Discharge Instructions: Taking an Axillary Temperature (Pediatric)
You take an axillary temperature by holding the thermometer under your baby’s arm. Do this with care to provide a correct reading. Remember, though, that taking a child’s temperature under the arm is less accurate than taking the temperature in the rectum, especially for babies less than 3 months old. Use the steps on this sheet as a guide for taking an axillary temperature.
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Get the Thermometer Ready
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Be sure to use a thermometer that is specifically designed for underarm use.
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Remove the cover from the thermometer.
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Clean the thermometer before each use.
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Be sure the thermometer is at room temperature when you use it.
Position Your Baby
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Hold your baby on your lap or lay the baby on his or her back on a firm surface.
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Gently lift your baby’s arm.
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Place the tip of the thermometer in the fold of the baby’s armpit. To get a true reading, the thermometer must rest directly against baby’s skin on all sides.
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Lower the arm back down to your baby’s side.
Take the Temperature
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Follow the specific instructions for using your digital thermometer.
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Keep your baby’s arm against his or her side. This keeps the thermometer in place and gives an accurate reading.
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When the thermometer beeps, release your hold and gently lift baby’s arm.
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Remove the thermometer.
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Read the temperature on the digital display. Normal axillary temperature is about
97.6 °F to99.4 °F . -
Before putting the thermometer away, clean it with soap and warm water and put the cover back on.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if your child has any of the following:
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Bleeding from the area where you took the temperature
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Fever of
100.4 °F or higher (for baby younger than 3 months)or fever of
101.4 °F or higher (for baby older than 3 months) -
Shaking chills
