Always use a digital thermometer
to check your child’s temperature. Never use a mercury thermometer.
For infants and toddlers, be
sure to use a rectal thermometer correctly. A rectal thermometer may accidentally
poke a hole in (perforate) the rectum. It may also pass on germs from the stool.
Always follow the product maker’s directions for proper use. If you don’t feel
comfortable taking a rectal temperature, use another method. When you talk to your
child’s healthcare provider, tell him or her which method you used to take your
child’s temperature.
Here are guidelines for fever
temperature. Ear temperatures aren’t accurate before 6 months of age. Don’t take an
oral temperature until your child is at least 4 years old.
Infant under 3 months old:
- Ask your child’s healthcare
provider how you should take the temperature.
- Rectal or forehead (temporal
artery) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the
provider.
- Armpit temperature of 99°F (37.2°C)
or higher, or as directed by the provider
Child age 3 to 36 months:
- Rectal, forehead (temporal artery),
or ear temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, or as directed by the
provider.
- Armpit temperature of 101°F
(38.3°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider.
Child of any age:
- Repeated temperature of 104°F
(40°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider.
- Fever that lasts more than 24 hours
in a child under 2 years old. Or a fever that lasts for 3 days in a child 2 years
or older.