What is the most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature at home?

The most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature at home is with a digital thermometer placed in the armpit (axillary, or axillary, method). For babies under three months especially, this is a medical reading in Australia depends on it. Ear (tympanic) thermometers are accurate and fast for babies over six months, while forehead and non-touch thermometers are useful for quick daily checks – just confirm anything that’s worrying you with an armpit reading.

Here’s how to take your child’s temperature correctly, which method is appropriate for which age, and when a reading means it’s time to call a doctor.

What is a fever in a child?

A temperature of 38°C or higher is considered a fever. The most important thing, however, is how your child is doing – the temperature is slightly elevated in happiness, feeding the child is less worrying than reading in the usual way in a floppy, surprisingly sleepy. If your child is over three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or more, go to the doctor immediately, even if there are no other symptoms.

The most accurate method: a digital thermometer under the arm

For babies and toddlers, a digital thermometer placed in the armpit provides a reliable reading and is the most recommended method in Australia. According to the Raising Children Network, digital thermometers are safe, accurate and easy to use at home.

How to take an armpit temperature

Keep your baby on your lap. Place the tip of the thermometer in the middle of a dry armpit, then hold their arm straight against their body so that the tip is covered with skin. Wait for the beep, then read the number. Pick up your baby when he is calm and not crying, not just after a warm bath or snuggling under blankets, as this can interfere with reading.

Ear thermometers: fast and accurate for older infants

Digital ear (tympanic) thermometers measure the temperature inside the ear canal in about one second, which is very beneficial for a fussy child. They are accurate when properly fitted, and are best suited for children six months and older — a young child’s ear canal is very small, which can make readings unreliable. Always follow the directions and make sure the probe is properly pointed in the drain.

Forehead and non-contact thermometers: easy to check quickly

Forehead (temporal) and no-touch infrared thermometers are popular because you can watch your baby sleep without disturbing them. They are good at quick, gentle checks – every night “is he warm?” check it out. Remember that they can be affected by things like sweat on the forehead, a dry room or the wrong distance, so if a reading on the forehead shows a fever, it’s best to confirm with a digital reading before taking action.

Preventive measures

Some devices are not reliable enough to trust the child’s health. Plastic forehead thermometers, dummy thermometers (pacifiers) and smartphone “thermometer” apps can give inaccurate readings and are not recommended. Old glass thermometers should not be used, as they can break and release mercury poisoning.

What a way to age, slowly

• Infant up to 3 months: digital thermometer under the arm; see a doctor if the temperature is 38 ° C or higher.
• 3 to 6 months: the digital readout in the armpit is still very reliable; The touchless front panel is great for quick searches.
• 6 months and above: ear (tympanic) thermometers are a quick, accurate method; armpits and forehead still work well.

Reliable reading instructions

Read the instructions that came with your thermometer before using it for the first time – each brand is slightly different. Keep tips and lenses clean. Take the temperature when your baby is settled, not overheated from crying, feeding or swaddle. And if you don’t know how to use your thermometer, your doctor, pharmacist or child and family health nurse can show you.

Time to see a doctor

Call your doctor or healthcare provider if your child is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or more; if an older child has a fever that lasts a day or two; or at any age if your child seems unwell, has difficulty waking up, is breathing fast, has a rash that does not go away due to stress, or you just feel that something is not right. Trust your instincts – you know your child best.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature?

An underarm digital thermometer is the most reliable method for babies, and the most widely accepted method in Australia. For babies older than six months, a well-positioned ear meter is also more accurate and faster.

Are forehead scales accurate for children?

Forehead and non-contact thermometers are easy to check quickly but can be lost due to sweat, room temperature or distance. If a forehead reading indicates fever, confirm with a digital armpit reading.

What is the baby’s temperature?

A reading of 38°C or higher is considered a fever. A child under three months of age, any fever should be checked by a doctor immediately.

Can I take my baby’s temperature in the ear?

Ear thermometers are best for babies six months and older, because a baby’s ear canal is too small to be read reliably. For newborns, use a digital thermometer under the arm.

Should I add a degree to the armpit reading?

No. Read the number your digital thermometer displays and follow the instructions that came with it. If you are unsure, your doctor or child and family health nurse can guide you.

Why does my child’s temperature change throughout the day?

Body temperature fluctuates slightly throughout the day and can rise after breastfeeding, crying or being wrapped in warmth. Read when your baby is calm and not overheated for the most accurate results.

Collaborative reading

• Baby Thermometers: Ear vs Forehead – Which is More Accurate?
• Are Non-Touch Forehead Thermometers Accurate?
• How Accurate Is Your Baby’s Thermometer?
• Your Child’s Fever: What You Need to Know