How to Take Baby's Temperature

Although there are lots of ways to take a temperature in an older child (orally, by ear, fever strips), there are generally only two effective ways in infants - axillary (under the armpit) and rectally. Ask your pediatrician which method he recommends. Call your doctor immediately if baby's temperature is 100.2 or higher.

Auxiliary Method

(Six months and older)

• Make sure the baby's armpit is dry.
• Using either a digital or mercury thermometer, place the thermometer under baby's arm and hold his arm down against his body for three-to-five minutes or until the digital thermometer signals that the reading is ready.
• Read the thermometer. A normal axillary temperature is 97.8 degrees.
• Wash thermometer with soap and warm water.

Rectal Method

(From birth)

• Lubricate the tip of a digital or mercury thermometer with petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
• Lie baby face down on bed or changing pad.
• Separate baby's buttocks and insert the thermometer gently into baby's anus until the bulb or silver tip is covered. Retain this position for three minutes or until the digital thermometer signals that the reading is ready.
• Read the thermometer. A normal rectal temperature is between 97.6 and 100 degrees.
• Wash thermometer with soap and warm water.

Though they're temptingly easy, don't choose an ear thermometer. An ear thermometer is usually not accurate because it's difficult to get the device in the proper position in the ear canal.