There are so many types of thermometers available in the market that it may baffle a panicky parent as to which one to use and when to seek medical help for fever.

 

A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4C (97.5F), but this can vary slightly. A fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above.

Your baby may have a fever if they:

  • feel hotter than usual to the touch – on their forehead, back or stomach
  • feel sweaty or clammy
  • have flushed cheeks

If you think your baby has a fever, it’s best to check their temperature with a thermometer. This will help you work out whether you need to get medical advice.

Thermometer options

A glass mercury thermometer was once most commonly used by most parents. Today, mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because they can break and allow mercury to vaporize and be inhaled. When choosing a thermometer, consider these options:

  • Digital thermometers.These thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. They can be used in the rectum (rectal), mouth (oral) or armpit (axillary). Armpit temperatures are typically the least accurate of the three.
  • Digital ear thermometers (tympanic membrane).These thermometers use an infrared ray to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Keep in mind that earwax or a small, curved ear canal can interfere with the accuracy of an ear thermometer temperature.
  • Temporal artery thermometers.These thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. This type of thermometer can be used even while a child is asleep.

Digital pacifier thermometers and fever strips are not recommended.

How can I make sure the reading is accurate?

If you use a digital thermometer under your child’s armpit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, you should get an accurate reading.

There are a few important things one needs to keep in mind that can slightly alter the reading – for example, if your child has been:

  • wrapped up tightly in a blanket
  • in a very warm room
  • very active
  • cuddling a hot water bottle
  • wearing a lot of clothes
  • having a bath 

If this is the case, allow them to cool down for a few minutes, but don’t let them get cold or shivery, then take their temperature again to see if there’s any change.

Safety tips

Please read the instructions very carefully that come with the thermometer. Before and after each use, clean the tip of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and lukewarm water and then rinse with cool water.If you are using a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature, get another digital thermometer for oral use. Label each thermometer, and don’t use the same thermometer in both places.

For safety — and to make sure the thermometer stays in place — never leave your child unattended while you’re taking his or her temperature.

 

Age guidelines

The best type of thermometer — or the best place to insert the thermometer, in some cases — depends on your child’s age.

  • Birth to 3 months.Use a regular digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature.
  • 3 months to 4 years.In this age range you can use a digital thermometer to take a rectal or an armpit temperature or you can use a temporal artery thermometer. However, wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to use a digital ear thermometer.
  • 4 years and older.By age 4, most kids can hold a digital thermometer under the tongue for the short time it takes to get an oral temperature reading. You can also use a digital thermometer to take an armpit temperature, or use a temporal artery thermometer or a digital ear thermometer.

How to use the different types of thermometers

  • Rectal temperature.lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly and then Turn on the digital thermometer and. Lay your baby or child on his or her back, lift his or her thighs, and insert the lubricated thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) into the rectum. Never try to force the thermometer past any resistance. Hold the thermometer in place until the thermometer signals that it’s done. Remove the thermometer and read the number.
  • Oral temperature.Turn on the digital thermometer. Place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue toward the back of the mouth and ask your child to keep his or her lips closed. Remove the thermometer when it beeps that it’s done and read the number. If your child has been eating or drinking, wait 15 minutes to take his or her temperature by mouth.
  • Armpit temperature.Turn on the digital thermometer. When you place the thermometer under your child’s armpit, make sure it touches skin and  not clothing. Hold the thermometer tightly in place until the thermometer signals that it’s done. Remove the thermometer and read the number.
  • Ear temperature.Turn on the thermometer. Gently place the thermometer in your child’s ear. Follow the directions that come with the thermometer to ensure you insert the thermometer the proper distance into the ear canal. Hold the thermometer tightly in place until the thermometer signals that it’s done. Remove the thermometer and read the number.
  • Temporal artery temperature.Turn on the thermometer. Gently sweep the thermometer across your child’s forehead. Remove the thermometer and read the number.

When reporting a temperature to your child’s doctor, give the reading and explain how the temperature was taken.

In general, contact your pediatrician if:

  • Your child is younger than age 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.
  • Your child is age 3 to 6 months and has a temperature up to 102 F (38.9 C) and seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable, or has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C).
  • Your child is age 6 to 24 months and has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other signs. If your child has other signs, such as a cold, cough or diarrhea, you might call your child’s doctor sooner based on their severity.