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Taking your baby's temperature: Where is most accurate — bottom, ear, or forehead?

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Taking Your Baby's Temperature — How to Do It Right 🌡️

Accuracy Ranking

MethodAccuracyRecommended for
Rectal (bottom)Most accurate (gold standard)Babies under 2 years
Ear (infrared)Good (±0.3°C)From 6 months
Forehead (contactless)Screening only (±0.5°C)Screening, older children
ArmpitInaccurate (0.5-1°C too low)Not recommended for babies

Taking a Rectal Temperature — Step by Step

  1. Coat the thermometer tip with petroleum jelly or baby oil
  2. Lay baby on their back, holding their legs up
  3. Insert tip 1-2 cm (no deeper!)
  4. Wait 1-2 minutes or until you hear the beep
  5. Disinfect the thermometer afterward

Fever Thresholds

Temperature (rectal)Assessment
36.5-37.5°CNormal
37.6-38.0°CElevated temperature
38.1-38.4°CMild fever
38.5-39.4°CFever
39.5°C and aboveHigh fever
41.0°C and aboveVery high fever → SEE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

Important for Babies Under 3 Months

Any fever of 38.0°C or higher → SEE YOUR PEDIATRICIAN RIGHT AWAY. Don't wait, don't google.

💡 This post does not replace medical advice from a doctor.

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Not a substitute for medical advice

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