temperature with another thermometer and are unsure about the results, take a rectal temperature.

Four years and up: By the age of four, most children can hold a digital thermometer under their tongue for the brief period required to obtain an oral temperature reading. You can also take an armpit temperature with a digital thermometer, a temporal artery thermometer, or a digital ear thermometer.

How to take your child’s temperature

Rectum temperature

1. Turn on the digital thermometer and apply petroleum jelly to the thermometer’s tip. Place your newborn or toddler on their back, elevate their thighs, and put the lubricated thermometer into the rectum, which should be (1.3 to 2.5 centimetres.
2. You can also place your infant on their stomach on your lap or a hard surface.
3. Never try to push a rectal thermometer through any resistance. Keep the thermometer in place until the thermometer indicates that it is finished. Take out the thermometer and read the reading.

Temperature in the mouth

1. Activate the digital thermometer.
2. Place the thermometer point under your child’s tongue, toward the back of the mouth, and instruct them to keep their lips tight.
3. When the thermometer indicates it is finished, remove it and read the reading.
4. Please wait 15 minutes after your child has eaten or drunk before taking their temperature by mouth.

Temperature in the armpits

1. Activate the digital thermometer.
2. Ensure the thermometer hits skin rather than clothing when you place it under your child’s armpit.
3. Hug your child as the device reads their temperature, keeping the side holding the thermometer against your chest.
4. Keep the thermometer firmly in place until the thermometer indicates that it is finished.
5. Take out the thermometer and read the reading.

Temperature in the ears

1. Switch on the thermometer.
2. Place the thermometer gently in your child’s ear.
3. To ensure that the thermometer is inserted the right distance into the ear canal, follow the instructions that came with it. Hold the thermometer firmly in position until the thermometer indicates that it is finished.
4. Take out the thermometer and read the reading.

Temperature of the temporal artery

1. Switch on the thermometer.
2. Swipe the thermometer around your child’s forehead gently.
3. Take out the thermometer and read the reading.

Should you medicate your child?

A fever is a typical disease symptom, but it is not always a terrible thing. In fact, fevers appear to play an essential role in the battle against infections. If your child is beyond six months and is drinking lots of fluids, sleeping well, and playing normally, there is typically no need to treat the fever.

If you must give your child medication to treat a fever, stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) until they are six months old. However, if your child is under three months, do not provide acetaminophen until a doctor has examined them. Never give your child more acetaminophen than is indicated on the package. Be aware that certain over-the-counter combination drugs may contain acetaminophen as a component.

If your child is six months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Motrin, and other brands) is also safe. To ensure the proper dose, please read the label. Aspirin should not be used to treat a fever in anyone under 18.

Good to know: Remember that an armpit temperature may not be correct. If you have any doubts about the accuracy of an armpit temperature reading, try another method to check the data.

When to see a doctor

In general, you should contact your child’s doctor if:

• Your baby is under three months and has a rectal fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
• Your child is 3 to 6 months old, appears irritable, sluggish, or uncomfortable, or has a temperature greater than 38.9 degrees Celsius.
• Your child is 6 to 24 months old and has a fever of more than 38.9 degrees Celsius that lasts more than a day but displays no other symptoms.
• Your child has additional symptoms, such as a cold, cough, or diarrhoea.