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Generally, all the kids get a fever from time to time due to several reasons. Here you will find what is the most accurate way to check kids temperature.

What Is the Most Accurate Way to Check Kids Temperature?

Do you also feel afraid like any other parents when your little one gets a fever? Well, fever is something that causes no harm; moreover, it can be a good thing. Fever indicated that the body is fighting an infection. With some proper care, they will feel better and heal.

Measuring the temperature is the first priority while getting a fever. Therefore, this article provides what is the most accurate way to check kids temperature. You can take the kid’s temperature with the fractal, axillary, and oral methods. Keep reading to learn the details step-by-step process of measuring temperature.

What Types of Thermometers Are Best for Kids?

Whatever thermometer you choose among the various types, just use it appropriately. Else it will show a false reading. From the Kids Thermometer Reviews, you can find out the best one for your children. Here’s are the best types of thermometers-

Digital Thermometer

Digital thermometers are the best among all for providing the most accurate and quickest readings. This is the only thermometer that doctors are currently recommended. You can use this thermometer for applying rectal, oral, and axillary methods. Among these three methods, the axillary temperature is the least accurate.

Digital Ear Thermometer

These thermometers measure the inside temperature of the ear canal using an infrared scanner. It measures the eardrum’s heat waves and provides the reading. But, a curved ear canal or some earwax can intervene with the reading accuracy.

Temporal Artery Thermometer

To measure the temperature of the forehead’s temporal artery, people use this thermometer. With its infrared scanner, it measures the heat waves of the forehead. When your kid is sleeping, you can easily use this thermometer.

Others

There are some other thermometers available. Such as plastic strip thermometer,  glass mercury thermometer, pacifier thermometer, smartphone temperature thermometer apps.

Compared with the above thermometers, these are less accurate while providing readings. Thus, it is recommended not to measure the child’s temperature with these thermometers.

Age Guideline for Taking Temperature

As taking a kid’s temperature is quite challenging, the best method will depend on the age and temperature. Here are the age guideline tips for using an accurate thermometer. 

Kids Younger Than 3 Months: You can use a regular digital thermometer for applying the rectal method. For the infant, this method is ideal for getting the most reliable reading.  

Kids Between 3-6 Months: Still, a digital thermometer will work perfectly for kids between 3 to 6 months. A temporal artery thermometer can also provide the best reading for these aged kids. 

Kids Between 6 Months to 4 Years: For this age, you can use a digital thermometer for taking the rectal and armpit temperature. Using a tympanic thermometer to measure ear temperature, this age range is perfect.  

4year Kid or Older: 4 years and older kids can hold the digital thermometer under their tongue to get the oral temperature reading. Digital ear thermometers and temporal artery thermometers can also provide the best reading.

What Is the Most Accurate Way to Check Kids Temperature?

For every parent, the most challenging and toughest job is measuring the temperature of their little ones. Thus, we are showing the most accurate ways to check kids temperature in this section.

Rectal Temperature

Most parents get afraid when it comes to taking the rectal temperature of their children. Tough, it seems very tough, but the process is absolutely safe and simple. 

• Make the thermometer’s end clean with cool water and soap. 
• Lubricate the tip to make the thermometer moisten. You can use petroleum jelly for that. 
• Lie down the baby on a flat surface or across your lap, keeping the belly down. Keep your palm on the baby’s lower back. 
• Another method is to place the baby facing up with bent legs towards the chest. In this position, keep your hands against the kid’s thigh back. 
• Now, to insert the thermometer, make the anal ½ inch to 1 inch open. Gently keep pushing the thermometer’s tip until you feel any resistance. 
• Make the thermometer steady by placing it between your 2nd and 3rd finger. 
• Until you see any signal or hear any sound, hold the thermometer in place. After that, note down the ratings along with the time.

Oral Temperature

It is the easiest method ever for measuring the child’s temperature. 

• The kid’s mouth should be clear and make sure there is no food or other thing. 
• Place the thermometer’s tip under the tongue and make the lip fully close. Tell your child to breathe normally and stay relaxed. Remind them not to bite the tip. 
• After hearing the beep or seeing the signal remove the thermometer and note down the rating.

Axillary Temperature

The most convenient way is using the axillary method for measuring the kid’s temperature. 

• Place the thermometer under the armpit of your kid. Make sure the tip is touching the skin. Better do this process by removing the dress. 
• Fold the arm of your baby across the chest and make the thermometer place accurately. 
• Hold it until the measurement is done, then write down the readings.

Ear Temperature

This method is a bit risky. So be very careful while taking ear temperature. 

• Place the thermometer into the ear of your child.
• Ensure proper distance from the ear canal. 
• Hold it tightly also carefully until it signals that the process is done.

Forehead Temperature

This method is the simplest one among all the methods. 

• Just sweep the thermometer gently across the forehead of your child.
• After that, remove it and take the readings.

Temperature Comparison Chart

This chart will provide you the range of temperature correlation of different measurement methods.

Rectal/Ear (°F)	Oral (°F)	Axillary/Forehead (°F)
100.4-101	99.5-99.9	99.5-99.9
101.1-102.4	100-101.5	99.4-101.5
102.5-103.5	101.6-102.4	101.2-102
103.6-104.6	102.5-103.5	102.1-103.1
104.7-105.6	103.6-104.6	103.2-104

Conclusion

Having a fever is not something to be worried about if the situation is not critical enough. You can judge the baby’s condition by observing their behavior and act of doing things. Also, you have to take the temperature and note down the reading.

It will keep you updated about the temperature, and in an emergency, you can contact the doctor.  Now, you have the idea of what is the most accurate way to check kids temperature? So, without panicking or getting nervous, just take the best care of the little baby.