What should my babys oral temperature be

Warning: do not take rectal temperatures in young children with leukemia or other cancers. Also avoid in other children with weak immune systems such as organ transplant, HIV or sickle cell disease. Make sure the armpit is dry. Close the armpit by holding the elbow against the chest.

Do this until it beeps about 10 seconds. The tip of the thermometer must stay covered by skin. Your child has a fever if the armpit temp is above If you have any doubt, take your child's temp by rectum or forehead.

Only good for screening. Requires the baby to suck on it, which is not always possible. Have your child suck on the pacifier until it beeps about 10 seconds. Ear Temperature: How to Take Age: 6 months and older not accurate before 6 months This thermometer reads the heat waves coming off the eardrum.

A correct temp depends on pulling the ear backward. Pull back and up if over 1 year old. Then aim the tip of the ear probe between the opposite eye and ear. Parents like this thermometer because it takes less than 2 seconds. It also does not need the child to cooperate. It does not cause any discomfort. Being outdoors on a cold day will cause a low reading. Your child needs to be inside for 15 minutes before taking the temp. Earwax, ear infections and ear tubes do not keep from getting correct readings.

This blood vessel runs across the forehead just below the skin. Place the sensor head at the center of the forehead. Slowly slide the thermometer across the forehead toward the top of the ear.

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See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Infant and toddler health. Products and services. Thermometer basics: Taking your child's temperature Thermometer choices got you baffled? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again.

Show references Schmitt BD. Itasca, Ill. Ward M, et al. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. Accessed Dec. Syrkin-Nikolau ME, et al. Temporal artery temperature measurement in the neonate. American Journal of Perinatology. Digital Thermometers Digital thermometers give the quickest, most accurate readings, and are the only kind that doctors currently recommend.

Digital thermometers are used for these temperature-taking methods: rectal in the bottom — most accurate method for children under 3 years old oral in the mouth — best for kids 4—5 years or older who can cooperate axillary under the arm — the least accurate digital thermometer, but good for a first check Other Types of Thermometers temporal artery thermometers — these measure heat waves on side of forehead and can be used in infants 3 months and older electronic ear tympanic thermometers — these measure heat waves from the eardrum and can be used in infants 6 months and older Types Not Recommended These types of thermometers aren't recommended because they're less accurate: plastic strip thermometers pacifier thermometers smartphone temperature apps Glass mercury thermometers were once common, but should not be used because of possible exposure to mercury, an environmental toxin.

Tips for Taking Temperatures by Age As any parent knows, taking a squirming child's temperature can be a challenge.

First: Wash the end of the thermometer with soap and water and rinse with water. Moisten the tip of the thermometer with a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly. Then, place your child:. Stop if you feel any resistance. Steady the thermometer between your second and third fingers as you cup your hand against your child's bottom. Soothe your child and speak quietly as you hold the thermometer in place. Wait until you hear the appropriate number of beeps or other signal that the temperature is ready to be read.

Write down the number on the screen, noting the time of day that you took the reading. Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after your child finishes eating or drinking to take an oral temperature, and make sure there's no gum or candy in your child's mouth. Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and ask your child to close his or her lips around it.

Remind your child not to bite down or talk, and to relax and breathe normally through the nose. Remove your child's shirt and undershirt, and place the thermometer under an armpit it must be touching skin only, not clothing.