How to Check a Child's Temperature

The method you use to take your child's temperature will depend somewhat on what type of thermometer you will be using. The main types of thermometer are either a traditional glass thermometer, a standard digital thermometer or a digital ear thermometer. Digital thermometers tend to be more reliable and accurate, and less prone to breaking than the glass and mercury kinds. There are also pacifier thermometer, and thermometers that read the temperature from the child's forehead.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the temperature rectally. This is one of the most accurate ways to check a child's temperature and is generally used for children up to 3 months old. Use petroleum jelly to lubricate the end of the thermometer. As the baby lies on his/her back and raise the legs and insert the thermometer no more than 1 inch.

• 2

  Check the in-ear temperature. For older children and toddlers, in-ear temperature may be the most convenient way to take the temperature. It should be noted that this is not the most accurate way to read the temperature. If the child has an excessive amount of ear wax, an ear thermometer should not be used. Each ear thermometer works differently, but most contain disposable tips that should be thrown away after each use. Put the thermometer in the child's ear, taking care not to reach the ear drum.

• 3

  Take an underarm temperature. Use a regular thermometer, and place it in the armpit. Make sure that it touches the skin directly and is not obstructed by clothing.

• 4

  Take an oral temperature. Oral temperatures tend to be more accurate than ear and armpit temperatures. Pacifier thermometers can be useful tools to obtain an oral temperature from young children. Older children will be able to hold a standard thermometer in their mouths. Make sure to wait until 15 minutes after the child eats or drinks anything before taking an oral temperature.