How to Take A Baby's Temperature Under The Armpit

Taking a baby's temperature is never a fun thing to do, but it necessary if you suspect that the baby may have a fever. Knowing how to properly take a baby's temperature under the armpit can help you to conclude if you need to call the doctor for a fever of it your baby is not running a fever.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital thermometer
• Probe covers
• Water
• Soap
• Alcohol

1. Apply a probe cover over the tip of the thermometer.

2. Hold the thermometer between the thumb and fingers. Turn on the thermometer and make sure that it is zeroed out according to the directions for the thermometer.

3. Place the tip of the thermometer high up in the baby's bare armpit. lover the baby's arm and hold it firmly across the chest until the thermometer beeps when it is done.

4. Look at the digital read-out and write down the reading and the time of the day. Discard the probe cover.

5. Wash the tip of the thermometer with cool water and soap. Wipe it with alcohol and replace it in it's case

6. If the temperature was above 99.0F, you will want to call your baby's doctor. Taking the temperature of a baby under the armpit usually has approximately 1 degree less than what the actual body temperature is.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this method for taking a baby's temperature unless otherwise requested by your doctor.
• Make sure that when you call your baby's doctor, that you let them know that you took the temperature under the armpit.

[ebnickiea]

on 11/16/2008 thanksd for the info!

[StacyP]

on 11/14/2008 Taking a baby's temperature can be challenging. I wish my thermometer at home was as fast as the doctor's.

[LilacGirl]

on 11/13/2008 Good to know.

[purrfect1969-2]

on 11/11/2008 Great info.

[luv2blog]

on 11/11/2008 Very clear instructions for a difficult task.