How do I take a babys temp

I've always used under-arm temps as a guide. If they give me a reading over 99.9, then I take little one's temp rectally for a more accurate reading. Remember, the magic number for an infant is 100.1. If the temp is over that number, the Dr usually wants to see the baby. If you have any concerns, call baby's Dr. They'll usually ask if you're taking the temp rectally or under-arm.

Under the arm
Some doctors recommend taking a baby's temperature in his armpit, which is called the axillary temperature. It's easy, convenient, and safe, and all you need is a regular digital thermometer.

The downside is that an armpit reading is far less accurate than other methods. In fact, an external armpit reading can be as much as 2 degrees lower than an internal rectal reading. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that you not use this method for babies under 3 months of age, when an accurate reading is most important.For an armpit reading, undress your baby from the waist up and cradle him or sit him on your lap or next to you. Try to keep him relaxed and occupied by feeding him or showing him a book or a toy.

Make sure your baby's underarm area is dry, then slip the bulb of the thermometer into his armpit. The bulb needs to be in full contact with his skin, so hold your baby's arm firmly against his side or bent and folded across his chest. When the thermometer beeps, take it out and read the display.

most doctors tell you to take a rectal reading until your baby reaches 3 months of age. That's because an accurate reading is vital when your baby's little, and the rectal method consistently gives the most accurate results. Most of the research that your baby's doctor relies on to decide how to respond to a fever is based on rectal temperatures.

Here's how to use a rectal thermometer:

• Look for a rectal thermometer that has a flexible tip and a wide handle that doesn't let you insert it more than an inch. (If you were to accidentally insert the thermometer too far — if your baby gets very squirmy, for example — you could perforate your baby's rectum.)

• To prepare the thermometer, clean the end with rubbing alcohol or a little soap and warm water. Rinse with cool water. Then coat the end with a little petroleum jelly for easier insertion or use a disposable sleeve made for that purpose.

• Hold your baby on your lap, tummy down and bottom up, letting his legs dangle over the side of your thigh. Or place him on his back, either on the bed or on a changing table. Your baby may be more comfortable in the tummy-up position, since he's used to lying that way for diaper changes. Besides, you'll be better able to distract him if he can see your face.

• Press the thermometer button to turn it on. With your other hand, spread your baby's buttocks apart. Gently insert the bulb about half an inch to an inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) into his rectum, or until the tip of the thermometer disappears.

• Keep a firm grip on his buttocks by cupping them with the palm and fingers of the hand that's holding the thermometer. Don't let go of the thermometer, or it may not stay in place if your baby starts wriggling.

• When the thermometer beeps, remove it and read your baby's temperature

If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, call the doctor immediately. A baby this young needs to be checked for serious infection or disease.
Most doctors — and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — agree that a normal body temperature for a healthy baby is between 97 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (36 to 38 degrees Celsius). If your baby's rectal temperature is above this range, he has a fever.

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