How should I take my child’s temperature?
20 May 2014
The right method depends on your child’s age. Use this chart to help you decide which method to use.
Age |
Recommended technique |
|
Birth to 2 years |
1st choice: Rectum (for an accurate reading) |
|
Between 2 and 5 years |
1st choice: Rectum (for an accurate reading) |
|
Older than 5 years |
1st choice: Mouth (for an accurate reading) |
What is a normal temperature?
This chart shows you the normal ranges for the different methods of taking your child’s temperature. Print this resource and post it on the fridge or keep it close to your thermometer as a handy reference for when you need it.
Method |
Normal temperature range |
|
Rectum |
36.6°C to 38°C (97.9°F to 100.4°F) |
|
Mouth |
35.5°C to 37.5°C (95.9°F to 99.5°F) |
|
Armpit |
34.7°C to 37.3°C (94.5°F to 99.1°F) |
| Ear | 35.8°C to 38°C (96.4°F to 100.4°F) |
The degree of a fever does not tell you how serious your child’s illness is. How a child acts is usually a better sign. A child with a mild infection can have a high fever, while a child with a severe infection might have no fever at all.