What's the best way to take my child's temperature?

If you think your child has a fever, you'll need a good digital thermometer to take her
temperature. We can help you choose the right one for your child. (Get more details in
our thermometer buying guide.)

Regular multi-use digital thermometers are sold in drugstores for less than $10.
They're easy to use, easy to read, and fast, typically giving a reading in 10 seconds to two
minutes. Most can be used rectally, under the arm, or orally. If you have a multi-use
thermometer, designate it for just one area to avoid spreading bacteria.

Taking your child's temperature rectally gives the most accurate results, but an older
child is likely to protest this method and may squirm, raising the risk of injury or ending up
with an inaccurate reading.

An armpit (axillary) temperature reading can give you a sense of whether your child's
temperature is elevated, but it's far less accurate than other methods.

Once your child is 4 or 5 years old, you can take her temperature orally. At this age she's
able to hold a thermometer in her mouth safely and keep it under her tongue for the
required time.

You can also get a precise temperature reading with a temporal artery (forehead)
thermometer, which uses an infrared scanner to measure temperature with a simple
swipe across the forehead. They're more expensive, but quite accurate if used properly.
They're also fast and easy to use.