RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE FOR THERMOMETERS*

Newborn to three years - digital rectal (measure axillary temperature if unable to take rectally)

Over three years - digital oral, axillary, or rectal

*Ear thermometers, though frequently unreliable, can be used in children 18 months of age and older. When using this type of thermometer, two consecutive readings may help to ascertain reliability.

TAKING THE TEMPERATURE WITH DIGITAL AND GLASS* THERMOMETERS

1. Rectal

  • Have your child lie stomach down on your lap.
  • Apply a small amount of lubricant (petroleum or KY jelly) to the tip of the thermometer.
  • Gently insert the thermometer past the anus into the rectum about 1/2 to 1 inch; never force it in. Hold your child still until the digital thermometer "beeps" or the glass thermometer takes the reading (one to three minutes.)

2. Axillary (Underarm)

  • Place the tip of the thermometer in a dry underarm.
  • Close the underarm by holding the elbow against the chest for three minutes (for glass thermometer) or until the digital thermometer "beeps."
  • If you're uncertain about the result, compare it with a rectal reading.

3. Oral

  • Be sure your child has not taken a cold or hot drink within the last 10 minutes.
  • Place the thermometer under one side of the tongue and toward the back. An accurate temperature reading depends on proper placement.
  • Have your child hold the thermometer in place with the lips and fingers (not the teeth) and breathe through the nose, keeping the mouth closed. If your child cannot keep his mouth closed because his nose is blocked, suction out the nose.
  • Digital thermometers will "beep" when the temperature is read; glass thermometers should be left in the mouth for three minutes.

*Before insertion, glass thermometers should always be shaken until the liquid is below 98.6°F. To read a glass thermometer, rotate the thermometer until you can see the line. The line ends at the number that represents the temperature.

Medication Dosing

The chart insert shows our recommended dosing regimen for acetaminophen (Tylenol/Tempra) and Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). The factor that best determines the correct dose of medication for

your child is his or her weight. If you are unsure of the exact weight, you may use the child's age, but this method is not as accurate: larger-than-average children for their age will be under dosed;
smaller-than-average children risk overdose. Our chart provides both weight and age parameters, but we recommend that you use weight to arrive at the most appropriate dose of medication for your child.

 

This Fever Facts brochure was developed by Affiliated Pediatric Practices
(APP) - The benchmark of excellence in pediatric health care.

Your practice is a member of Affiliated Pediatric Practices - an organization working for the health and safety of your children.

©Copyright APP, 2003

 

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