Taking your baby’s temperature can be a challenging and frustrating experience. Most babies don’t particularly like to have their temperature taken, and your baby will probably b e no different. She will very likely squire, wiggle, move, fidget, and fuss throughout the entire temperature-taking process. Fortunately, there are some things that you can keep in mind to help the process of taking your baby’s temperature an easier one.

Your baby is not going to be able to hold an oral thermometer under his tongue while you take his temperature. Likewise, the armpit method probably isn’t going to work too well, either. There are a variety of ear thermometers, but these are not thought to be as accurate as other types of thermometers, although they have become more and more accurate in recent years. Probably the most accurate way, and the most relatively easy way to take your baby’s temperature is to use a rectal thermometer.

To take your baby’s temperature using a rectal thermometer, there are some steps you should follow. First, you will want to wash the thermometer in soapy water. Rinse the thermometer, and then use alcohol to sterilize it. Next, place some petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer. Place your baby onto a comfortable surface, laying on her belly. Gently spread your baby’s buttocks apart until you are able to see the anal opening. Carefully insert the thermometer, making sure that it does not go more than one inch into your baby’s rectum. Hold your baby still with one hand on the small of her back. Hold the thermometer in place with the thumb and finger of the other hand. After the required amount of time (usually three minutes or so, but you should check with the labeling on your particular thermometer) carefully and slowly take out the thermometer.

A typical rectal thermometer temperature for an infant will be right around 99.6 degrees. When you are done reading the thermometer, be certain that you again wash and sterilize it for the next use.

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