How to: Oral 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:
Use a flexible digital thermometer. Do not use a mercury thermometer.

Step 2:
Be sure your child has not taken a cold or hot drink within the last 30 min.

Step 3:
Place the tip of the thermometer under one side of the tongue and toward the back. Note: An accurate temperature depends on proper placement.

Step 4:
Have your child hold it in place with the lips and fingers and breathe through the nose, keeping the mouth closed.

Step 5:
Leave it inside the mouth until the thermometer beeps.