How to Take a Kid's Temperature Orally

If you suspect your child has a fever, the first thing you should do is take his temperature to confirm. Taking a kid's temperature orally, or by mouth, is just as effective as taking his temperature rectally, but is less intrusive. A child's body temperature should be between 95.9 and 99.5 degrees F, so anything higher than 99.5 degrees F indicates a fever. If your child is showing other symptoms, such as lethargy or a rash, or has had the fever for over 72 hours, you should consult a doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Digital thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the thermometer with soapy water and rinse it clean.

• 2

  Place the tip of the thermometer under your child's tongue, towards the back of her mouth. Get her to keep her mouth closed until the thermometer is finished taking her temperature.

• 3

  Wait until the thermometer beeps; this should be after about one minute.

• 4

  Remove the thermometer from your kid's mouth and read the temperature from the digital display panel on the side.