Digital thermometers have largely replaced old style mercury-filled glass thermometers and these provide you with a range of options for checking a child's temperature. You will get different readings depending on where you take a child's temperature. The Children's Hospital says a fever exists if a rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature is 100.4 degrees F. For oral measurements, the fever threshold is 100.0 degrees F and for armpit readings it is 99.0 degrees F.
Step 1
Select the method best suited to your situation. Rectal measurement of body temperature is the most accurate, but you can limit its use to confirming readings using other techniques. According to the Children's Hospital, age is the best guideline for deciding how to check a child's temperature. For infants up to 90 days old, your best choices are armpit and rectal measurements. You can use an electronic pacifier or rectal measurement for children under five years of age. Ear and temporal artery thermometers are also appropriate if the child is over six months old. For older children, use an oral, ear or temporal thermometer.
Step 2
Check the child's temperature orally by placing the end of the thermometer probe under her tongue all the way to the back of the mouth. Keep the probe in place for at least 30 seconds. If you are using an old-style glass thermometer, extend this time to three minutes. You should wait 30 minutes before taking the temperature if the child has consumed any hot or cold food or drink.
Step 3
Place a pacifier thermometer in the child's mouth as you would a regular oral thermometer. Have the child suck on the pacifier and wait for two to four minutes. The thermometer will beep when the reading stabilizes.
Step 4
Take a temperature reading by placing the thermometer probe in the armpit and hold the probe in place by pressing the child's elbow against his side. The armpit area should be dry when you start. Allow four to five minutes for the thermometer to register.
Step 5
Use an ear thermometer to measure a child's temperature by first pulling the ear back for infants. For children over one year, pull the ear upward as well. This straightens the ear canal so the infrared sensor can register properly. Aim the tip of the thermometer into the ear. It should be pointed midway between the opposite earlobe and eye. You will only need about two seconds for the probe to register properly.
Step 6
Check your child's temperature using a temporal artery thermometer. The temporal arteries lie under the forehead and this type of thermometer uses an infrared sensor to measure temperature. Place the sensor on the child's forehead at the center and midway between the hairline and eyebrows. Press the scan button and keep it pressed until you finish taking the reading. Keep the sensor in firm contact with the child's forehead and slide it horizontally toward one ear. Then read the temperature off of the thermometer indicator.
Step 7
Take a rectal measurement of a child's temperature by first having the child lie flat on her stomach or face down in your lap. Coat the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly and slide it 1 inch inside the rectum. This should be reduced to 1/2 inch for infants. Keep the thermometer in place for 20 seconds. For glass thermometers, the tip needs to stay in place for two minutes.
Step 8
Clean the tip of the thermometer after checking a child's temperature after every use. You may use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, wash the tip with soap and warm water.
Tips and Warnings
- If you plan to check a child's rectal temperature, the Mayo Clinic says to buy a second thermometer and use it only for rectal measurements. Label your thermometers so you don't accidentally interchange them.
Things You'll Need
- Digital thermometer
