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How to Take a Baby’s Temperature: Armpit, Ear or Forehead by Age (Video)

2:20 min

Read the full written guide: How to Take a Baby’s Temperature: Armpit, Ear or Forehead by Age →

Learn the easiest way to check your baby's temperature at each stage of early childhood. We walk you through the best thermometer for newborns, toddlers and preschoolers, and share practical tips to avoid false readings.

All the advice is for general information only and not a substitute for professional medical care. If you’re concerned about your child’s health, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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Transcript

Ever wonder why a baby’s temperature can look different after a bath?

Ever wonder why a baby’s temperature can look different after a bath?

How to Take a Baby's Temperature

Here's the short, honest answer, and one tip most people miss.

Thermometer by Age

For newborns, the only reliable spot is the armpit with a digital stick. Up to three months you keep using that. Between three and six months the armpit remains the gold standard, though a quick forehead scan can help. From six months to four years you can add ear or forehead readings, but the armpit stays accurate.

Digital Armpit Steps

Start by cleaning the thermometer tip with a cotton pad and a little rubbing alcohol, then let it air-dry. If the baby just bathed, was wrapped tightly, or came in from the sun, wait fifteen to twenty minutes. Take off any shirt on that side, pat the armpit dry, then press the tip into the middle of the pit, pointing toward the head. The stick will beep when it has a reading.

Forehead & Ear Tips

For infrared forehead or ear probes, bring the device and the baby into the same room for at least ten minutes so they equilibrate. Dry any sweat, smooth back hair, and hold the scanner at the distance the box recommends, usually one to three centimeters. Scan the centre of the forehead or the ear canal, then wait a minute and take a second reading. If the two numbers differ by more than three-tenths of a degree, trust the armpit reading instead.

Quote

Remember, a forehead number is a question; an armpit number is the answer.

Fever threshold

Doctors usually call 38 °C or higher a fever, no matter which site you used.

The one tip to avoid false numbers

The single habit that prevents a false low reading is to wait fifteen to twenty minutes after the baby has been bathed, wrapped tightly, or exposed to sun before you place the armpit thermometer. Dry the skin, then take the reading.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.