How to Measure Your Child’s Temperature Correctly?

Dear Parents,

Fever is a common symptom in children, but to properly assess your little one’s condition, accurate temperature measurement is key. Here are some important tips!

1. Types of Thermometers:

• Digital Thermometer – quick and accurate, suitable for oral, underarm, and rectal measurements.
• Non-contact (infrared) thermometer – convenient but significantly less reliable, as readings can be affected by external factors.
• Oral/Pacifier Thermometer – for older children who can hold it properly in their mouth.
• Rectal Thermometer – the most accurate for infants!

2. Normal Body Temperature

🌡️ Internal Temperature (measured in the rectum, ear, or mouth): 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F).

🌡️ Surface Temperature (measured under the arm or on the forehead): can be up to 0.5°C (0.9°F) lower.

Different measurement sites give different readings:

• Rectal temperature = most reliable.
• Oral temperature = about 0.3°C (0.5°F) lower than rectal.
• Underarm temperature = least precise, can be up to 0.5°C (0.9°F) lower.

3. Non-contact Thermometer – Use with Caution!

Although infrared thermometers are quick and easy to use, they can be highly inaccurate, often showing different results depending on:

• Distance from the skin.
• Room temperature.
• Sweat, hair, or moisture on the forehead.
• Movement of the child.

Tip: If using a non-contact thermometer, always confirm a fever with a more reliable method, like a digital rectal or oral thermometer.

4. Which Thermometer for Which Age?

• Newborns & Infants – best to use a rectal thermometer.
• Children 1-5 years old – digital underarm thermometer or rectal for the most accuracy.
• Children 5+ years old – oral temperature measurement is also an option.

 

Keeping our little ones healthy starts with accurate temperature readings!

Yours, Dr Aleksandra 🦋

Dr Aleksandra Gajecka
Pediatrician in Malta

• Treatment of sick children
• Protective baby and childhood vaccinations
• Health check-ups
• Care for the development of healthy children
• Counseling in children’s physical and mental development
• Online consultations regarding the possibilities of effective diagnostics
• Preliminary diagnostics and referring patients to specialists for in-depth diagnostics
• Issuing documents and certificates needed for nurseries, schools and educational institutions