3 Ways To Use A Thermometer

Avoid using a tympanic thermometer in a child under 3 months of age, as their ear canal may be too small to insert the probe into correctly. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Pediatrics Peer-reviewed medical and health resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics Go to source

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a regular digital thermometer to take a rectal (anal) temperature until your child is about 3 years of age. [9] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source If your child is under 3 months of age, the only way to get an accurate temperature is to take it rectally. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Pediatrics Peer-reviewed medical and health resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics Go to source

If your child is under the age of 5, it’s unlikely you’ll get an accurate oral reading. Wait 15 minutes after drinking or eating to take a temperature orally for the most accurate reading. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Pediatrics Peer-reviewed medical and health resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics Go to source

Wait at least one hour after heavy exercise or a hot bath before taking body temperature from the armpit or anywhere else. [14] X Research source For better accuracy, take readings from both armpits and then average the two temperatures together.

To use a temporal artery thermometer, place the thermometer in the middle of your forehead. Press the scan button and slowly move the thermometer across the forehead toward the ear, making sure it stays in contact with your skin the entire time. When you get the hairline, stop pressing the scan button, and read the temperature. [16] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source

Contrary to popular belief, earwax or ear tubes won’t affect a tympanic reading. Do not use an ear thermometer on an ear that is infected, injured, or recovering from surgery.

A rectal (anal) temperature is 0. 5-1°F (0. 3-0. 6°C) higher than an oral temperature. A tympanic (ear) temperature is 0. 5-1°F (0. 3-0. 6°C) higher than an oral temperature. An axillary (armpit) temperature is 0. 5-1°F (0. 3-0. 6°C) lower than an oral temperature. A temporal (forehead) temperature is 0. 5-1°F (0. 3-0. 6°C) lower than an oral temperature.

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