How to: Rectal Temperature

There are two important parts of taking your child's temperature. Knowing how to take it (click here for Is It a Fever and What to Do), and knowing what it means (click here for What Temperature is a Fever?).

Step 1:
​Have your child lie stomach down on your lap.

Step 2:
Before you insert the thermometer, apply some petroleum lubricating jelly (such as Vaseline) to the end and to the opening of the anus.

Step 3:
Gently insert the thermometer into the rectum about to 1 inch. Never try to force it past any resistance.

Step 4:
Hold your child still while the thermometer is in.

Step 5:
Leave the thermometer in your child’s rectum until it beeps.