How to Read Baby Thermometers

There are a few different models of baby thermometers on the market. They're all relatively easy to use as long as you are aware of the correct way to use and read them.

Things You'll Need

• Baby thermometer

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Read a rectal thermometer the same way you would read an oral thermometer. Essentially they are the same tool, it's just that the temperature is taken from different parts of the body. Doctors insist that a temperature taken rectally has the most accurate reading when done properly. There typically isn't a special type of rectal thermometer. You can buy a regular oral thermometer (preferably digital) and dedicate it solely to rectal temperatures. There often are plastic sleeves that come with the thermometer that covers the piece of equipment when taking the temperature reading. A digital thermometer is most accurate and will give you a reading usually within 8 to 10 seconds. This is easy to read because the number is right there. If you're taking a rectal temperature using a mercury-filled thermometer, make sure you begin by shaking the mercury below 98 degrees, and leave the thermometer in for at least two minutes (This is one of the advantages of digital thermometers-it won't take that long). Make sure you look at the thermometer reading under a bright light to make sure you see an accurate number.

• 2

  Read all the instructions that come with an ear thermometer. This is the newest thermometer on the market and while some of the more expensive models are known to be accurate and easy to use, the cheaper models require placing the thermometer at a very precise angle directed toward the ear canal. Readings can vary so take a few before determining what your child's temperature really is. These thermometers should only take a few seconds to register a reading and they're always displayed in a digital reading. Make sure you use these thermometers according to directions.

• 3

  Purchase one of two models of thermometers associated with oral temperature readings. One is a digital thermometer and one is a mercury-filled thermometer. These work exactly like a rectal thermometer, however, you should be using separate thermometers for oral and rectal use. The oral readings should be taken under the tongue for the appropriate time listed on the package of the thermometer (They may vary). A reading should be visible within an alloted amount of time for digital (a few seconds) and about two minutes for mercury thermometers.

• 4

  Pay attention to the instructions given for the specific model of forehead fever scan thermometer that you purchased. Most of them can be used on the temple, forehead or underarm while providing an accurate reading. These thermometers are typically quite expensive because they are usually instantaneous with results. Unlike a mercury-filled thermometer, two minutes isn't needed for these readings. Make sure you are placing the thermometer in the recommended location of the body and holding it there for as long as recommended.

• 5

  Determine whether your child has a fever by addressing the different temperature acceptances for your child's age group. For infants under 3 months, anything over 100.4 F constitutes a fever. For 3-6 month olds, anything over 101.0 F is a fever and a doctor should be called. Six-month-olds and above should not exceed 103.0 F. If any of your readings show temperatures in these ranges, call your doctor or seek other medical attention.