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What Precautions Should I Take When I Take a Child's Temperature?

It is important to be able to get an accurate estimate of your child's temperature when he is feeling sick. Following the correct precautions when taking a child's temperature involves using the correct thermometer for the child's age, cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, and using the right procedures.

  1. Children Younger Than 3 Months

    • Use a rectal thermometer for best results on a child this young. At this age children are unable to hold anything in the mouth, so it is easier to cause minor discomfort from a digital rectal thermometer. Turn on the digital thermometer and cover the tip with petroleum jelly before inserting it 1/2 to 1 inch into the baby's rectum. Allow the thermometer to beep to signal that the temperature has been read before gently removing. Read the temperature on the display of the thermometer.

    Children Between 3 Months and 4 Years Old

    • The best thermometer to use for this age group is a digital ear thermometer. Digital pacifier and temporal artery thermometers do not have as accurate results as an ear thermometer. Make sure that the ear thermometer is properly sterilized before inserting it into your child's ear according to package directions. The thermometer can be sterilized by rubbing the tip with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and allowing to dry.

    Children 4 Years and Older

    • Children older than 4 can usually hold a digital thermometer under the tongue long enough to get a reading. Use thermometer covers or clean the thermometer with soap and water before every use to ensure cleanliness. Turn the digital thermometer on and ask the child if you can place it under the tongue. Tell the child to close her mouth and hold the thermometer under her tongue until the thermometer beeps to signal that the temperature has been read.

    Other Considerations

    • When taking a child's temperature orally, wait for at least 20 minutes after the child has eaten or drank, as food and beverages can affect the temperature reading. When taking a child's temperature rectally, do not insert the thermometer more than one inch into the rectum to avoid unnecessary pain or injury. Sterilize a thermometer after each use by washing with soap and water and then swabbing with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

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