Remove the thermometer and read the temperature. Clean the thermometer. Mouth The oral method is not recommended for children younger than 5 years old because it is hard for them to hold the thermometer under their tongue for long enough. Use a rectal or oral thermometer. Gently tug on the ear, pulling it back. This will help straighten the ear canal, and make a clear path inside the ear to the eardrum. Gently insert the thermometer until the ear canal is fully sealed off.
Squeeze and hold down the button for one second. What is a normal temperature? Method Normal temperature range Rectum What can I do if my child has a fever? Keep your child comfortable, and offer plenty of fluids. Sponging your child with lukewarm water, alcohol baths and rubs is not recommended. Ibuprofen should only be given if your child is drinking reasonably well.
Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months without first talking to your doctor. Contact your health care provider if your child: Has a fever and is less than 6 months old. Has a fever for more than 72 hours.
Is excessively cranky, fussy or irritable. Is excessively sleepy, lethargic or does not respond. Normal body temperature runs around Body temperature is often measured by placing a thermometer in the mouth. But there are four other ways to take body temperature, and these involve different body parts:. Ear, oral, and rectal temperatures are considered the most accurate readings of actual body temperature.
It can be a good way to screen for changes in body temperature. A digital thermometer is useful for taking underarm temperature. When taking axillary temperature, it can be useful to compare it to ear, oral, and rectal temperature readings, which are more precise. Use the following chart to find the ear, oral, or rectal reading that corresponds to the axillary reading. Underarm temperature is considered the safest way to check the body temperature of children under 3 months old.
Taking rectal temperature is a safe way to get a very accurate body temperature reading in young children. Ear temperature usually reads a bit lower than rectal temperature. To take ear temperature, you need a special ear thermometer. Forehead temperature is the next most accurate reading behind ear, oral, and rectal temperatures. To take forehead temperature, use a forehead thermometer. Some slide across the forehead others are held stationary in one area.
To use it:. You should use a forehead or other thermometer instead. Shop for ear and forehead thermometers online. Oral temperature is considered to be almost as accurate as rectal temperature. To take oral temperature, use a digital thermometer. Rectal temperature is considered the most accurate temperature reading. This is most useful for keeping track of temperature in children who tend to be more sensitive to changes in body temperature than adults.
Never use the same rectal thermometer to take an oral temperature. Shop for digital thermometers, which can be used to take oral, rectal, or underarm temperatures, online.
Normal body temperature may be a bit warmer or cooler than the average, This should go away quite quickly by itself. If you're concerned, speak to a health visitor or GP. You can usually look after your baby or child at home when they have a high temperature. Make sure you give them plenty of drinks, to avoid dehydration. If you're breastfeeding, offer your baby plenty of feeds. If you need to speak to someone outside normal surgery hours, you can call your GP surgery's out-of-hours service if they have one or NHS Read more about what to do if your child has a high temperature.
Page last reviewed: 27 February Next review due: 27 February
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